Stone

I received my Nth degree 3" lift last week and am eager to install it. I have visited 3 local shops; one is the mechanic shop at the end of my street who I trust 100% to be honest and the other 2 are local off-road specialty shops. The shop down the street said they can do it at $60 per hr estimated at 10-12 hours. One off-road specialty shop said that he would install it and probably run $600 to $1000 but because it is not the kit he sells then it would be a cash deal and no paper trail because he isn't familiar with Nth degree and doesn't want the liability (which means should I face any problems then I won't expect any support from him). The other off-road shop said about $1100 is their standard rate for installing a 3" lift but they would review the installation procedure and call me. Initially I presumed that it would be better to go with a 4x4 specialist who would be more familiar with various quirks and issues that I may face but now I am leaning toward the mechanic shop down the street. Is there any reason why this might be a bad idea? Your comments are appreciated.

08RUBIJK

I would take it to the mechanic that you trust. Just because they are "specialists" doesn't mean anything if they won't back up their work.

dkingjk

I've lifted 4 JKs this past year, mine by myself and the others with their owners
assistance and it never took more than 5 hours. Thats on the floor with a jack
some jackstands and a decent collection of tools.

I'm not familiar with Nth either but 12 hours for a "shop" sounds like bullshit.

Stone

I was thinking it sounded like a lot of hours too. He made that statement based on another lift they had done and not based on reviewing the procedure so maybe it will be less than he thought. Regardless, $600 - $720 is better than the other options. Seems reasonable to me. Is it?

Piginajeep

whatever you do, replace the cam bolts with adjustable control arms.

Do you have the means to install the lift yourself?

Stone

Yeah, I read that thread and plan to replace the cam bolts. I have a driveway, no garage and a sufficient set of tools (nothing special). I would have to buy or borrow a floor jack, stands, and a torque wrench. I wouldn't mind doing it myself so that I intimately familiar with all of the components but I am a salesman constantly traveling the state of Louisiana and my fear is that if I don't get it right then I may wish that I had a pro installation. I know I can do it but I am a little hesitant. I'm also going fishing in the Gulf on Saturday which leaves only Sunday... and I want my lift on now, not 2 weekends from now!

wayoflife

what he said. the cam bolts included with your kit were thrown in there to keep costs down and are a terrible solution for setting your caster. as far as time goes, there are parts that are included with your kit that aren't standard fare and i would imagine that it would take more time to install. 10-12 hours? not by a long shot but longer than a standard lift kit, yes.

Littlejon

I would take it to the shop down the road that you trust. It shouldn't take too long to complete since it really isn't any different to install than most budget boosts, or the OME lift. The only aditional step really is drilling out the knuckle and doing the drag link flip. I am guessing it should take no more than 4 hours for a qualified mechanic, or you could do it on your own, and save the money, or put the money into tools so you cen do more on your Jeep . I am not the most mechanically inclined person, but the AEV instructions have been easy for me to follow on their other items I have used, so I am sure the lift is no different.

Also I would get front lower control arms over the cam bolts, and run extended brake lines instead of trying to bend them to get the clearance. If you get stainless braided lines you will also get better performance which will help stop bigger tires too.

wayoflife

definitely should be easy enough to install for the most part. the reaming out of the steering knuckle is the only thing that might be a bit tough. if you're gonna use a drill, be careful not to break your arm off when the bit bites and spins your drill instead of chewing through the metal. also, being that there's no turning back after this mod, you want to make sure you do it right.

ndnatty

That's a lot of money that could go to more jeep stuff! Maybe there's some more JK members near by that can help. I installed a 3" lift kit with simular components on my JK with the help of a member from this board (who unknowning lived 3 doors down from me) in a day. It would go even quicker with more help. I would help ya if I lived closer.