How to Lift a Truck
If you drive a Ford F-150 or Ford Super Duty, then chances are you’ve read about or browsed for lift kits for your truck. Even as you’re shopping for a new truck and deciding on bed sizes and trim levels, you can opt for this off-roading accessory so that you can drive pretty much anywhere in the Columbia area with complete confidence. However, lifting a truck can be costly, and we’re sure you’re looking for ways to save, which may be achieved by completing the task at home. Check out this guide from Jim Hudson Ford to determine whether you have the wherewithal to do so on your own!
Necessary Tools to Lift a Truck
Asking yourself, “How do I lift my truck?” First and foremost, gather the tools you will need to install a lift kit:
- Vehicle jacks and jack stands
- Socket wrench
- Torque wrench
- Lug wrench
- Screwdriver
In addition, make sure to have a pry bar, hammer, WD-40, and a few extra nuts and bolts available. It’s also important to note that this isn’t an exhaustive list of everything you might need. 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 through the Jim Hudson Ford Parts Department.
How Do I Lift My Truck at Home?
Above all else, when you lift a truck, it is crucial to follow the instruction manual included in your purchased lift kit. The steps outlined here by Jim Hudson Ford are simply an overview of the process.
With all of your tools prepared and the proper lift kit for your vehicle at hand, you can follow these general steps to lift your truck at home:
- Prepare your truck by removing the negative battery cable and loosening the lug nuts on your tires.
- Raise your vehicle, ensuring that the truck’s center of gravity is balanced.
- Remove the wheels, the old U-bolts, and the current shocks and springs.
- Attach the new bolts included in your lift kit and the new shocks and suspension. Assemble any and all parts according to your instruction manual.
- Tighten all bolts as necessary.
- Secure either your old tires or a set of bigger tires appropriate for the lift.
- Carefully lower your vehicle, keeping the truck as level as possible.
Depending on the scale of your modifications, a few extra installations may be necessary, such as a longer driveshaft, a new transfer case, or some other additional components.
At this point, your lift kit should be installed! Before setting out on the Irmo roads, though, connect with the Jim Hudson Ford Service Department for a general inspection to ensure that everything is good to go.
How Long Does It Take to Lift a Truck?
Our instructions simplify what is actually a very time-consuming process. It can take professionals anywhere from 7 to 15 hours to install a new lift kit, and even DIY veterans can expect to spend a weekend or more on the installation.
Should I Lift My Truck at Home?
As we previously mentioned, lifting a truck is quite difficult, and we don’t recommend it for the average driver, especially if you don’t have the appropriate parts available. And if you make a mistake, you may actually spend more money than you would if you bring it to the professionals at Jim Hudson Ford.
Schedule Your Truck Lift with Jim Hudson Ford
After reading this guide, you should have a good sense of how to lift a truck at home and whether you are capable of doing so on your own. If you want the quickest and easiest option, then you can always schedule service with Jim Hudson Ford! Learn more about Truck Bed Sizes, see how the Ford F-150 compares to the RAM 1500 and discover how much the Ford F-250 can tow.