How to Lift a Truck

If you’re driving a Chevy Colorado or a Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500HD, or 3500HD in Crawfordville, you’re well-aware of the strong performance these formidable pickups bring to weekend adventures far from the beaten path. That said, if you’re a frequent off-road adventurer, you’ve probably considered installing a lift kit for even greater capabilities when you hit the trail. This begs the question of how to lift a truck at home. It’s a pretty difficult project that should only be taken on by veteran DIYers, but it can be done at home if you’re properly equipped. Learn more with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet, below!

What Tools Do I Need to Lift a Truck?

First thing’s first, here are the tools you’ll need to install a lift kit:

• Vehicle jacks and jack stands
• Socket wrench
• Torque wrench
• Lug wrench
• Screwdriver

It’s smart to have a pry bar and hammer on hand as well, in the event that there are old parts on your truck that prove difficult to remove. WD-40 or another penetrating oil you like is also convenient to have on hand, as you can use it to loosen up tight joints – a few spare nuts and bolts couldn’t hurt, either. It’s important to note that this is the bare minimum of what you should have available when lifting a truck at home. If you have access to a full body shop, it’s in your best interest to take advantage.

Don’t have some of the parts we listed? You can order what you need from the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet parts department to get started.

How Do I Lift My Truck at Home? A Step-by-Step Guide

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet is always here for you with helpful guides, but at the end of the day, there is no substitute for the instruction manual included in your lift kit. You can consider the steps detailed below as a good overview of the process to come, helping you to be absolutely sure a DIY truck lift is something you’re prepared to take on. Once you’ve purchased a lift kit that is built to work with your specific year, make, and model, you can follow these steps to lift your truck at home:

1. Remove the negative battery cable.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the tires so they’re easier to remove when your truck is off the ground.
3. Using your jack and jack stands, raise your truck off the ground. This can be a lengthy process, and you should be sure your truck’s center of gravity is resting right where it should be.
4. Remove the wheels and tires and set them aside.
5. Remove the old U-bolts, along with your vehicle’s current shocks and springs.
6. Attach the new bolts and, while assembling any parts according to the instructions that came with your kit, attach the new shocks and suspension.
7. Use your torque wrench to make sure that all pieces and bolts are tightened according to the proper specifications.
8. Reattach your old tires, or attach larger tires if you’ve purchased new ones.
9. Carefully lower your truck back down to the ground, little by little, ensuring it stays as level as possible on its way down.

Depending on how significant your modifications are, you may also need to install a longer driveshaft, a new transfer case, or other additional components. If you’re unsure, we encourage you to call our service center at (850) 692-6302 for professional advice.

We know you’ll be eager to hit the trails once you’ve installed your lift kit, but we highly recommend you have it profesionally-inspected before you do so. A second set of eyes will help ensure everything has been done properly and your truck is safe to drive. You never know – the next time a friend is asking “how do I lift my truck?” they might just turn to you as the local expert!

How Long Does it Take to Lift a Truck?

Before you start the process of lifting your truck, you may be wondering how long the entire process will take. It’s not a job for the impatient, as even certified technicians can take anywhere from seven to 15 hours to complete the job. Even if you’ve been performing DIY auto repairs at home for most of your life, you should be prepared to spend twice that time installing your lift kit at home. We recommend planning your installation over a weekend when you can devote your full attention to the project.

Should I Lift My Truck at Home?

No matter your experience level, lifting a truck in Quincy is a challenging, time-consuming project that requires many tools and plenty of patience and attention to detail. Lift kits can be pretty pricey, and you may be tempted to avoid a labor charge by installing it yourself. However, if you don’t already have the necessary tools and parts on hand, you could actually end up spending less having it professionally installed than you would if you purchased every necessary component on your own.

It bears repeating that if you’ve decided you’re experienced enough to take on a DIY lift kit installation project, you should follow the kit’s official instruction manual to a tee. Our guide is simply meant to act as an overview of the process that will help you determine whether you can perform an installation yourself or should leave it to a professional.

Turn to Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet for Lift Kit Installation

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the lift kit installation process? We don’t blame you! If you’ve decided you’d like to have your kit installed by a factory-trained, certified technician, you’re welcome to schedule an appointment at Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet. Our service techs have the experience and knowledge necessary to get the job done right, ensuring you’ll be safe when you hit the rocky trails near Havana.

You can forego the trouble of lifting your truck entirely when you consult the custom Rocky Ridge lifted truck inventory available at Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet! Find a pre-modified truck that suits your needs and budget, or draw inspiration to create your own version from scratch.