How to Lift a Truck

No matter if you drive a Chevy Silverado special edition or a Chevrolet Colorado, a lift kit can be pretty appealing. A lift kit is a premier off-roading accessory that offers drivers confidence when off-roading past Mandarin. However, because lift kits can be costly, drivers are asking about how to lift a truck at home. Although there are important differences between suspension lift kits, body lift kits, and leveling kits, you can find out if you’re up to the task with this general, introductory guide from Beaver Chevrolet. If you need assistance at any point, don’t hesitate to contact our service team for help!

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 also a good idea to have a pry bar and a hammer on hand just in case there are any old parts you’re having trouble removing. You’ll also want to have WD-40 or the penetrating oil of your choice to loosen tight joints, as well as a few extra nuts and bolts in case something gets misplaced. If you need any of the parts listed above, or you still haven’t purchased your lift kit, you can order exactly what you need online and pick it up at the Beaver Chevrolet parts department.

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

While we can offer instructions on how to install a lift kit, they are no replacement for the instruction manual that comes included with your lift kit when you purchase it. The steps below are designed to give you a brief overview of the process, so you can decide between DIY and professional installation for your kit. Also, it’s important you check your vehicle’s owner’s manual so you can purchase a lift kit that is appropriate to your vehicle’s specifications. Then,take the following steps to lift your truck at home:

1. Remove the negative battery cable.
2. Loosen the lug nuts so the tires are easier to remove when your truck is off the ground.
3. Use your jack and jack stands to raise the vehicle. The process will take a while, so you’ll want to make sure that the vehicle’s center of gravity is 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. Attach your old tires, or attach a set of bigger tires that you’ve purchased for your vehicle.
9. Lower your vehicle carefully, going little by little, and keeping it as level as possible as it inches towards the ground.

Depending on the scale of your modifications, you might also need to install a longer driveshaft, a new transfer case, or some other additional components. After following these steps, your lift kit should be installed. However, before you hit the trails out near Ponte Vedra or Jacksonville Beach, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection at your local Beaver Chevrolet service center. Our technicians will help to ensure everything went as planned. The next time somebody wonders, “How do I lift my truck?” they might even turn to you for help!

How Long Does it Take to Lift a Truck?

Now that you’ve seen how to lift a truck, you should make sure that you have time to finish the job! Although it’s easier to install leveling kits than it is to install an off-road-ready suspension lift kit, neither job is going to be a quick one. Trained and certified technicians can take anywhere between seven and fifteen hours installing a new kit. Even if you’re a DIY service veteran, you should expect to spend at least twice that long installing a lift kit at home.

Get Your Truck Lifted at Beaver Chevrolet

Once you have a general idea of how to lift a truck at home, you can get started! However, you should know that in nine cases out of ten, it’s going to be quicker, easier, and less risky to schedule service with your local Beaver Chevrolet service center. We also have service specials to help drivers save. Learn more about our accessories, services, used Chevy Colorado inventory, Chevy Colorado towing capacity, and even if you can trade in a financed car when you contact us today!