how long would it take to put on a lift

[jsomedaysoon]

ok after all the talk about lifts i've read in here and the pics i've seen over other guys trucks i've decided on a 4 inch lift. i've already got 33's on the truck and as we've all read in other posts i dont really "need" a lift but right now it just looks like a kid with shoes to big for his feet.

so my question is what should i look for in a complete kit i dont want to have to buy anything the day of the install because i didnt see it coming ahead of time. also about how long should it take me with only basic tools and limited knowledge.

 

[89eddie89]

it all depends on if things go your way. bolts could be rusted and you may have to torch or tap em off.... etc.

i would say atleast a whole day of work

 

[bidibronco]

You most likely will have to get some things on the day of install since that's just kind of how it goes. Go ahead and plan a full weekend to do it and concider the times you'll have to stop for a few to calm down a little.

 

[S_bolt19]

Limited knowledge can be fixed real easy. When you decide on what lift to buy and whom to buy it from, talk to the vendor. Ask them as many questions as possible.

i.e. What tools do I need, does the kit I am buying come with everything to complete the lift and if not, what else do I need to buy. Are there detailed instructions with the kit.

Most kits that I have seen come with plain jane instructions and even though simple, they are straight forward. Like the old "insert tab A into slot A" type of things you used to get in a Happy Meal from Micky D's. The other thing is that most kits don't come "complete". And by this I mean that you have to buy extended brake lines, extended drive shafts and other odds & ends. That is why I say to ask the vendor if the kit is complete and if EVERYTHING is there to make it drivable. Some "complete" kits are missing key components like brake lines /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> . It doesn't hurt to ask the vendors questions, that is why they are there and the reason they are in business.

 

[Justshootme84]

Yes, it does depend on the options you get with the lift kit. A basic 4" kit with drop brackets for the frontend and blocks for the rear will take 2-3 people on average 8-10 hours. Add more time for installing extended radius arms, new brake lines, AAL's or new rear springs. You'll need some basic tools, like at least one jack (a floor jack), jack stands, grinder for the radius arm bracket rivets, drill and bits, wrenches and/or sockets up to 1-1/8", new Grade-8 bolts to replace the rivets, and a Pitman arm puller. You'll often find the hardest part and majority of the time is spent removing the factory suspension bolts and parts. Some bolts have Loctite from the factory and will be stubborn. The Pitman arm can be a pain to pull off. Most often, a run to the store will be for the drill bit you don't have, like a 9/16" small-shank, or the 7/16" bit that you break. I usually try to replace the stock bushings wit hnew poly's, too, so that will add some time to the install. Most shops in the area charge $450-$550 to lift a Bronco, and it's often worth it if you don't have the space or the tools to do it. JSM84

 

[Broncobill78]

As JSM said it will usually take two guys about a day to install *IF* you have the tools and experience otherwise plan on a long weekend project & maybe a week. If you have a torch, floor jack, pitman arm puller, grinder, compressor & air tools AND you've had some good experience in this direction than you can do it yourself in a weekend or one day with a good helper. If you lack any of the above you might save yourself an incredible hassle by calling around to some shops to see what they'd charge. Call several because the prices will vary.

Also, be prepared for the look. I kinda like the look with stock susp & 33's and often think it goes the other way when guys lift the truck but run tires that are too small. Having a lot of space in the wheelwells isn't a cool look either. after installing it you might wind up thinking "Hey, some 35's might look just right on there" <grin>