How to Lift a Truck
Whether you own a Nissan Frontier, Titan, or Titan XD, outdoor adventures and wilderness explorations are more fun when you’re driving a pickup truck! Even better, you can install a lift kit to improve your handling and terrain climbing when navigating the less-trodden path.
This premier off-roading accessory lets you conquer any hill, ravine, or creek bed with confidence. However, paying someone else to install the lift kit can get expensive quickly. You might’ve talked to a friend or neighbor in Arlington who suggested you install a lift kit as a DIY project. So, maybe you respond with, “How do I lift my truck?”
Good question! We’ve got some answers for you with our guide on how to lift a truck. If you want someone else to install the lift kit for you, our service technicians near Memphis know how to lift a truck properly, using all of the latest equipment.
How to Lift a Truck: Tools Needed
First things first, here are the tools you’ll need to install a lift kit:
- Vehicle jacks and jack stands
- Socket wrench
- Torque wrench
- Lug wrench
- Screwdriver
- Pry bar
- Hammer
- WD-40
- Penetrating oil
- Extra nuts and bolts
You’ll need the pry bar, hammer, and WD-40 in case some of the old parts you need to remove are not budging. The WD-40 and penetrating oil are to loosen some stuck joints. Extra nuts and bolts are just in case you misplace some once you take them off. These are just the minimum tools. If you have an entire shop, get ready to use what you’ve got in Bartlett.
If you still need more parts beyond these, our parts department can see what’s in stock. If we don’t have what you need on hand, we can order the items for you.
How Do I Lift My Truck at Home? A Step-by-Step Guide
Always follow the instructions that come with the lift kit! No amount of online instructions is a substitute for the manufacturer’s instructions. Our step-by-step process is designed to give you a brief overview of the process. If you think you can manage this list, then a DIY project might work for you.
Make sure that you’ve purchased a lift kit that’s appropriate to your vehicle’s specs. Without further ado, here are the step-by-step instructions.
- Remove the negative battery cable.
- Loosen the lug nuts so that the tires are easier to remove when your truck is off the ground.
- Use your jack and jack stands to raise the vehicle. The process will take a while, so you’ll want to make sure that the vehicle’s center of gravity is right where it should be.
- Remove the wheels and tires, and set them aside.
- Remove the old U-bolts, along with your vehicle’s current shocks and springs.
- Attach the new bolts and, while assembling any parts according to the instructions that came with your kit, attach the new shocks and suspension.
- Use your torque wrench to make sure that all pieces and bolts are tightened according to the proper specifications.
- Attach your old tires, or attach a set of bigger tires that you’ve purchased for your vehicle.
- Lower your vehicle carefully, going little by little, and keeping it as level as possible as it inches towards the ground.
Depending on the scale of your modifications, you might also need to install a longer driveshaft, a new transfer case, or some other additional components.
Your lift kit should now be installed. But, before you hit the trails outside of Bartlett, have your vehicle inspected by a professional service center to make sure you installed the lift kit correctly.
How Long Does It Take to Lift a Truck?
Now that you’ve seen how to lift a truck, you need to make sure you set aside enough time. Trained and certified technicians can take anywhere between seven and 15 hours to install a new lift kit. Even if you’re a DIY service veteran, expect to take twice that amount of time, so leave a weekend of time for the project. If you aren’t very familiar with suspension systems, definitely have a professional install the lift kit.
Should I Lift My Truck at Home?
Lift kits can be expensive, so you might be tempted to avoid the cost of installation. However, if you don’t have the parts you need on hand, the cost of lifting a truck might actually end up being lower if you take it to a professional. Again, this guide is meant as a general overview of the process to see if you think you can install a lift kit on your own.
Get Your Truck Lifted at Wolfchase Nissan
If you need your truck lifted, our service team is happy to help! Contact us, call 9012553850, or schedule a service appointment with our team. We’d love to send you on your next outdoor adventure the right way!
Customer Account