Lift Kit Installation Guide

How do you enhance your truck's performance and appearance? Installing a lift kit could be the ideal solution. A lift kit is a set of components designed to raise your vehicle's height, giving it a more commanding stance and opening the door for numerous benefits. But how do you go about installing a lift kit? Let's dive into it. 

The Short Answer: Installing a lift kit involves multiple steps that require patience and precision. First, you'll need to safely raise your truck using a reliable floor jack, remove the wheel, and separate the tie rod and control arms. Next, you replace the existing suspension setup with your new lift kit, following the kit's specific installation instructions. After installing the lift kit components and ensuring everything is securely attached, you replace the tires, lower the vehicle, and conduct an alignment. 

The Purpose of Lifting Your Truck

One of the primary reasons truck enthusiasts opt for lifting their vehicles is to enhance their off-road capabilities. A lift kit considerably increases the truck's ground clearance, providing safer and smoother navigation over rocky, uneven terrain. With a lift kit installed, the chances of damaging your vehicle's undercarriage on an adventurous off-road drive or at a construction site are reduced. 

A lifted truck can also accommodate larger tires which are ideal for rough terrains due to their improved traction. Using larger tires not only contributes to better off-road performance but also improves your vehicle's overall stability and road grip, whether you're on a highway run or trailing through a muddy track.

Quality matters when you're selecting a lift kit. Reputable brands, like Far From Stock, offer well-constructed lift kits that include components such as shock absorbers, springs, spacers, and more. These kits are designed to enhance off-road handling and control, substantially improving the overall driving experience.

Is lifting a vehicle going to hurt its resale value? That's a common concern. However, today's market trends suggest otherwise. Many dealers view a professionally installed, high-quality lift kit as a positive factor. This signifies a dedicated and knowledgeable owner, and vehicles with such upgrades often retain their value well.

Determining Whether to Use a Leveling Kit

When considering lifting your truck, it's important to evaluate if a leveling kit is a better option for your specific needs. A leveling kit raises the front of your truck to match the rear height, which is often useful if you're dealing with front-end sag from heavy accessories like winches or aftermarket bumpers. For those not seeking a full suspension lift but still wanting a more aggressive stance or the ability to fit slightly larger tires, a leveling kit can be the perfect middle ground.

Before deciding, assess how you use your vehicle. If you frequently go off-road or want to drastically increase ground clearance, a full lift kit might be necessary. However, if you primarily drive on paved roads and simply want to eliminate the factory rake or improve aesthetics, a leveling kit could be the more practical and cost-effective choice.

How to Install a Lift Kit

Installing a lift kit accurately is essential for the safety and performance of your vehicle. Here is a more detailed walkthrough of the process:

Make sure you have the necessary tools such as a floor jack, control arm tools, and a good mechanic's toolbox. Also, ensure you have a safe and level working space. If you're working in an open space, check the weather forecast to ensure there would be no disruptions.

To start, place your floor jack under the frame of your truck and carefully lift it till the tires are off the ground. Then place the jack stands under the designated points to secure the vehicle. Once your truck is safely hoisted, proceed to remove the tires.

Next, you'll need to disconnect any parts that could interfere with the lift kit installation. This might include the tie rod, sway bar link, and control arm. Always consult your specific lift kit's installation instructions for a detailed step-by-step guide as each lift kit might have unique components. 

After the previous vehicle suspension parts are removed, it's time to install the lift kit. Detailed installation instructions that come with the lift kit are your best guide. Typically, they'll provide a specific order of installation. You might start with attaching bracket lifts and lift columns, followed by placing other components like the spacers, control arms, etc.

Once your lift kit is installed, the next step is to reconnect any parts you had separated and then re-install the wheels. Make sure all the nuts and bolts are tightened according to the specified torque in your vehicle manual. This is crucial for your safety and the performance of your truck.

Now, lower your truck down from the jack stands, and be sure to check your alignment. Getting your alignment just right is critical for controlling the drive of your lifted truck. You might need to take your truck to a local tire shop to ensure the alignment is perfect.

How to Measure Lift Kit Height

Now that you have successfully installed a lift kit, you'll likely want to know exactly how much height you've added to your truck. Here are the detailed steps to measure lift kit height accurately:

1. Initial Measurements: Start by measuring the distance from the wheel hub to the fender for all four wheels. Write these measurements down for future comparison.
2. Measuring Frame Height: Next, measure from the axle to the frame at standard height and note this measurement as well. This helps gauge how elevated the vehicle is from its standard height.
3. Subtracting Factory Height: Now, you’ll need to subtract the factory height from the current measurement. This gives you the actual figure of how much lift your kit has provided. 

A common mistake is to measure only from the ground up. This could be misleading as you want to assess the additional height provided by the lift kit, not the total height of your truck. This will allow you to measure lift height more accurately, whether you are dealing with a lower vehicle or a big truck.

Understanding these height measurements is also crucial for several reasons. The main one is understanding how much clearance you've gained for accommodating larger tires. In addition, it gives you an idea about the lift reached and how that might affect driving comfort and navigation under different environmental factors such as clearance under low bridges or parking garages.

Lastly, these measurements are important if you’re considering additional height modifications in the future. Knowing precisely how much lift the current kit gives will help you better calculate and gauge the scope of the upcoming change. 

By following these guidelines, you can measure the height of your lift kit with precision, avoiding mistakes and ensuring complete accuracy. 

How Far From Stock Can Help

By now, you've gained a comprehensive understanding of what lift kits are, why they're beneficial, and how to install and measure them. You've also learned that while the process seems doable for some, it can be complicated and time-consuming for others. If you are looking to have an expert install your lift kit and you live near Junction City, give us a call at our local auto shop.

At Far From Stock, we specialize in providing quality aftermarket parts for trucks and jeeps including lift kits and associated components. We understand the intricacies involved in lift kit installation and can guide you through the process. Just give us a call and we are happy to help!

More importantly, we understand that each vehicle is unique. We are ready to offer you personalized advice based on your specific needs, helping you choose a lift kit that's best for your truck and guiding you through installing it in a manner that ensures maximum durability and performance.

If you're planning to lift your truck or jeep with the best quality lift kits in the market, or need any other aftermarket part, explore our extensive range of products today. Confidence on the road begins with a lift kit installation that’s precise, durable, and tailored for your vehicle. Trust Far From Stock to deliver just that.