Do I need to have the dealer install this? Or is it OK to have my neighborhood backyard Jeep mechanic do it?

 

Im sure your mechanic could get it done, most people on here do it themselves. My husband is going to put mine on this weekend.

 

Anybody with a basic set of tools, hydraulic jack and jack-stands, who is slightly mechanical inclined can install a leveling kit.

 

Nice!

I can't wait to have it done, but I don't have a coil compressor. I figure the local guy will do it for around 60 bucks anyhow. Seems worth it.

 

You don't need a spring compressor for a 2.5" lift.

 

You don't use a coil compressor.
1. put the Jeep on stands
2. pull the wheels
3. support the axle with a jack
4. pull the shocks
5. disconnect the sway bar links
6. pull the clips off the wiring for the abs sensors that hold them to the frame to give them more slack
7. pull the bolts on the brake line bracket that's on the frame to give them more slack.
8. slowly lower the axle until the springs can be removed
9. pull the spring isolator from the spring pocket
10. install spacer into spring pocket
11. put isolator on bottom of spacer.
12. reinstall everything in reverse order

It's really easy. First time it will probably take you a few hours to do the front and back. In the front you replace the sway bar links with the teraflex ones. In the rear you will have to unhook the e-brake lines from their hooks above the axle to give them enough slack to drop the axle. Overall it's about a project.

 

I have the tools and access to the jack & stands, but could you define "slightly mechanically inclined" to me cuz I'm not very...

 

Do it youeself man! It will only take a couple hours at most and will save you tons of money not having to go to the dealer.

 

It's pretty straight forward. Couple hours taking out time - I also used coil compressors to make it easier. You can borrow them from Autozone for free, so why not.

 

If you can turn a wrench and follow directions you are mechanically inclined and can install a leveling kit.