So my buddy and I tackled the install today. 3 1/2 hours beginning to a completed test drive. Not too shabby. The second side was a breeze as we then had knowledge of exactly what to do. I am not a mechanic by any means but do have a good mechanical aptitude and enjoy working on cars. My buddy is not a "mechanic" per se but he's been rebuilding cars his whole life and knows his stuff and has all the cool toys (tools)
The instructions were good. The only bad part about the install was that no nut spacers were included in the kit. The nut spacers are suppose to go before the castle nut at the upper control arm ball joint. Fortunately my buddy had some good, thick washers that we double stacked so that we were able to complete the install. The reason for the spacer is so that the cotter pin lines up with the hole in the screw on the ball joint. So be sure to check your contents before you install.
We did have to use a pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the stock upper control arm. We tried pounding the heck out of it but it just wouldn't release. Since we were replacing the arms, damaging a seal was not an issue but if you are just adding a spacer, be careful, we did booger up the old seals.
The only other thing that was an issue and will be remedied Monday during my alignment is that we could not torque the lower strut to the lower control arm to the specified 150lbs. Since we did not have a lift, getting leverage under the truck to get to 150lbs was near impossible. I know they are close, probably 140 but I'll ask the guy at the shop to take a torque wrench to them when it is up on the lift for the alignment.
Here is a completed / after picture.
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I did not take a before picture today but just for comparison, this is a pic I took after I had it ceramic coated. Yes, my truck needs a wash.
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And just for the heck of it, a picture of my truck's front end compared to a 4th gen that is stock.
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I mentioned that I would take a picture of the angle of the ball joint, here it is.
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As for ride, no difference really. If you've ever leveled your truck, you know how bumps feel like they are more under the truck after the level rather than in front of the truck, under is preferred IMO.
Measurements after than install is 39" from the ground to the top of the wheel well opening up front and 40" at the back so I still have a 1" rake. For my needs that worked out perfect as I do tow a 3500lb. boat and some gear in the bed of the truck.
Alignment Monday and then new Rims and Tires on Tuesday. Tires pictured are 275/65R18 (32.1" tall x 10.8" wide x 7" sidewall). I stayed conservative and am getting 275/65R20 tires (34.1" tall x 10.8" wide x 7" sidewall). I could probably pull off 35's since this is an Off Road Package truck but I think 35's would make it look stuffed. Width, I wanted to remain near factory just to keep the type of ride I was use to with my last truck and this truck.
Not sure if this will help anyone but it was worth posting if it does.