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Chris Klassen
Before Truxxx
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Chris Klassen
After Truxxx
Words by Trevor Klassen
There is something about the way a new pickup truck sits that leaves a lot to be desired. Front end low, back end up high. Even before I pulled my new truck off the lot, I knew I had to do something. But not everybody wants a huge lift. That is where Truxxx has you covered, offering lift and levelling kits up to 3”. I decided to give the 2”+ 1” kit a try (Part # 903024). This kit allows the use of 33” tires on stock offset rims with no cutting or rubbing.
Installation was straight forward if you have some mechanical background. It took about four hours but I was in no rush, and if I had a hoist I bet I could have shaved an hour off that time. During the installation it was easy to see that these are quality parts. Nice welds and perfect fitment are what you can expect from a product made in North America. Nothing offshore here folks.
Once it was installed it was time to take the measurements. The kit was bang on to what it was supposed to be. A true 2” up front and 1” in the rear. Now the search is on for a set of larger more aggressive tires to get the benefit of some extra ground clearance when driving off-road.
You can find your own kit for whatever brand of truck you drive at www.truxxx.com
Front Lift
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Step 1 Lift the front end of the truck and support with jack stands. Block rear wheels.
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Step 2 Mark alignment of camber adjustment bolts so you have an idea where to set them after installation is complete. Then loosen bolts.
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Step 3 Remove lower strut bolt and disconnect sway bar.
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Step 4 Remove bolts holding lower ball joint. Once the bolts are removed swing the A-arm down and out of the way.
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Step 5 Remove the nuts on top of the strut and remove strut.
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Step 6 Cut ¼” off of the studs to give enough clearance for the new spacer. Leave the nuts on the studs so you can back them off to help clean the treads up. This will make it easier to reinstall the nuts. Note that a #10 1.25 die will help but is not absolutely necessary.
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Step 7 Install the strut spacer with the curved portion matched to the side of the strut stamped “out”.
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Step 8 Reinstall the strut and reconnect to the lower A-arm. You can use a floor jack to help lift the A-arm back into place. Reconnect the sway bar and lower strut bolt. Set the camber alignment bolts and tighten. The instructions provided detail where to set the camber, but it is recommended to have this process performed by an alignment shop.
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Step 9 Support the differential with a floor jack.
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Step 10 Remove the two differential mounting bolts and lower diff enough to install the 1” spacers. Then install the two new longer diff drop bolts and nuts. The drivers side can be difficult and might require a second set of hands. The nut is hard to get at and see but it is doable with a box end wrench.
Rear Lift
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Step 11 Lift the rear of truck and support with jack stands. Make sure to block the front wheels. Disconnect the ABS wire and loosen the lower shock bolt. Support the axle with a floor jack and remove the shock bolt.
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Step 12 Remove U-bolts from one side of the truck only. Lower the axle with the floor jack just enough to slide the lift block into place.
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Step 13 Install new longer U-bolts provided with the kit and replace the lower shock bolt. Now repeat the process on the other side, then head off to your preferred shop and have an alignment performed.