Leveling Kit Install Anxiety

[Mad Jasper]

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?

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[Splenda]

It's not that bad, but those lower control arm bolts can be tough to remove. The rear is simple. I always use the stock scissor jack between the bump stop and bump stop perch to open up the suspension enough to get the spacer underneath. I also use some 3M 77 spray adhesive to stick the rear top coil isolator to the body. Also, I remove the brake caliper and hang it on the frame so it doesn't stretch the brake line.

 

[NewGladdyOWNR]

I've been under my truck more than in it. I could probably do it blindfolded at this point haha. It's not hard and you will learn so much about suspension components by doing it yourself! Just do it!!

 

[Greg_L]

Yeah just do it. A spacer lift is pretty simple and kind of fun.

 

[Okie Gladiator]

Either way - go for it! When I decided to start getting under the jeep my 3 yr old (5 now) had to join me. There I was worried I wouldn't just screw the jeep up but I'd teach him wrong. Then I accepted that what should take me 2 hours will take me 12 hours with him helping, but it was worth every minute of those 12 hours. And if I mess something up he can see how humility is suppose to work. Now he wants to get under the jeeps every chance we get.

Point is - screw the anxiety. You run it or it will run you. Change the expectation and accept that you may screw it up, be happy with the fact ya gave it shot and be humble if ya need to get some help. Or, say screw it and pay the shop, it ain't a bad price. Either way make the move and be good with it - you'll be happy once it's done and you see how beautiful it looks.

 

[Reddout99]

I don't think that is a bad price for parts & labor actually. I did a ton of wrenching on my cars over the years, but now that I'm old, its worth it to me to have everything done by my trusted mechanic. Plus, if there's any question or issues on the install, I can just bring it back for them to fix. Hell, I have the same trusted mechanic change my oil anymore. I just tell him which oil & filter and it's done for about $15 more than I could do it myself.

Of course, the key is a trusted mechanic.

 

[Scott0700]

I’ve done lifts of different amounts on four Jeeps. Just did the 1.5” leveling lift on the Gladiator. With just the 1.5”, it didn’t need the lower control arms changed. 2.5” and up it definitely needs it from my experience or death wobble is going to happen.
The leveling lift is easy to do. Many good videos available to watch first. Also adjust your headlights afterward. Also super easy to do.

 

[Zsis]

Do it yourself. With the experience you listed, should be no big deal. I did the 1.5" up front and an inch in the rear. Also swapped in Rubicon springs and shocks all around. Make sure to loosen everything to make it easier. I tried to shortcut it a little bit with the stiffer or taller springs I learned shortcuts don't work! Once I dropped the full front axle, easy peasy. The only other advice I can give is to line up the axle to get it bolted back, run a ratchet strap from the axle to the frame and just pull it back into place.

 

[Zsis]

Also forgot, I did add the longer control arms even though people say they aren't needed. Under $100 for both of them and mine rides better than it did stock now. Been about a year and no issues at all.

 

[Uparms]

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?

1) Read the instructions twice.
2) line up all the tools the instructions say. Have a complete supply of metric sockets and wrenches. Esp in the 14mm-21mm sizes.
3) Give yourself 2 days, Sat and Sun. That way if you need to run out for a tool, no big deal.
4) Commit to taking twice as long as the instructions say ( and others say) to complete.
5) one or two good floor jacks.
6) at least one good pair of jack stands. Throw the wheels under the frame too while working.
7) Gloves and safety glasses.
8) Take breaks
9) Have fun.
10) One of the best installs to get familiar with your Jeep.

 

[Boostnu]

I’ve done spacer lifts on both a frontier and gladiator. In my opinion the gladiator was easier to do.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

$700 is reasonable.

 

[starrskream]

saw this post, might help ya
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/leveling-kit-install-crash-course-write-up.63353/

 

[Jclayc]

Its a breeze, me and a buddy did mine one day after work with a forklift and 4 Voodoo Rangers!

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

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?

Just pay someone. Your health is worth that much. The price you said for parts and labor isn't too bad. And your mentioned injury and anxiety over it all, enough to write a post about this; Suggests that you should pay to have it done. I hope that they include an alignment afterward.

If there wasn't TBI and anxiety, it is literally a 1 hour job at most for a young man with a few skills.

With a good coil spring compressor and good tools and firm jack stands, it is a walk in the park.

The time consuming part is taking it down to check the alignment afterwards.

Good luck and be safe. Pay someone to do it for you.

As it's been said, "Ya don't know what ya don't know until someone shows you. Then once it's done you know how simple it really is.". And "Anxiety is not knowing".

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