JBeckman
Well-Known Member
I figure I would write this up real quick while I wait on my alignment appointment.
Out of the box you get 2 front strut spacers. As @VaderRebel mentioned in a different post, they are NOT a true 2". They are actually 1 7/16" spacers. So keep that in mind if it matters.
The paperwork to install is pretty solid. They offer a complete list of tools needed and step by step instructions. However 1 thing I would add for tools is a 3' pry bar. Just to assist with installing the UCA.
I did this job by myself in my driveway. And it took me about 1.5hrs in total. Worked on vehicles all my life, and was pretty simple. Even if you have never done anything like this before, still quite easy. Be safe and take your time.
Here are the measurements of the front from factory.
Here is the rear.
Once your truck is on stands and the tires are off. Pop off tie rod bolt, lower away bar link bolt and UCA bolt. The instructions are pretty straight forward.
Strut is out and on the bench. Rented a coil spring tool from orallys for $55. Which I get back once returned. Take your time here and compress coil. Here I have the spacer installed. Make alignment Mark's just to help reassembly. **FYI** I had to take a old 18mm socket and grind down to make it extremely shallow. So the tip of the strut would stick through the socket end. Held socket with vice grips and used a 8mm socket to take nut off strut.
Putting the new strut on in is pretty straight forward as well. Reverse steps.
Now here is where I needed a 3' pry bar. Once you have strut installed and bolted down, I used the pry bar to push the UCA down and get the UBJ seated into the knuckle.
Once everything was bolted back down and torqued, installed tires and took off stands. Drive it around the block real quick to settle the suspension.
Here are the measurement after install but w/o the alignment.
Front
Rear
So after all this fun, and pre alignment, I'm almost even between f&r @ 39 1/2". I am going to assume one the alignment is done, the front will drop a little.
I will post before and after pics of my truck after the alignment.
Hope this helps anyone on the fence abt doing it themselves.
Shop cost would be $375 w/alignment for install.
Alignment alone is $75.
Jeremy
Out of the box you get 2 front strut spacers. As @VaderRebel mentioned in a different post, they are NOT a true 2". They are actually 1 7/16" spacers. So keep that in mind if it matters.
The paperwork to install is pretty solid. They offer a complete list of tools needed and step by step instructions. However 1 thing I would add for tools is a 3' pry bar. Just to assist with installing the UCA.
I did this job by myself in my driveway. And it took me about 1.5hrs in total. Worked on vehicles all my life, and was pretty simple. Even if you have never done anything like this before, still quite easy. Be safe and take your time.
Here are the measurements of the front from factory.
Here is the rear.
Once your truck is on stands and the tires are off. Pop off tie rod bolt, lower away bar link bolt and UCA bolt. The instructions are pretty straight forward.
Strut is out and on the bench. Rented a coil spring tool from orallys for $55. Which I get back once returned. Take your time here and compress coil. Here I have the spacer installed. Make alignment Mark's just to help reassembly. **FYI** I had to take a old 18mm socket and grind down to make it extremely shallow. So the tip of the strut would stick through the socket end. Held socket with vice grips and used a 8mm socket to take nut off strut.
Putting the new strut on in is pretty straight forward as well. Reverse steps.
Now here is where I needed a 3' pry bar. Once you have strut installed and bolted down, I used the pry bar to push the UCA down and get the UBJ seated into the knuckle.
Once everything was bolted back down and torqued, installed tires and took off stands. Drive it around the block real quick to settle the suspension.
Here are the measurement after install but w/o the alignment.
Front
Rear
So after all this fun, and pre alignment, I'm almost even between f&r @ 39 1/2". I am going to assume one the alignment is done, the front will drop a little.
I will post before and after pics of my truck after the alignment.
Hope this helps anyone on the fence abt doing it themselves.
Shop cost would be $375 w/alignment for install.
Alignment alone is $75.
Jeremy
