DIY Network

Truck Lift-Kit -- Removing Front Shocks, Links and Springs From "Weekend Mechanic" episode WKM-105

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For this weekend projec, the suspension on this pickup is lifted to accommodate larger tires and to increase overall ground clearance. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G Figure H Figure I Figure J Figure K Figure L

As America's favorite vehicle, the pickup truck is no longer just a work vehicle. Increasing numbers of people use them as their daily drivers and, inevitably truck-owners have begun seeking out ways to stylize the looks of their pickups. One of the most popular modifications is raising the suspension.

In this episode, Weekend Mechanic Bruce Bonebrake shows how to install a lift-kit on a pickup truck to increase the ground clearance for off-roading and give the truck that aggressive, lifted look.

For our lift-kit conversion, we installed oversized tires on the truck and lifted the vehicle by about 4 inches. The extra height accommodates the larger-sized tires. Our complete installation includes replacement of the front coil-springs, front shocks, links, steering stabilizer, rear shocks and rear leaf-springs.

Lift kits are available as chassis kits and body kits. For ours, we used a chassis lift-kit.

Important: It is unsafe to combine chassis and body lift kits on one vehicle. Follow manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions.

DIY Difficulty Rating for the Project: A lift-kit installation is a fairly substantial but straightforward project, and will probably require just over a day to complete. We took our time, and took a full two days. We give it a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale.

Important: Included below are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs.

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools, some of the specialty tools that will be needed for this project include: an air compressor (figure A) and pneumatic tools (including impact wrench, air-ratchet and sockets), and a grease gun. Since this project will require lifting the vehicle, a reliable floor jack and jack-stands (figure B) are a must.

Important: For this project, be sure that you select a work area with a hard, level floor surface. Use a jack and jack-stands with a capacity rated for the vehicle.

Removing Old Shocks, Links and Springs

• The project begins with work on the front of the vehicle. The first step is to remove the upper shock nuts, allowing the tower bracket to be removed (figure C).

• Jack up the vehicle, and remove the tire and wheel.

• Depending on the length of your brake line, you may need to remove the brake-line anchor bracket (figure D).

  Note: Depending on how high you'll be lifting your vehicle, you may need to install extended brake lines. This was not required on our project truck.

• Loosen the track bar and mark the caster pin with a grease pencil (figure E) before removing it. This will help ensure proper orientation later.

• Disconnect the track bar by hammering out the bolts holding it in place (figure F), and remove the old bar.

• The front track-bolt is used in the front wheel alignment, and is equipped with two cams (figure G). Marking it to indicate orientation prior to removal will serve as a reference point when the wheels are realigned after the project is completed.

• With the track-bar removed, unbolt the steering stabilizer bar (figure H).

• Remove the rubber bump stop (figure I). This piece will be replaced later with a new, larger one.

• Remove the lower shock nut (figure J).

• With the nut removed, you should be able to lift out the old shock (figure K).

• With the shock removed, the jack can be lowered slightly to reduce the tension on the spring, and the spring removed by hand (figure L).

• Repeat the steps outlined above on the other side of the truck.

In the segment that follows, the new coil-springs and links are installed on the front end of the truck.

RESOURCES :

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books

Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896

Skyjacker Suspensions
Skyjacker Suspensions
Monroe, LA 71292
Phone: 318-388-0816
Website: www.skyjacker.com