suspension lift

Truckin2003 · October 18, 2006

i have a 97 K1500 and was looking at rough country's web site. saw they have a 2-3 inch suspension lift. Anybody have one of these? If so how do you like it? How was it to install? any problems?

Thanks

citydriver · October 19, 2006

I just installed the Skyjacker lift on my '95. I ordered it from Summit Racing. I also looked @ the Rough Country web site to compare the Installation. They are almost exactly the same, except new torsion bars, brake lines and shocks are included w/the kit. The Rough Country kit also comes w/better instructions and illustrations.

The installation is pretty straight forward, but if you have limited expereince it will take you awhile for the install. I would suggest installing NEW ball joints at the same time you install or have the kit installed. The only real issues I ran into was while re-installing the differential carrier, the lower bracket would not line up, I had to use my ball-joint press to move the lower carrier mount/bushing over about a 1/4" so that it would line up correctly. As far as the rear add-a-leafs, I did not use them 'cause I had replaced my rear springs a little over a year ago so that I could haul heavier loads so I already had enuff lift back there. I installed the front kit to correct the steering and axle geometry after I cranked the torsion bars. I also had to purchase new shocks and brake lines. The Skyjacker kit uses the factory torsion bars. After I purchased the new Rancho shocks and Pro-Comp stainless steel brake lines I landed up spending more than the Rough Country price for the whole kit.

My truck has over 186,000 mi. on it, so I basically re-built the whole front end @ the same time, new ball joints, tie rods, u-joints, stabilizer bar and axle shafts( the CV boots were torn on mine) It was just easier to do it at the same time while it was apart. The only parts I did not replace were the wheel/hub bearings. I will be doing that this weekend. One of them started growling this past week, probably due to the added stress of driving it w/the alignment out of whack and the age of the truck. I would suggest that you inspect every component related to the front end and plan accordingly. Also plan on a front end alignment as soon as possible after the installation is complete.

Hope this helps.