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!
The EASY way to install a Rough Country leveling kit!
EKinMN
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kit is ordered from lowrider.ca. price just under $156 canadian ship to my door
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kit is now installed. As u can see from the second pic top of front rim is about level with top of front bumper. Second pic top of front tire is about level with the top of front bumper.
measured from center of axle from ground to bottom of wheel well
front stock 36 1/8", after lift 38 3/4"
rear stock 39 1/4", after lift 40 1/4"
measured from center of axle from ground to bottom of wheel well
front stock 36 1/8", after lift 38 3/4"
rear stock 39 1/4", after lift 40 1/4"
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That video is hogwash and I wasted time by following it. I did my RC kit today (will post pics later) and it took me FOUR DAMNED HOURS. PArt of that time was going to Harbor Freight for a pry bar though. Once I actually (completely) unbolted the sway bar, it was much easier than trying to leave it connected. I didn't touch the tie rod, and I unbolted 90% of the top ball joint. The RC instructions gave the wrong allen size too...7/32 when mine was 5mm. The 2nd side went MUCH smoother once I had the learning curve down. I added my 285/70s at the same time and MAN that truck looks mean. Mine's a 2wd.
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i fond a 6mm worked on mine instead of the 7/32 and u are right the second side was way smotherWakko said:
I got this kit for my 14. A buddy of mine who works in a tire shop said hed help me out. He says all we need to do it take out the bottom strut bolts and use a pry bar and the spacer will slide in. If so, it would be easier than the video looked, although the video looked pretty easy already. If you have an extra set of hands, will just undoing the strut bots work?
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1,229 Posts
That seems like a hell of a lot of money to have a a simple leveling kit installed. Whatever works for you I guess.allterrainjoe said:
I have been installing the front leveling kits for $100. If they do the rear blacks I charge another $50.
I wouldn't even consider that..
Just did mine last Saturday on my 2013 Silverado. Second side went faster until tightening the sway bar link to torque specs. First side torqued right up. Second side, the nut on the sway bar linked stripped out around 20 foot pounds. Ran down to Napa for a replacement and it torqued right up. Loving the new stance. Front is a half inch lower then the rear now. The ride feels better, tough to say how but it just feels more comfortable. Firestone said they don't do lifted or lowered vehicle alignments by me. A private shop is doing the alignment on Friday morning.
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Just installed my leveling kit according to the video, but wondering if anyone has ever had any problem with the bolt on bottom and nut on top....seems like awfully little clearance. Just curious. Thanks.
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Yes, its standard practice to have the head of the bolt facing up.
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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?
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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.
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Awesome. Thanks for the pointer!
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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.
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