Attempted Lift Kit

[okiecat]

Well I tried to put on my Xroads lift kit today. Now I have always thought I was a pretty good mechanic, but this think gave me fits. First off, I was also changing the springs along with a 21/4" lift. Well I don't think you can do this without a spring compressor!! I tried for an hour or so. Well I started out with 23 1/2" to front wheel well. Now I'm at 28"!!! Wow. What did I do wrong? Then I went to the back. Well the instructions say put the new leaf on the bottom, but I had a bracked on my bottom spring holding the brake line. I had to grind it off, now no bracket.. My bottom spring was a little thicker than the other 2 above. I was originally at 24" and now I'm at 25 1/2. Thats close, but I still wonder if I have the spring in the right place??:

[Mighty Milt]

up front you got just what you installed... 2+ inches of spring and 2.25 inches of lift kit... check those CV angles make sure you aren't binding.

[okiecat]

Thanks Milt, I really enjoy reading your post. They are usually dead on! I going to take out the lift spacers after lunch. Its just too tall for what I wanted. I like a truck with a little look to it. But still drive and handle. Would you have any idea on the back if I put the lift spring in the right place? The instructions said to put it between the leafs if you had overloads. I always thought the overloadw were on top, bumping a seperate bumper. Anyway my bottom spring is thicker and shorter than the top two. Any input appreciated!!!

[greg0187]

Thanks Milt, I really enjoy reading your post. They are usually dead on! I going to take out the lift spacers after lunch. Its just too tall for what I wanted. I like a truck with a little look to it. But still drive and handle. Would you have any idea on the back if I put the lift spring in the right place? The instructions said to put it between the leafs if you had overloads. I always thought the overloadw were on top, bumping a seperate bumper. Anyway my bottom spring is thicker and shorter than the top two. Any input appreciated!!!

okie,
The overload springs are flat (no arch), its always the bottom most spring in the pack. The x-roads helper leaf should go between it and the rest of the spring pack.

-Greg

[Timetripper]

okie, Some 1 ton's are set up as you describe with a seperate overload on top but the smaller trucks [including the kei's] are always underneath as Greg has posted

[okiecat]

Well I got the spacers out. Piece of cake, amazing. The front looks alot better. And on the rear I am used to 1tons. So I've got that to redo now. Thats alright. But when I drove it around the lot I'm getting a hard banging almost like the struts are bottoming out, or something is loose with a metal to metal bang. And this is not a rough parking lot. Thanks again

[xroadsimport]

Yes it would not work to install a spring that lifted 2 1/4" and the 2 1/4" spacer for a total of 4 1/2". That is just to much.

The add-a-leaf must go between the overload (flater pring on the bottom, not connected at both ends), and the rest of the springs. It goes below the springs and above the overload.

If you have problems just call.

[MAXOUT]

Well I got the spacers out. Piece of cake, amazing. The front looks alot better. And on the rear I am used to 1tons. So I've got that to redo now. Thats alright. But when I drove it around the lot I'm getting a hard banging almost like the struts are bottoming out, or something is loose with a metal to metal bang. And this is not a rough parking lot. Thanks again

By By CV Joints...:eek:

Take a look to see if you can see any rub marks on drive line or suspension arms. if no signs of rubbing jack the front off the ground and grab the front wheels and move from top to bottom and side to side to see if there is any play in tie rod ends or ball joints. Check all lugs and other bolts you disturbed for tightness while truck is off the ground. Good Luck. Many I have spoke with do not suggest lifting these trucks at all. I agree. The front axles are short and lifting the truck will increase the angle of the axles and sooner or later destroy the front CV joints. I also see people putting different size tires on the front then the back. This is a bad Idea on a 4 Wheel drive truck. You are essentially changing the gear ratio front to back and putting allot of stress on the transaxle. Especially on hard ground. Just my two cents.