How difficult is installing a full suspension?

[A Sober Animal]

I am planing on installing the Teraflex Alpine CT2 2.5" suspension kit along with the Falcon SP2 3.3 shocks and 2.1 Steering stabilizer. I have a shop that will do it for about $1500, but I'm wondering just how difficult it would be to do it yourself. Thinking I could potentially do the install, and then just have the shop complete the alignment.

The biggest limiting factor is that I don't have a garage to complete the install - I do have a buddy's house where we could install it in his driveway, and figured I could split the install over two days (front/frear). I also have most of the tools (full socket set, impact drivers, torque wrench, jack stands, etc.) to install the suspension. Even have strong worklights should we need to continue into the night.

The most complicated install I've completed so far was removing the front bumper to install a winch, bullbar, and switch panel. It wasn't particularity difficult, just time consuming. I'm hesitant to take on a project like this, however, simply because I don't want my suspension falling apart at high speeds and crashing.

Anyone take on a job like this for the first time have thoughts on it?

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[John VonJeep]

I’ve installed two Jeep suspensions and one Xterra suspension, with friends all three times. Some thoughts:

1. Make damn sure the driveway is level before you break out the jack stands.

2. Yes, it’s doable. It will take 2x to 3x the amount of time you think it will take because you have to pause and think at every step.

3. Hit any bolts to be removed with PB Blaster the night before.

4. Understand how you intend to remove the springs before you start. You either need a compressor (which I disfavor) or you need to get the Jeep pretty far into the air, which can feel uncomfortable if you’re using standard garage jacks and stands.

5. The JL requires quite a bit more torque for certain parts than the JK did. For instance, control arm bolts have jumped from 125 lb/ft to 190. 190 lb/ft is a lot of torque, and you have to do it will all four tires on the ground. It’s tight under there when you’re swinging a long torque wrench.

6. One tricky part is centering the axles. This can require removing the track bars several times unless you have one that can be adjusted while installed.

7. Please torque everything to spec. This is one of the most important steps. Many shops don’t do this properly, which is ridiculous. The detail work is what makes an install take so long, but you’ve got to get it right. Solid axles are simple, but they require precision in certain ways.

8. Remember this immortal meme:

 

[Roky]

I am planing on installing the Teraflex Alpine CT2 2.5" suspension kit along with the Falcon SP2 3.3 shocks and 2.1 Steering stabilizer. I have a shop that will do it for about $1500, but I'm wondering just how difficult it would be to do it yourself. Thinking I could potentially do the install, and then just have the shop complete the alignment.

The biggest limiting factor is that I don't have a garage to complete the install - I do have a buddy's house where we could install it in his driveway, and figured I could split the install over two days (front/frear). I also have most of the tools (full socket set, impact drivers, torque wrench, jack stands, etc.) to install the suspension. Even have strong worklights should we need to continue into the night.

The most complicated install I've completed so far was removing the front bumper to install a winch, bullbar, and switch panel. It wasn't particularity difficult, just time consuming. I'm hesitant to take on a project like this, however, simply because I don't want my suspension falling apart at high speeds and crashing.

Anyone take on a job like this for the first time have thoughts on it?

It’s not hard at all, if you can follow directions, you’ll be golden. If you get stumped, shoot me a PM, be glad to help out if I can……or reach out here in your thread, there’s a lot guys that’s been where you are at some point, and I’m willing to bet they’d have no problem helping out……

 

[Jim1964]

Easy job. And you’re LESS likely to have your suspension fall apart on the highway if you do it. No one else will be as interested in properly torquing every fastener as you will be.

There is nothing in that job you can’t do, just follow the instructions, no special skill or knowledge is required. Putting Ikea furniture together is worse than a lift.

 

[DavidArmen]

It’s not complicated at all. Like your bumper, nothing is particularly difficult, it’s just time consuming. Also, $1500 is way too much for a lift install. 4 Wheel Parts installs lift kits for about $700-$900 check if there are any around you. I think they even give a warranty for their work.

 

[Tech Tim]

If you've done a winch, bumper and switch panel, you should be able to do a suspension.

Just like the winch and bumper, it's not hard, just time consuming.

I usually encourage people to start at the rear first. It's the easiest to do, so you get into a rhythm and build your DIY confidence, then the front isn't that big of a deal.

Watch a few different videos on suspension installs to familiarize yourself with the basics and have at it. Everybody does things a little different, having a couple different viewpoints is good.

Here is a how-to video we did last year on a TeraFlex RT2 lift:

 

[DOOKEY]

The knowledge gained far outweighs the learning curve. Especially when we are all here to help. gofor it. Post pics.

 

[TKL223/3]

??? I give it 1 to 2 out of three wrenches to do the install.

 

[TeraFlex]

There's some good advice in this thread already, but our CT2 kit is not a particularly hard install, especially compared a long arm kit. A kit like this may seem daunting, but it is actually much more simple than it looks once you start into the install. It can be installed in your driveway with a basic set of hand tools and some tall jack stands. With the tool list you have you should be good to do it yourself if you're feeling up to it! I would recommend taking your time, making sure the instructions are followed and you'll have it done in no time at all.

 

[A Sober Animal]

Well shit, sounds like I'm gonna install my own suspension soon. Appreciate the feedback and words of encouragement!

 

[CorvZ061]

I installed my AEV lift at home on jack stands. Make sure you have all your torque specs, and put a mark on the bolt heads so you can easily see what you've torqued and not torqued yet. When it comes to torquing the lower control arm bolts at 190 ft lbs I used my legs and pushed from the side since the jeep has to be on the ground to torque those.

 

[Mikester86]

Can you have the Jeep’s front end on ramps then torque the front control arms? Especially the lowers, as 190 foot lbs is no joke.

 

[grimmjeeper]

The specs I've seen are up to 230 ft lbs.

I use one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00C5ZL1NS?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

 

[firedude]

Can you have the Jeep’s front end on ramps then torque the front control arms? Especially the lowers, as 190 foot lbs is no joke.

A very large torque wrench is nice to have and can be rented or buy a less expensive one with money saved by doing it yourself. As already stated you will be glad you did it yourself. Lots of help here if needed. I would take Roky up on his offer if needed.

 

[TheBirdie72]

You aren’t working on my Jeep, so I’d say go for it! ??

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