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Question for those that installed their lift/levelling kit themselves...

2K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  EezyBeezy 
#1 ·
So I attempted to install my lift the other weekend, but ran into an issue on the front driver's side.

With the spacer on top, I was unable to get the strut anywhere close to being able to reattach the lower strut bolt.

I had detached the sway bar link and tie rod from the spindle, and removed the forward bolt from the lower control arm. I was able to get the lower arm to articulate downward to get the strut assembly in it's general place but, I was about 2-3 inches out from being able to install the lower bolt, even when pulling the lower arm out from the body as much as I could.

There appeared to be 2 points of interference. The strut was hitting the cv axle AND the lowest part of the spring was hitting the frame. It appears that once the weight of the vehicle was on the suspension, the interference at the bottom of the spring to frame would go away, but I'm not sure how I would do that when I can't get the lower strut bolt in.

I see lots of people have done this job themselves, but I must be missing something.

Any advise?
 
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#3 ·
Did you pull the axles out? Seems that the biggest hurdle with these installs is that the axles are left in limiting clearance for the strut.
 
#5 ·
Not easy...I have done it twice (on a 2011 and 2013 GC). Takes about 4-5 hours for me with some breaks. I used coil compressors, long crow bars and a lot of leveraging and brute strength. Did not remove the axle.

It would have been so much easier with a second person helping.

Good luck.

Baja-D
 
#6 · (Edited)
Forgot...turning the axle a certain position did help with the reinstall. Raising and lowering the suspension at different times also helped.
 
#8 ·
With everything disconnected I remember mine just wanted to fall out. My truck is a 2011...perhaps they changed the design. I did have to use a long heavy lever to force the strut up and over the axle near the rubber covers. I remember pushing hard down on the A arm at the same time. Once the drivers side was done the passenger side was easy due to the longer length. You sure you disconnected everything right? Good luck! :confused:
 
#9 ·
Oh yes, everything was disconnected except pulling the axle from the differential. I was uncomfortable doing this only because I don't have any experience doing it and have read about some having a very hard time getting it out and then back in again...


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