installing a leveling kit

[pm80]

Anyone who has installed a leveling kit. How hard is it. Any special tools needed any tricks that worked well? I have mine in my garage and am going to try to install next week. Just wanted a heads up on any problems I might have.

 

[thommybee]

Nahh its easy......its much better if you have another person to help you out tho.

 

[pm80]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I can turn a wrench, just never messed with the suspension.

 

[2 E L O]

It's pretty straight forward....but like mentioned previously, it's much easier if you have someone handy to help out.

 

[TexasTahoe2010]

Just ordered the ccm kit today! Those of you who have installed already, are there any special tools that are needed besides the metric stuff....floor jacks..etc?

 

[White07Tahoe]

Def need 2 people. Sawzall to cut the strut bolt tips, or you could use a hacksaw but it would take a while. I didnt do the rear myself but the guy who did it for me said it was kind of a pain. I couldnt get the rear high enough to get the spring out, might want to try a spring compressor but Im not sure if that helps.

 

[TexasTahoe2010]

If you didn't have the hacksaw would it be a problem? Or is there a way around it that you know of...

 

[White07Tahoe]

No you have to cut the top of the strut studs for the 2 1/2" spacer to fit over the top of the strut. The strut studs are about 3" tall which means the 2 1/2" will now fit. You can buy a hacksaw cheap at any hardware store, I also used a lubricant so it did not heat up and damage the blade but you dant have to.

 

[emann_01]

I am also getting ready to put in my leveling kit but i haven't heard/read of cutting anything.

 

[dxbtahoe]

Does it invalidate the warranty?

 

[pm80]

I found a good write-up on an install of the ccm kit I will post the link later. It is on my other computer.
I am going to be doing mine next mon so after that I could probably give you some better feed back.

---------- Post added at 08:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 AM ----------

You don't have to have a sawzall either u can use a cut off wheel too or a hacksaw. IT is just slower with the hacksaw.

 

[2 E L O]

I just used a cutoff wheel air tool....it made quick work of the strut studs so I was able to get the CCM spacer on. The CCM kit in itself does not void your warranty. If you have a bad strut for some reason, the dealership probably wouldn't replace that under warranty even without a leveling kit. If you have a bunch of miles on your original struts it would definitely be wise to replace them while you're installing the leveling kit.

 

[TexasTahoe2010]

Okay guys, thanks for the advice.

---------- Post added at 10:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:55 AM ----------

I found a good write-up on an install of the ccm kit I will post the link later. It is on my other computer.
I am going to be doing mine next mon so after that I could probably give you some better feed back.

---------- Post added at 08:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 AM ----------

You don't have to have a sawzall either u can use a cut off wheel too or a hacksaw. IT is just slower with the hacksaw.

Found this thread....
http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181163#post3669064

Didn't know if it was the same one..but it is pretty good/helpful.

 

[pm80]

Yep that is the one I found

 

[TexasTahoe2010]

Yep that is the one I found

Thanks... It will really help.

 

[emann_01]

is the ccm leveling kit front spacer one solid piece?

 

[White07Tahoe]

No. there is a gap so you can get the nut on the strut studs.

 

[bigbluebowtie]

Buy a bottom mount leveling kit, save a bunch headaches on your install and cut nothing !

 

[emann_01]

Buy a bottom mount leveling kit, save a bunch headaches on your install and cut nothing !

who makes this style?

 

[jeffbrown65]

Def need 2 people. Sawzall to cut the strut bolt tips, or you could use a hacksaw but it would take a while. I didnt do the rear myself but the guy who did it for me said it was kind of a pain. I couldnt get the rear high enough to get the spring out, might want to try a spring compressor but Im not sure if that helps.

I installed the ccm kit on my yukon about a month ago. i jacked up the rear of the vehicle and sat it on jack stands at their highest setting. Then i removed the wheels/tires and disconnected the rubber hoses from the bracket on top of the pumpkin. That allowed me enough travel to install the spacer under the coil springs.