I did what SB08JK said and used the money I would have paid for installation and bought some tools I would use again. Plus it makes you feel good when you look at it and know you did it.

 

Easy. Just make double sure everything is tight when you're done.

 

That would be why 1 of my purchases with the savings was a torque wrench

 

Very easy if you have the tools

 

I agree with what everyone has mentioned. I put mine on with the help of my brother-in-law who had most of the tools I didn't have. If you make sure to have everything you need it turns out to be very simple. Just takes patience and a little time.

 

I installed a BB on my 07 (2 Door) with no problems. The only thing that I found to be very helpful was a second person to assist. The kit is very easy for a do it yourself but give yourself some time. Also make sure you have all the proper tools this would make the install alot easier and safer.

 

I have done two lift kit installs to date. If you can do basic vehicle repairs, then you can do one of the basic lift kits no problem. Now I would not say to do a short arm or long arm kit yourself if you don't know what you are doing, but it sounds like that is not what you are looking for anyway.

As far as needing air tools, while they are nice, they are surely not necessary and won't save you hours like someone else said. I was able to install my suspension lift on my JK in 3 hours in my driveway with a friend of mine. We used only hand tools, and very basic ones at that. Neither of us are mechanics or have done a suspension lift before (the other lift I did was a body lift on a YJ).

If you have any concerns about installing the lift, send me a PM. If you want to make the ride to Reading, PA I will help you install the lift when you get it. Just really look into the lifts, ask questions, and think about your budget. Remember most lift kits are only the start and don't really include everything you need, you will most likely need to add other parts to make the lift kit complete.

We should probably discuss what lift you are looking to get and what size tires you are trying to run. Then we can figure out what you will really need to get a proper lift that will function properly, give you good handling and allow you to run the tire/wheels you are looking to. The best part of installing the lift yourself is you will fully understand how your suspension and lift work by the time you are done. That way if you ever do need to make a repair, you won't have to worry about taking it into a shop. And once you get this done, you will be ready to tackle bigger and better projects.

Ace

 

Do not mislead this person. For a first time lift, 4 hours is quick with track bar, shocks and lift. 3 hours with hand tools is haulin a**...

The air tools will save you at least 1 hour, but they are not necessary. It takes less than 2 seconds to take a bolt off with an air tool. Lug nuts, shock bolts and track bar bolts are on and off in seconds vs wrenching. You can argue all you want, but that saves a LOT of time and busted knuckles. Again...a complete luxury and not needed.

With that said, I have lifted over 10 Jeeps in my garage from leaf spring to coil and two JK's. both JK's took me right at 4 hours, taking my time, with air.

If this is your first, you should plan about 4-6 hours to take your time and move carefully. Then have a beer(s) when you are done.

 

No arguement at all! I agree, air tools will save you time and make things easier, just not necessary, especially on a JK which are new enough that rusty/frozen bolts won't be an issue. The one place it will really save you time is with the lug nuts for sure.

I didn't have any beers, maybe that is why I was haulin A**. Of course the other reason we worked so quickly is because it was getting dark and I was leading a trail ride the next day.

Anyway my offer still stands, I will gladly help anyone install their lift if they want to make the ride to Reading, PA. I am not too far from Rausch Creek, so an after install test can also be part of the plan.

 

Realistically, you should plan on at least 6 or 7 hours to put it on. It took me this long and I had never done much more than regular tune-ups, changing brake pads and a couple water pumps on my other vehicles. I may have been able to do it faster, but I had my laptop in the garage and was checking, comparing and double-checking what I was doing against the write-ups on this site.
By the way, in addition to the tools mentioned, a wireless router and a laptop in the garage was a big help too.