OK- I hope i not out of place but i not yet done one on my chey (some time soon 6-8" will be on Brutis). i done alot of lifts on my other toys so i pass my information on that to you.
So heres the questions:
Was it worth the time and frustration to install the lift on your own or would you pay someone else a fortune to install it? This would depend on you, if you got money to toss and no tools, patence, space to do the job or time. it is nice to drive into a shop hand the keys to someone and get it back completed. I am too broke to do this and i like to work on my own stuff so i can have peice of mind it is done to my standards (i can be a pain and i likes things done my way or not done at all and i like to know the state of my truck so i can see every inch of it and know what elase needs attention).
I do have another vehicle to drive while working on the install, so in your opinion should I try to put it on myself?again time,space, tools and knowhow. most lifts come with detailed instructions and pictures so one can do it ones self--just ignore the install times or tripple them and you will be fine.
How much mechanical ability is needed to install this lift?common sense, most basic hand tools, a long breaker bar, and alot of PB Blaster to help in removing the bolts and nuts.if you can read and do most popular upgrades to your truck then a lift kit is not too hard. just farm out what you do not know ( for me this was the alignment. i can get close but it rather put in the shop and use my free lifetime alignment)
What tools are needed for the install?depending on condition of truck, common hand tools, breaker bar, ball joint seperator, press (or a shop can do this part drop the parts off), jack, a few jack stands, touque wrench, a place to lay stuff out for removed parts and install new parts,if there are rivets like the ford an air hammer and or grinfder and a BFH and a siz pack or gallon of your favorite cool drink. a friend helps too, but i seem to miss place mine at time of work, they show up at closing time or diner time.....
How much time do you think you spent overall on the install? On the front? On the back?i would say the 1st time installer would do the rear one weekend and the front the next. If all goes well then you might see the rear one day and the front the other day on the weekend. most kits say 10-16 hours to install. i got the ford lifts down pretty good.
How does the new suspension feel compared to the old suspension and are the skyjacker shocks of good quality? the ride will be different, and it will or may change over the first 1000-3000 miles (springs need to setin and well as the other parts) i perfer the SkyJacker Class II lift kits they seem to be the strongest for the Ford crappy TTB front end
Do you like how it looks and drives now? i love the look of a lift and larger tires and most of the time the ride is alot better---remember this is a truck not a custom cruzer.....
Can you tell that it has more height when getting into the car now? Does it feel higher while driving it and when sitting next to other cars at traffic lights?
this would depend on the size lify you use. i went 8" suspension and 3" body so 11" lift was a big difference getting in. you will notice as little as an 1" but you will adjust without thinking.
Is the center of gravity thrown off now? if you drive these like trucks than there is little to no difference, but if you want to cayon carve with it she will be different. i have never been sad that i added a lift to any thing i added one to so i would do it again and again........hope this helps..
Here s what Jezebel started her life with me as (sorry it is a Ford, But Brutis just joined the family and has not gone under the knife yet)
Her she is top less and new lift and tires and just getting ready to out and play.
Lift it and enjoy it.....mike