OME how to?

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mattoo18

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Hey guys Im thinking of buying the lift sometime soon but Im wondering if there is a how to on it. I have searched but maybe not good enough. I have basic hand tools and am fairly mechanically inclined. Can I tackle it myself in the yard (well parking lot) or should I pay to have it put on?

Thanks

Matt

Oh pictures will be up soon.
 

mattoo18

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OK how long did it take you guys to complete? I work at a tire shop but Im not sure that my manger will let me take up a bay for a while. It may be drawn out for me bc of work and school, but we have a stand up spring compressor. Im very interested in doing the lift but am slightly nervous about talking it myself.

Thanks

Matt
 

tommudd

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complete lift can be done 3 hours or so although some have taken 8 hours but not sure why?
 

ThunderbirdJunkie

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if you have a vague idea of how to work on a vehicle, 5 hours max.

If you take more than 4 to do it though we'll make fun of you :D
 

Uncle Krusty

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Matt,
When I purchased my OME springs there wasn't anything in the boxes about installing them, so I know what you mean. However there have been a few good write-ups here on the process of installing different type lifts, and you should be able to get a good idea of whats involed from reading these.

Though not difficult, install time will vary depending on a couple things.
1. Your toolbox - With the exception of the spring compressor, basic hand tools are realy all that are required. If you have all the fancy air driven stuff, it will cut the time.
2. Corrosion & crud build up on the current parts - I've always found that replacing anything on an older vehicle takes at least an hour or so more just fighting with rusted or stuck bolts - another plug for air tools.
3. Preparation - if you have everything you need handy, it cuts the time used for trips to the parts store for those "unforseen" items like WD-40, Liquid Wrench, etc...
4. Your skills - The rear is pretty simple. If you can change shocks, you are most of the way through doing the spring change in the rear. Just be careful as a spring popping out can be dangerous. Dropping a chain or ratchet strap though it and securing it to the vehicle never hurt anyone. The front is more work, mainly disassembly, but at least the spring doesn't have the potential to shoot out. You get to deal with that after the strut assembly is fully removed from the vehicle...
5. Last, the rate you work at - I'm a true "shade tree" mechanic. I'm slow, I know it. I like to spend the time to do it right. I enjoy spending a Saturday working on the car - It's relaxing. Throw in a beverage break now and then, some "bench racing" with a buddy (the one with the air tools!) and it can be a more enjoyable experience. I also spend some time while I've got it apart to look around and see if anything else in the area shows signs of excessive wear or need of service.

Have FUN!
 

mattoo18

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Im thinking about asking the boss about using the shop. I have a motorcycle I can use in the meantime. It may take me a couple afternoons to complete the lift. Now it just comes down to the money. Where have ya'll found the best prices and what exactly will I need besides coils, struts, & shocks? Ideally I would like the franky lift but Im not sure what else that includes besides the above. Top strut plate and isolators?

Thanks

Matt
 
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