Purchased about 3-5 days before Marlin came out w/ their new kit or I would have gone Marlin.
I was thinking Marlin might gain some insight as to things that work for "kits/instructions/support" etc from my experience. It has been trying...
Just a few thoughts that I can think of on a lazy afternoon for those of you who might care...I will elaborate on all these things in detail on my webiste suspension page once I finish the lift installation.
Most importantly, don't attempt such a lift kit w/o being a very competent mechanic/fabricator. Since I am not, I incorporated the help of my bud Scott. He has been invaluable both in welding/fabbing and creative problem solving.
A few things to note:
1) The instructions are slightly helpful, but outdated and have incorrect pictures...use as a guide w/ a bit of salt. I've gained much greater insight from other websites such as Marlin, POR and different individual's webpages.
2) A new perch kit is NOT included in the kit while referred to specifically in the instructions. I had to call this week and order this at an additional cost. While helpful during my call and receiving a free t-shirt and hat, they readily admitted that the website was wrong for the 5" Extreme lift kit, yet they still advertise it, even as of today. Needless to say I was
3) Three words...shock hoop nightmare.
4) The IFS steering box bracing, tubing included in the kit sucks infinity. :barf: Throw it away and get some 1/4" plate cut for the application. Sleeving the frame seems to be weaker and harder to do, see Roger Brown's site. I don't know where my reinforcement plates came from, but they are the best IMO for the application. Sleeving the frame is PITA and still not strong enough.
5) Numerous OEM bolts are re-used and/or needed for something else, so don't throw anything away.
6) Use Marlin's solid billet steering arms. All-Pro ones didn't fit right, Marlin's dropped right in.
7) You will need some additional bolting for your shocks as I didn't have enough.
8) While I had everything torn apart, I should have completely rebuilt the front axle, replacing all the bearings, seals, etc. and painting everything, instead of having to go back.
9) Drop the gas tank and weld up the shackle hangers right and start off not moving the rear-rear ones. I'm gonna give mine a chance to settle and see if they indeed need to move.
10) While all these things are negative, I am generally happy with the outcome of the suspension lift thus far, but the final verdict will be many months down the road.
As I think of other things, I'll add them in comments.
