I'd like to get people's take on this. If it's really this easy, I will attempt it myself. I was figuring I'd have to have a shop do it, because I am not that savvy with suspension work.
Thanks for your feedback!
EKinMN
That's what the instructions show (bolt head on top) but by following this video and only loosening sway link and ball joint, I could not get enough room for one of the bolts to fit from the top. Any pointers on what else I need to loosen to get enough space to drop the bolt in from the top?
Yes, separate the upper ball joint from the knuckle like the instructions say. I have tried to install them without doing that and you cant get enough room to install the hardware the proper way. And its a lot easier to just remove it rather than struggle trying to cram things into place. However you don't need to pop out your tie rod like the instructions say.
If you installed the bolt upside down turn your wheel to left and right full lock and make sure your driveshaft isn't hitting the bolt.
If you installed the bolt upside down turn your wheel to left and right full lock and make sure your driveshaft isn't hitting the bolt.
Me and a Buddy installed a 2.5 inch strut extension level kit. Only took out the two bolts for the strut. Removed original bolts. In the unobstructed hole we put a 4 inch bolt as a guide and used a floor jack with a 4x4 on it to compress the strut. Got the clearance and placed leveling block under other slot and slid the bolt in. Removed guide bolt and placed with the one from the kit. Took like 30-45 minutes tops for both sides. Timed from before taking the tires off to having them back on.
They are really simple to install. I like the Summit Performance kit myself. You can buy it on ebay for around 30$. I created a DIY video for my youtube channel on how to do it. It is really quite simple. I used impacts and a lift but I would have no problem doing it on the ground with wrenches and a ratchet. Hope this helps.
If you run into any trouble you could email me and I can help you through it.
If you run into any trouble you could email me and I can help you through it.
Tried installing this last night on a hoist. Had an extra set of hands as well, 1 massive pry bar (4 foot) and a smaller one (2 foot). I could not for the life of me get the upper BJ loose, even after everything else was either loose or off... I installed the 2" rc leveling blocks with both bolts underside and nuts on top. No rub or hitting. Will see how it goes? If its an issue I will remove it and purchase top struts spacers instead. Had to do a bunch of other work, replace an axle, steering rack boot was torn on same side, replace brake pads, rotors, and calipers.
For future reference... I would rather loosen the sway bar end links and remove the whole strut than to put another one of these kits in again. I had the strut off in 2 minutes. 3 bolts on top with an air gun and two bolts on bottom of strut... slide it out done. Install a top strut spacer and use a pry bar to line up the bottom bolts again and your headache is done... probably 10 minutes a side.
Its only temporary as I'm waiting on release of bilsten 6112 coilovers and a proper UCA with uniball.
For future reference... I would rather loosen the sway bar end links and remove the whole strut than to put another one of these kits in again. I had the strut off in 2 minutes. 3 bolts on top with an air gun and two bolts on bottom of strut... slide it out done. Install a top strut spacer and use a pry bar to line up the bottom bolts again and your headache is done... probably 10 minutes a side.
Its only temporary as I'm waiting on release of bilsten 6112 coilovers and a proper UCA with uniball.
I could already tell the decline in angles though, but you can't beat the price for the added height.
I installed my brothers 2'' RC leveling kit on his 2013 Sierra a couple weeks ago and the best way I found to get the clearance for the bolt to slide in from the top and to give you the room and clearance from the CV axle is -
Remove swaybay endlink
Remove tierod
Pop both top and bottom control arm balljoints
Disconnect UCA ball joint to let the knuckle hang freely from just the LCA ball joint and CV axle to hub assembly
Manipulate the knuckle so the CV axle moves out of the way for you to slide the bolt down to install the leveling kit.
Took me about a hour with the help of my brother handing me the tools.
Remove swaybay endlink
Remove tierod
Pop both top and bottom control arm balljoints
Disconnect UCA ball joint to let the knuckle hang freely from just the LCA ball joint and CV axle to hub assembly
Manipulate the knuckle so the CV axle moves out of the way for you to slide the bolt down to install the leveling kit.
Took me about a hour with the help of my brother handing me the tools.
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