Lifting 101

[Feets001]

I am slowly procuring the parts to rebuild my suspension. I have been lurks my around here about a year, or so. I have Mark's three inch lift kit, Rock Auto's control arms, outer tie rods, 81114 springs, and, ball joints. Still need the struts, shocks, and rear springs. The truck is an 03 with 157.000 minutes led. However hopeflhthe inner tie rods , and half shalf's are okey. I guess I'm a dummy, but I struggle with the washers under the front lift puck, and the shimming when flipping the upper control arms. Can I not just put it all together and get it aligned and ride?

[DirtyBacon04]

well... from what i understood...
there is no shimming of the Upper Control Arms. Just flip upside down, and switch left to right/right to left

[Trail X]

Leon, you talking about these washers?

[Feets001]

Thanks for the replies. Sorry about the spelling...lol. Yes, what's the deal on those washers? I do tend to try to over analyze everything. I can see the wear in my outer tie rods, but how do I check the inner tie rod for wear? How do I check the cv joints? Probably should just replace them but poor man with poor ways

[Trail X]

Ok, those washers pictured above allow us to eek out a little more downward articulation from our suspensions. It's not a must-do type thing, but it just helps it ride a little better and top out less. Make sure your suspension can handle it after installing it by rotating the wheels with no weight on them and checking for binding.

Check inner ball joints by removing the steering rack boot from over said joint and then rocking the tire back and forth. Look for play, it will be fairly obvious when the boot is removed.

CVS don't generally go bad unless your boots get ripped. Check for ripped boots or slung grease around the boots.

[Feets001]

So James, looks like you have six washers under the bushing. Is that the norm? What size washers did you use? Got all the parts except the shocks, struts, and rear springs. Getting jacked lol. Been reading all I can so as not to trouble ya'll.

[v7guy]

I think I used 5 washers, it'll also depend on the washer you use as well.
If you keep the stock CV make sure you clamp the boot at the tripot housing.

[Feets001]

I have read of all the boot failures when lifting. I'm gonna try and make them a little more pliable. I figure they have a lot of memory set into them.