Lifting my 80, Do it myself or how much $ to pay

[mooker82]

I am getting ready to order an old man emu lift soon and am wondering if there are any links to the install. I have read through the how to on Slee's web site. He mentioned using a hi lift and that it was faster. My tool selection here is limited since I am in college so the simpler the better. Is there a step by step method for doing this. Any links would be appreciated. Also if I pay someone how much should I pay. I have received one estimate that was $750 and it seemed really high even with bushing installation.
thanks
Steven

 

[DRTDuck]

Slee's directions are all you need. A floor jack, jack stands and a bottle jack are all that you really need.

 

[concretejungle]

If you pay a reputable mechanic i would expect to pay approximately $300 to $350.

Plus, there is no way in hell you are going to get the caster correction bushings pressed in without rigging up some type of jig.

 

[nakman]

Agreed- the hardest part is pressing the bushings in & out for the control arms. I believe Christo will do that for you (and will likely be more into it if you also bought the lift from him) if you take your control arms off, send them to Sleeoffroad, then they send them back with new bushings. But he can answer that question for you better than anyone.

The springs are easy- I like to rent the spring compressors even though you technically don't need them and other people will now chime in to say that they're not necessary- still easier, IMO, and worth every penny of the free rental at Autozone. Support the truck's frame, jack up one side of the axle, install the compressors, lower the axle, and wow your spring is nice & loose. Careful of the locker wire that's attached to the DS of the sway bar in front, and the line that's attached to the sway bar in the back, if you disconnect those holders you won't stress the wires as much when you lower the bars (you have to drop the sway bars to get the axles to go down far enough) but since you read Slee's how to, you knew that. hth..

 

[lc1996]

Springs

If you have tall enough jack stands, you can lower the axle enough to install the springs w/o compressing them. I've installed Slee's 6" w/o having to compress the springs.

Carl

 

[Hosehumper]

The hardest part of the install (for me) was loosening the seized shock nuts; everything else was easy and straightforward.

 

[medtro]

I know somebody who paid Toyota about $350 to have them installed on the wrong sides. Make sure you educate your ASE certified mechanic

 

[reffug]

I know somebody who paid Toyota about $350 to have them installed on the wrong sides. Make sure you educate your ASE certified mechanic

Or hang them depending......................................

 

[MoJ]

My guess is it would be quite a bit cheaper if you buy from the the same shop you have install it. Most of the figures above seem to be based on buying from one and paying somone else to install.

 

[Riley]

The only difficult part is pressing in the bushings as you need a large press. I found a shop with a press but then I had to teach them how to do thje caster correction bushings. Basically I was lucky to find some guys that would pay attention to listen to me while they did it (team work is hard to find).

I think I ended up paying them about $300 for the half day it took. Not many shops will listen to the owner while doing a job like this.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

I have a friend who has a shop and he has a sign on the wall. It goes something like this:

Labor rates:

Hourly rate: $30
Hourly rate if you watch: $40
Hourly rate if you help: $70



I was fortunate enough to befriend him to the point that he lets me use his shop when he's not busy

Ary

 

[Panzer]

Anyone know what the part numbers for left and right should be? (Assuming I can still read them)

My 97 had the O.M.E. on it when I bought it. It now leans like a -40. I don't remember it leaning when I got it (02/02) Just wondering if it is time for a new set of springs (198K on chassis) or if it might be a wrongside install issue.

Any thoughts,

CAS

 

[Junk]

I vote for you trying it yourself if you feel up to it. It is not difficult (easier to say after doing it), and a great way to learn more about your truck. Then again, most on this forum prefer to do things themselves. Nothing wrong with paying to have it done if that is your choice.

You don't need spring compressors.

Take your time and make sure the truck is steady (whether it's perched on a rock, using a hi-lift, or floor jack with bottle jack).

Make sure to soak the top shock bolts in the engine bay a few days prior to the attempt.

If there is another cruiserdude in your area (very likely and check the TLCA clubs), then invite someone over to watch and lend a hand (save your butt if you're over your head ).

Good luck, but either way, it's up to you. Lot's of folks here will say how they do a lot, and they do, but it's always easier after seeing it done the first time.

 

[mooker82]

Thanks for all the help. I feel better now attempting to do the job myself. The only thing I am concerned about is being able to break loose the bolts without breaking the bolt off. I do not have access to air tools so its hand tools all the way. The caster bushings also concern me but I guess I will have to have a shop do it for me anyways so no big deal.

 

[mooker82]

Forgot to see if anyone is in the Charleston, SC area that wants to give me a hand. Ill pay in beer

 

[TFS55]

here we do it with two jacks and two jack stands. labor cost for installation shocks springs with caster bushings, with press in press out is 30 USD equivalent. talk about cheap labor.

 

[medtro]

here we do it with two jacks and two jack stands. labor cost for installation shocks springs with caster bushings, with press in press out is 30 USD equivalent. talk about cheap labor.

Where is "here"?

 

[StressPuppy]

I was fortunate enough to befriend him to the point that he lets me use his shop when he's not busy

Thanks for stating that!!! Make those of us that have to fight and get the kids junk out of the garage before we can even think about getting started a bit jealous. And if you mention a hydraulic lift, I WILL find you and beat you!!!

 

[Harridig]

When I had my lift done, I had a guy who worked on heeps help me. He planned on 8 hours to complete the job. We started at 9am and finished up at noon. He was amazed at how simple it was. It was his first time working on a newer Cruiser, he had done suspension work on several 45's when he was younger. He had a floor jack and power tools, that is it. Oh yeah, he also had to torch the steering stabilizer to get it off to replace with the OME.

As mentioned before, don't forget to soak all the bolts.

Good luck in the install, you are going to love the results. Not that I have to tell you , I'm sure you already know that.

Later-

D

 

[reffug]

Thanks for stating that!!! Make those of us that have to fight and get the kids junk out of the garage before we can even think about getting started a bit jealous. And if you mention a hydraulic lift, I WILL find you and beat you!!!

Ditto.................................and the beating would be severe