Anyone Install There Own Lifts?

[Sumner]

I know there are some of you out there. I've searched this forum and can't find this topic so I wanted to ask.

I've got an 05 CC Z71

I've found 6" suspen. lifts at reasonable prices but wow installation around here is 600-800 bucks

Those of you that have done this yourself, would you rate it do able with the right tools or a huge pain that took days to complete and something that you should have paid for?

I've done a body lift on two trucks in the past, took lots of time but with help I got it done

 

-Is there welding and metal cutting needed?

-Does anyone have pictures of the process as they did it?

 

 

 

Thanks,

[mikesbbhd]

I DID MY 2001 2500 CREW. 6"PROCOMP BRACKET LIFT.IF YOU ARE USING A SPINDEL LIFT THE INSTALL IS NOT BAD. BUT WITH A BRACKET LIFT YOU WILL HAVE TO CUT, DRILL AND WELD. ALSO WITH A SPINDEL LIFT YOU CANT RUN YOU STOCK WHEELS.TOOK ME 15 HOURS.

[Canuck2500hd]

Agreed, my Pro Comp bracket lift took 16 hours and was a tru PITA. On trucks this size a hoist is a almost a neccesity. Honestly saving the 900 buk was o.k. but cutting up a new truck kinda makes me nervous.

[herhalfton]

I've installed 6 IFS GM lifts and spindle is pretty easy to do. Installed the fabtech on my old 2500HD in 5 hours with 3 people. The last lift I installed was superlift bracket kit on 1/2 ton took me about 16 hours with floor jacks and jack stands. I prefer bracket over spindle because the dont widen the front track width.

[Sumner]

I should have also asked, those of you that did not atempt the lift yourself, what did you pay for the installation? Is 600+ fair for the work involved?

Thanks,

[vxaxv17]

I paid $3k for my lift installed. I dont really know how much of that is the kit and how much is installation but i'd say that $600 for the install is actually a pretty decent price. There is a lot of work involved and a lot of things relocated. I certainly would not attempt it myself - even after paying to have one installed.

[dhansell22]

Took me almost 2 days with a buddy who knows what he is doing. Actually about 7 hours for the front (not rushing) and then a couple hours for the rear and trying to align the front. They didn't tell me I would have to go find some spacers for the front so that took some time. There wasn't any welding but the front diff mounts had to be cut. I'm pretty sure they make a lift for your truck that doesn't need any cutting. I wanna say skyjacker but I'm not sure. That's nice because you can always go bigger or back to stock if you want. If I had the money I would have just paid for the install and not have spent all that time worrying while I hacked my truck up. $600 sounds like a hell of a deal.

[kman05]

i wouldnt recommend doing it yourself, unless you're really familiar with that sort of thing

[5thGenSD]

I installed my own in a weekend. It was kinda fun, but, also a pain.

 

I would recommend having air tools, beer and something to punch.

[4drwalker]

Have installed numerous lifts with various vendor kits on Chevy trucks for a long time. If a person is not sure as to why certain parts are being added, replaced, or modified, this is nothing but a back breaking chore. If your work experience has included pesky things like akerman angles, then you will actually enjoy building your own custom creation. Spending a little more $ now on a good kit will save you a lot of grief & maybe even your marriage, as you wont be coming home to kiss the dog & kick your wife after pawning your tool box to pay for the 3rd set of tires this year. I have no "ties" or relation to BDS Suspension but the last two lifts (late model 2500HD's) using their kits (6-8 spindle,torque arms ect.) were unbelievably comprehensive. A lifetime "no questions asked" parts replacement guarantee is just one of many things impressive about BDS. Comes with illustrated instructions, and the kits are complete right down to the last washer needed. Online & phone support is available if needed. The kit comes with BDS (actually Fabtec) shocks but I opt to upgrade to Bilstein's, as I have received nothing but great feedback when used on one shock per corner config's.- A typical "driveway installation" will take a solid two days when you take the time to reroute ABS wiring ect.. with the supplied hardware. These trucks, oddly enough, handle better now than they did new. If a shop bay with an hydraulic vehicle lift is an option, use it. This will literally cut your time in half, leaving Sunday to admire your new Big Dick... Suspension lifted, "sick" machine. Good luck either way.

[vxaxv17]

Have installed numerous lifts with various vendor kits on Chevy trucks for a long time. If a person is not sure as to why certain parts are being added, replaced, or modified, this is nothing but a back breaking chore. If your work experience has included pesky things like akerman angles, then you will actually enjoy building your own custom creation. Spending a little more $ now on a good kit will save you a lot of grief & maybe even your marriage, as you wont be coming home to kiss the dog & kick your wife after pawning your tool box to pay for the 3rd set of tires this year. I have no "ties" or relation to BDS Suspension but the last two lifts (late model 2500HD's) using their kits (6-8 spindle,torque arms ect.) were unbelievably comprehensive. A lifetime "no questions asked" parts replacement guarantee is just one of many things impressive about BDS. Comes with illustrated instructions, and the kits are complete right down to the last washer needed. Online & phone support is available if needed. The kit comes with BDS (actually Fabtec) shocks but I opt to upgrade to Bilstein's, as I have received nothing but great feedback when used on one shock per corner config's.- A typical "driveway installation" will take a solid two days when you take the time to reroute ABS wiring ect.. with the supplied hardware. These trucks, oddly enough, handle better now than they did new. If a shop bay with an hydraulic vehicle lift is an option, use it. This will literally cut your time in half, leaving Sunday to admire your new Big Dick... Suspension lifted, "sick" machine. Good luck either way.

 

 

I second this post here. While I had my lift installed professionally, I rather like the kit itself. It looks good, works extremely well and is of high quality. Of course the lifetime replacement warranty cant be beat either. Its been about 8 months now since I had it installed and I have had zero problems.

[Combatvet0311]

Did it myself and it wasn't the least bit difficult...I've done a '99 ecsb 4x4 Superlift 6" and a '02 ecsd 2wd ProComp 7". The 2wd was much easier but neither was impossible or even extremely difficult by any standards.