Leveling Kit Install Anxiety

[red/green hawk]

I put the same kit on. Started doing it myself then realized that it wasn't that difficult but doing that type of job on the driveway concrete just isn't my thing anymore. I forgot what I paid but I think it might of been half that 5 years ago. I'd pay $700 though if I couldn't find anyone to do it for less.

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[Brucewillys]

I am on the fence about installing the Tera Flex 1.5 inch leveling kit and Mopar extended LCAs vs having them professionally installed. I've installed a spacer kit on a Frontier Pro4X. I've replaced struts, rear ends, carbs, manifolds, rebuilt a salvaged Sportster, etc. While not a skilled mechanic, I'm not a novice either, but I am struggling to convince myself to DIY vs paying $699 (parts and labor) for a local shop install.

In part, my baseline anxiety is a result of a TBI 4 years ago, but I think unfamiliarity with Jeep might be sending me over the edge.

How difficult the installation for the average guy with a little wrenching experience? Any gotchas to look out for? Is $700 a bad deal for parts and labor?

Please do not pay someone $700 to do that job. It took me 2 hours and most of that was because I was being thorough. I did not do lower control arms but I have on my wife's Wrangler. Also very easy, getting bolts out are the hardest part of those. I did not go crazy loosening every nut and bolt like the instructions said. Loosen only what you need to. IMO spend the $700 on some cool accessory.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Please do not pay someone $700 to do that job. It took me 2 hours and most of that was because I was being thorough. I did not do lower control arms but I have on my wife's Wrangler. Also very easy, getting bolts out are the hardest part of those. I did not go crazy loosening every nut and bolt like the instructions said. Loosen only what you need to. IMO spend the $700 on some cool accessory.

$700 for parts and labor.

...Is $700 a bad deal for parts and labor?

 

[Brucewillys]

$700 for parts and labor.

I don't know what extended Mopar LCA's cost, hopefully not much because Mopar LCA's are not very strong. You'll see if you hold one in your hand. The leveling kit is only about $100. So if Mopar over charges for the thin walled control arms than no it is likely not that bad of a deal for labor. But you gain so much more than money savings by doing it yourself. Understanding the suspension will help you on the trail if you break something.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I don't know what extended Mopar LCA's cost, hopefully not much because Mopar LCA's are not very strong. You'll see if you hold one in your hand. The leveling kit is only about $100. So if Mopar over charges for the thin walled control arms than no it is likely not that bad of a deal for labor. But you gain so much more than money savings by doing it yourself. Understanding the suspension will help you on the trail if you break something.

The Mopar arms are pretty cheap. $40-55 each.

I agree it's good to crawl around under there if you'll be wheeling it. That's a good point.

 

[Brucewillys]

The Mopar arms are pretty cheap. $40-55 each.

I agree it's good to crawl around under there if you'll be wheeling it. That's a good point.

In that case $500 is a lot for labor. The job would be two hours max. It's your money though, you send it the way you want. The leveling kit is well worth it. I'm easily running 35's with it.

 

[agoldxj]

I just bought 2 OEM Mopar LCA’s for $41 each. For that price I figured I would throw them on when I do my level kit.

 

[JTGuy]

Look at my signature. Everything there I have installed myself in my garage . Floor Jacks and Jackstands. It's on the 3rd set of springs and shocks. At 73 it's not getting easier. Do it yourself so you know it's done right. You will know what tools to take in your trail tool kit. Tighten everything when it's all back on the ground.

 

[imallcrawl]

Take it slow and you'll be perfectly fine

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

In that case $500 is a lot for labor. The job would be two hours max. It's your money though, you send it the way you want. The leveling kit is well worth it. I'm easily running 35's with it.

$115 for the leveling kit plus $100 for the arms plus tax on everything. I think OP said an alignment is included too.

I don’t know what the book time would be for the job, but 2 hours is not much. The labor is equivalent to replacing both front coils and both front arms. I could see it being 1/2 hour for an arm, but not 1/2 hour for each coil.

 

[Brucewillys]

$115 for the leveling kit plus $100 for the arms plus tax on everything. I think OP said an alignment is included too.

I don’t know what the book time would be for the job, but 2 hours is not much. The labor is equivalent to replacing both front coils and both front arms. I could see it being 1/2 hour for an arm, but not 1/2 hour for each coil.

Every jeep is different but I definitely did not need an alignment. Shops drive me crazy with their alignment scams especially on solid axle vehicles. It's as bad as the "topping off" of AC's.

 

[Splenda]

Every jeep is different but I definitely did not need an alignment. Shops drive me crazy with their alignment scams especially on solid axle vehicles. It's as bad as the "topping off" of AC's.

When I installed my own lift, I did not touch my toe, I knew how to center my axles using the adjustable track bars, and I knew how to adjust my steering wheel with the drag link. I set my control arms at the recommended lengths, and I assume my caster is good because I don't have death wobble. I have not had an alignment yet, but probably will down the road a bit. I just turned over 4200 miles on the truck.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

When I installed my own lift, I did not touch my toe, I knew how to center my axles using the adjustable track bars, and I knew how to adjust my steering wheel with the drag link. I set my control arms at the recommended lengths, and I assume my caster is good because I don't have death wobble. I have not had an alignment yet, but probably will down the road a bit. I just turned over 4200 miles on the truck.

Does it drive pretty straight and not wander or require much steering correction? If so, caster should be fine.

 

[Splenda]

Does it drive pretty straight and not wander or require much steering correction? If so, caster should be fine.

Yep. To me, it drives great for having 37x13.5x17s, especially with the -38 offset.

 

[Stan H]

The

When I installed my own lift, I did not touch my toe, I knew how to center my axles using the adjustable track bars, and I knew how to adjust my steering wheel with the drag link. I set my control arms at the recommended lengths, and I assume my caster is good because I don't have death wobble. I have not had an alignment yet, but probably will down the road a bit. I just turned over 4200 miles on the truck.

The after market teraflex lowers I bought ..before we installed we measured each one screwed all the way in to make sure they was identical that way when we placed them on we knew that by the number of threads showing it was the same and we turned them out one complete 360° rotation at a time . And using the gauge on the pumpkin right on top of the pinion input end we screwed them out equal amounts and landed on 6.4.. so we went back in one turn landed on 5.4 and decided that was the money shot and left em. With the Mopar LCA's they are giving ypu a predetermined caster which I don't know what that is but what ever it is ypur stuck with it .

Literally with one person's help this can be accomplished leisurely in an afternoon taking breaks to have some ice tea breaks .
Crap we ripped it all off then stuck the springs in and went off to lunch and came back and did arms and caster and track bar

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