Started the lift...

[BigNuge]

Well, tore into the lift today. Started soaking everything on penetrating oil last night.

This thing is bone stock with 124k on it...everything was frozen/rusted up pretty bad. Had to cut the drivers side sway link stud. Had to use heat on the lower shock bolt & the upper ball joint nut. Got creative with my spring compressor that is designed for "inside spring" compression. Obviously can't do that with the shock in there. Had to use a ratchet strap to keep the coil somewhat straight. Got real creative with the ratchet strap for reassembly.

All told I spent 5 hours on just the front end. Took my time and let the penetrant work. Used heat when needed. I will be ordering a new sway link for the drivers side, as well as a new sway bar bushing kit (why not, I'm in there already).

It was a lot of work, but it was fun! Tomorrow I will be installing my new 2 way radio. I'll finish up the rear suspension when the Daystars show up later this week and take pictures.

 

[tehCoop]

Nice work on the lift, i did the same thing this weekend too. mine had 195k miles but it sounds like we fought similar battles with bolts. I opted to let my local shop assemble my shocks. I did discover that both my CV boots were torn so I had to toss in an axle replacement with mine too. So what does the truck look like lifted in the front but not in the rear?

 

[gtarbmx]

how much did you pay for the front shocks/springs, was it a set?

 

[ebg18t]

how much did you pay for the front shocks/springs, was it a set?

It looks like stock springs and he raised the level on the 5100's. you can find 5100's for ~$325 for all 4.

 

[BigNuge]

Nice work on the lift, i did the same thing this weekend too. mine had 195k miles but it sounds like we fought similar battles with bolts. I opted to let my local shop assemble my shocks. I did discover that both my CV boots were torn so I had to toss in an axle replacement with mine too. So what does the truck look like lifted in the front but not in the rear?

Luckily, my CV's look great. The only added cost will be the sway links. and at this point I am going to go with extended links. With what I know now I would do the same next time (have a shop month the springs). I had to fight with them pretty hard to get the springs/shocks reassembled. I am also lifting the rear, just waiting for the Daystars to come in.

how much did you pay for the front shocks/springs, was it a set?

I bought a set of used TT FJ springs, and a full set of 5100's. All told, I am in this lift for ~ $500

It looks like stock springs and he raised the level on the 5100's. you can find 5100's for ~$325 for all 4.