putting on a lift do i have every thing

[xtremez71]

i just bought a fabtech 6" suspension lift for my 02 z71 chevy besides what the kit comes with is there any special tools or anything like that , that i will need before i tear everything apart and then get stuck cause i dont have the right tool, and also is there any special mods like cutting something out that will have to be done ,
thanks

[ikos10]

Oh yes, you need a whole garage. If you have never done this before, I would consider a few things. When you pull the ifs down, you need to cut the mounts, then re-weld new ones. The exhaust will have to be re-bent and re-run., Also, keep in mind, you MUST MUST pay very close attention to measuments. If you re-install the ifs system and the steering box even slightly off, your allignment will never be straight. I am not trying to scare you, but these are important details. You are lookiong at, at least a weekend worths of working.

This is a big project, good luck.

[junior3382]

It will really be an advantage to you if you have a lift in your garage, but iff not, IKOS10 is right, you need to watch out for your measurments, you might throw off your allignment, and it would suck to cut it out, weld it in, then have to cut it out and do it all over again. If you don't have any experience with this, then you may want top consider taking it to a shop.......

[75K30]

if you guys are talking about garage, as a car garage, like the one attatched to a house. This would be a big mistake. Unfortunately one that is made very often. Do not install a lift kit in a garage. The truck in stock form goes in, but after it is lifted does not come out.
As far as the cutting, and welding part, it is not that bad. If you bought a new Fabtech lift, then it will be a 100% bolt in kit, no welding on the frame anymore, and can only go on one way, it will not bolt up wrong, and provide alignment problems. I do think I remember a cut that has to be made to the lower a-arm mount that renders this kit a no return kit, which means that once it is cut, going back to stock is not an option without some major work. You will have to modify the crossover pipe so it clears the driveshaft, still no biggie. Watch the brakeline routing on the front of the truck, the new ss ones that come with the kit can get caught between the shock, and the upper a-arm. Also, the rear shocks are larger in diameter than the stock units, and may rub the stock shock mounts, so a litttle grinding may have to be done here for extra clearence.
This will take you the better part of a day to do by yourself, so try to get a friend to help. Air tools make this job much faster.
Maybe the most important thing, don't forget to adjust your headlights after you lift your truck. I hate when guys fail to do this, and run with headlights too high, and blind everyone in front of them.
Have fun, and good luck.

[ikos10]

Originally Posted by 75K30

if you guys are talking about garage, as a car garage, like the one attatched to a house. This would be a big mistake. Unfortunately one that is made very often. Do not install a lift kit in a garage. The truck in stock form goes in, but after it is lifted does not come out.
.

Good point.... didn't think of that.... But its good to know that the kit is 100% bolt on, takes the challenge out of it though...lol Anyways, if you feel confident, go for it. Good luck.

[mudseeker]

when you get the kit you should recieve a very detailed instruction booklet, it even has pictures for us lazey people. also, like 75k30 said be careful with the garage, back it in so if you have to you can put the tires on the back and set the front on dolleys so you can get it out. most of the time i am luckey enough where airing the tires down will get the truck low enough.

[MORROWMUDDER]

if your not to truck smart all i can say is i hope you have lots of friends who are, and lots of beer!!

[GarrenNatas]

Originally Posted by MORROWMUDDER

if your not to truck smart all i can say is i hope you have lots of friends who are, and lots of beer!!

All good friends will do garage work for beer...

[bradrhale]

let us know how it goes. we might have to hire you out if you get good at it.

[chevyguy]

there are a few kits that require modifications of your truck to install the kit. Call the manufacturere and ask them before you tear it apart. I have installed a few ( dont remember what make) that required soem light torch work to get it in correctly.