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Gear That Can Make Installation Easier
Installing a lift kit can be a complex and time-consuming process, but having the right tools can make it much easier. Most kits come with instructions for how to safely and properly install them, and it’s important to follow these carefully! Here are some items that can help with installation:
• 1/2-inch ratchet
• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• Axle stands
• Set of metric sockets (including longer lengths)
• Alligator crowbar or cheater bar
• Hammer
• Paint pen or marker
• Leveling device like an inclinometer or protractor, or even an angle finder app
• Pliers
• Router/cut-off wheel/ die grinder with appropriate blades /bits/wheels
• Pneumatic drill (optional).
These tools may be needed depending on the type of suspension system being replaced. It’s also helpful to have a friend available to lend a hand during the installation process. After the lift kit is installed, you may need to adjust wheel alignment, shock absorber settings, caster and camber angles, torque factory fasteners, as well as wheel balance. After all these steps are completed, don’t forget to take your truck off-road for a test run–you should immediately notice the change in performance!
What You Need to Know Before Installing
Before installing a 4-inch lift kit, it is important to make sure that your vehicle can handle the increased weight and size of the new suspension. You should also check for any additional components needed for installation, such as additional brakes or U-bolts. It is essential to ensure that any accessories be properly installed and tightened, as necessary, to ensure safe operation and durability. Additionally, you should verify that all nuts and bolts supplied with the kit have been properly torqued before driving on uneven terrain or at high speeds.
It may also be beneficial to inspect the underside of your vehicle prior to installation to verify there are no preexisting issues that could be exacerbated after adding a 4-inch lift kit. If any issues are discovered, they should be appropriately addressed before attempting installation. Additionally, if your vehicle has power steering then you may need a steering stabilizer depending on how large the lift will be. Finally, you will want to perform an alignment when all parts have been fitted securely as an out-of-alignment car can reduce tire life and stability while driving.
Maintenance Tips After Installation
After you have installed your 4-inch lift kit, it is important to remember to regularly check each part to ensure proper operation. It is also important to make sure that all of the components are correctly aligned and properly adjusted. Be sure to inspect the surface of the new lift plates for wearing and rusting, since they will need more frequent care than other parts of the vehicle. It is also essential to check nuts and bolts periodically for tightness in order to keep everything securely in place.
Additionally, don’t forget to regularly inspect the suspension shocks; look for leaks or breaks that may indicate a need for repair or replacement as soon as possible. Make sure all of your ride height adjustments are optimal for your needs based on your terrain, as this could affect performance. Finally, always be prepared with spare parts in case something malfunctions unexpectedly on the trail!
Professional Installation Services
Having a professional install a 4-inch lift kit can be a great way to ensure the job is done correctly. Professional installation services not only save time, but they usually provide additional insight and guidance on choosing the right components for one’s specific make and model. A professional shop should also be able to guarantee that their installation adheres to all relevant local codes, ensuring long-term vehicle safety.
For those looking for a reliable shop that offers professional 4-inch lift kit installation services, there are many options available. Most major auto parts stores offer these services, as do many independent shops with knowledgeable technicians. It’s important to research each shop before committing to an appointment; ask around in the local community for recommendations and read reviews on third-party sites before settling on any particular option.
The cost of having a professional install your 4-inch lift kit will vary depending on the specific shop’s prices and labor costs, as well as the amount of labor involved with installing each individual component. In general, however, having the installation done professionally may end up costing more initially than if you did it yourself – especially since special tools may need to be purchased or rented from the shop – but it will pay off in the long run thanks to increased accuracy and fewer problems down the road.
Different Types of Lift Kits
Before installing any kind of lift kit, you should understand the types of lifts that are available. There are two main types: body lifts and suspension lifts.
Body lifts raise the body of your vehicle and leave the suspension components in their original position. This is achieved by inserting thick polyurethane spacers between the chassis and the body, which increases ground clearance to install larger tires. The advantage of a body lift is that it requires minimal labor to install, along with being relatively inexpensive compared to a suspension lift. However, a body lift won’t increase your wheel travel or ride quality like a suspension lift will.
The second type of lift kit is a suspension system. This involves installing taller springs and longer shocks that change your vehicle’s center of gravity and drastically improve off-road capability. With a suspension lift, you can expect improved wheel travel as well as greater articulation, which allows for better handling over sharp turns or rough terrain. Suspension kits tend to cost more than body kits but you get far more performance enhancement for your money spent. An added benefit is that most suspension systems have adjustable parts making them easy to fine-tune later on.
A 4 inch lift kit can be found in both body and suspension versions – depending on what features you want from it – with both offering an incredible improvement in ground clearance when applied after installation. For instance, if you’re doing mostly highway driving then a 4 inch body lift would work just fine; however if you plan on traversing muddy trails or rocky hills then going with a suspension system might be worth considering due to its superior wheel travel capabilities and increased traction control when compared to the former option.
