Help! Confidence Boost Needed!

[WilliamP]

I'm hoping someone can give advice to a first time Jeeper who is getting cold feet installing a lift.

I purchased the AEV Dualsport RT 3in lift for my gladiator. I've read the instructions, matched up everything on the undercarriage, watched a few poorly angled videos but my confidence just isn't there. A buddy of mine has a garage and has helped install the RSI smartcap & Swing out tire carrier but it just took so long. Anywho, I found a shop who will charge $800 (with alignment) to install the lift.

Should I take the easy route or pour more sweat equity? Adding the lift just feels intimidating because I'm modifying how the truck drives....I do not want to screw that up.

Anyone self-install the AEV lift?

Sponsored

 

[WilliamP]

As an aside.....I upgraded to 34in Nitto Recon Grappler tires recently so the photo isn't up to date.

 

[IslandFalconer]

I mean if you can follow instructions, be methodical, torque everything properly, and have a few hours. It’s not that bad. If you have $800 to burn, that’s ok too. The alignment will be $150 ish.

 

[WilliamP]

I mean if you can follow instructions, be methodical, torque everything properly, and have a few hours. It’s not that bad. If you have $800 to burn, that’s ok too. The alignment will be $150 ish.

Thanks for your input. With an alignment at about $150 that puts the lift at $650, haha (which makes it even more enticing). I do like knowing what's going on with my Jeep and the pride of working on it myself though.

 

[Lunentucker]

It will take you a day or more.

Learn things. Learn your Jeep. Good excuse to buy tools.
Peace of mind knowing that things are done correctly.
Nobody's rushing you to finish.

On the other hand, time is money, and if you can make more working in a day than what they're charging then you come out ahead financially by letting them do it.

 

[Lunentucker]

My dealer charged $60 for the alignment.

 

[Blade1668]

I've not installed that company's lift or stuff but I've installed more than a few lift kits from XJ's, TJ's, YJ's and CJ's. With that do you have time, location, tools, patients , mechanical inclined and secondary transportation in case something comes up. Sometimes kit isn't exactly correct or missing piece, need a wiz bang widget or brake line, bolt or special tool. Now that said it's not rocket science but is science most kits are good to go. Now if I got a offer for the install for $800 done and warranty they work I'd probably be hard pressed not to let them. But I don't have a concrete driveway / shop, jack stands to make it a convenient to do it right now. But still I don't really trust many people to work on my stuff. Now that said I'm waiting for a lift kit to be delivered to install on my JT and figure I'll be installing it when I get it.

 

[WilliamP]

It will take you a day or more.

Learn things. Learn your Jeep. Good excuse to buy tools.
Peace of mind knowing that things are done correctly.
Nobody's rushing you to finish.

One the other hand, time is money, and if you can make more working in a day than what they're charging then you come out ahead financially by letting them do it.

Knowing things are done correctly resonates with me. Other shops in CA are charging $1200 - $1350 so when the guy quoted me $800 it reminded me of the barbershops where haircuts were $5 because their letting trade students trim your hair. Ya know? I don't want a "you get what you paid for moment."

 

[CreepyJeepy]

Here is my 2 cents.

Over the years I’ve done a bunch of Tacoma and 4Runner lifts.

Doing A lift on a jeep is forgiving, basic, and totally easy IMO.

I did my Mopar lift, then tore it all apart to change the spring perches, and then a front track bar.

You do not need an alignment. Do not waste your 150.

Caster / Camber are not adjustable.
Toe is not touched when you do a lift.

You will need to center your wheel, which is Not an alignment and can be done by hand with one simple 15mm wrench and a few attempts while driving around your neighborhood.

Do it. Go slow. It will be just fine.
Dont worry about an alignment. Just center the wheel and go.

 

[WilliamP]

I've not installed that company's lift or stuff but I've installed more than a few lift kits from XJ's, TJ's, YJ's and CJ's. With that do you have time, location, tools, patients , mechanical inclined and secondary transportation in case something comes up. Sometimes kit isn't exactly correct or missing piece, need a wiz bang widget or brake line, bolt or special tool. Now that said it's not rocket science but is science most kits are good to go. Now if I got a offer for the install for $800 done and warranty they work I'd probably be hard pressed not to let them. But I don't have a concrete driveway / shop, jack stands to make it a convenient to do it right now. But still I don't really trust many people to work on my stuff. Now that said I'm waiting for a lift kit to be delivered to install on my JT and figure I'll be installing it when I get it.

I appreciate your comments. I do have a secondary vehicle and my buddy installed a 2 in lift on his JK. He has all the tools in his garage and he's willing to help. With all the positive comments I'm leaning towards doing it myself. Like a poster said, at least I know it's done properly and if not I know whose fault it is! Ha.

 

[Blade1668]

Job satisfaction and you learn/know more about your vehicle too. IMHO: To many get a new vehicle whip out C.C. and have their vehicle built by someone else then look at me what I built. Then get out somewhere don't even know where the dipstick is.

 

[JTR178]

Have the same lift, $800 isn't bad including the alignment. You also want to install longer rear brake lines and an adjustable front track bar.

 

[Summitsearcher]

Go ahead and install yourself. The confidence you gain and pride in a job well done will go far. Besides with your buddy helping you you’ll have someone to throw a wrench at when it goes wrong. Better then finding it embedded in the garage drywall and teaching the neighbors kids new four letter words.

 

[WilliamP]

Thanks everyone for your encouragement! A buddy and I added the lift last weekend. We completed the job in two days. It was about a ~15 hour job....we're no dummies but not having impact drills set us back and there are quite a few "gotchas" where we had to refer to YouTube or think outside of the box to get things together. All in all, knowing what I know now I could definitely put this lift together (with a buddy) in 5-7 hours easy on the next go round.

Anywho, since you all took the time to provide much needed encouragement I thought I should attach the finished product.

Thanks again!

 

[4xjeepr]

Great looking job and truck!

Sponsored