A Guide to Installing a 4-Inch Lift Kit on Your GMC Sierra Complete Guide

Are you a GMC Sierra enthusiast looking to upgrade your vehicle? Installing a 4-inch lift kit can greatly improve the performance and look of your truck. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to install a 4-inch lift kit on your GMC Sierra – easily and without any hassle. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge, let’s jump right in!

Welcome to our complete guide on installing a 4-inch lift kit on your GMC Sierra. Before you begin, you should be aware that this project requires some knowledge of working with car parts, especially with suspension. If you do not already have experience working on cars, this project may be too difficult for you to attempt yourself and we recommend that you take it to a qualified professional mechanic.

However, if you are confident in your ability, then proceed with caution and make sure all safety procedures are followed closely. This guide is broken up into five main stages – introduction and preparation; suspension installation; brake line installation; tire alignment and finishing touches. Inside each section, we will explain the process in detail using a simple step-by-step approach. We will go over the tools needed for the job as well as all the individual parts promised in our GMC Sierra 4-inch lift kit from Rough Country or other brands like BDS Suspension or Fabtech Motorsports. You may also use products from other companies but this guide specifically covers information from Rough Country kits designed for GMC Sierras. Accordingly, be sure to read through all instructions carefully before attempting any critical steps so that everything will fit properly on your car when finished.

Mention the purpose of the guide

This guide provides a comprehensive overview on the process for installing a 4-inch lift kit to your GMC Sierra vehicle. It is designed to inform and educate readers with the necessary steps needed in order to properly and safely install the lift kits.

This guide covers topics such as required parts and tools, pre-installation tips, installation instructions, recommended safety precautions, and post-installation tuning and adjustments.

This guide serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to perform this type of installation on their GMC Sierra vehicle.

Pre-Installation Preparation

It is important to carefully plan the installation of your 4-inch lift kit before beginning. To do this, make sure that you have gathered all of the necessary components and materials, such as hardware, wheel spacers and shock extensions. You should also check that you have all of the tools that are needed for the installation process, such as wrenches, socket sets and torque wrenches.

Additionally, it is important to read your vehicle’s manual before beginning any modifications to ensure that no safety measures are overlooked. Once you are confident that everything you need is in order, it’s time to move on to the next step.

Gather necessary tools and equipment

Before beginning the installation of the lift kit on your GMC Sierra, it’s important to ensure that you have the necessary tools and equipment. This includes a jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, socket set, breaker bar and torque wrench. In addition to these items, it is also useful to have some lubrication for rust removal and gloves for protection from sharp edges and dirt.

Once you have gathered all of your tools and equipment you are ready to begin installation of the lift kit.

Prepare the GMC Sierra for installation

When preparing the GMC Sierra for a lift kit installation, it is important to take into consideration any existing modifications you may have made previously. You should also inspect the frame and steering components for any signs of rust or damage.

Before proceeding, make sure to check your manufacturer guidelines and determine if your vehicle is ready for installation. This includes reviewing the compatibility of existing parts and accessories, as well as verifying that all necessary tools are available.

Once the Sierra is prepped and ready, it’s time to start installing! For a 4-inch lift kit, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

Take out all existing suspension components such as springs and shocks/shocks absorbers.
Clean the area around where components will be installed so there are no foreign materials in the way of a smooth installation process.
Install lift spacers on top of front struts or coil assembly while making sure they are mated properly before tightening all fasteners over top with thread locking compound added where applicable
Place new springs into position on front struts or coil assembly again ensuring they are firmly locked in place with threadlocker added before fastening all bolts securely
Install control arms while making sure all miscellaneous hardware is securely tightened along with any eccentric bushings if applicable

6 . Verify all components installed onto suspension system including shocks/strut absorbers as necessary for an optimal ride quality

7 . Raise rear axle using desired corresponding lift blocks which can be tailored depending on how much height you wish to obtain for your set up

8 . Grease all moving parts such as ball joints and U joint greasing zerks followed by torque settings according to manufacturers specifications

9 . If using an adjustable track bar relocating bracket will be necessary so that aftermarket center link can correctly align steering components within desired range of motion

10 . Lastly , reattach sway bar links being mindful that brackets do not rotate and properly reassemble wheels followed by torque settings.

Installing the Lift Kit

A 4-inch lift kit can dramatically improve the look and feel of your GMC Sierra. However, it must be installed correctly in order to ensure that it will work properly on your vehicle. Installing a lift kit can be a complicated process, so it’s important to have all the necessary tools and materials beforehand. This guide will take you step-by-step through the installation of a 4-inch lift kit on your GMC Sierra.

Before you begin the installation process, make sure that you have all the necessary tools, hardware, and parts for the job such as: jack stands, torque wrenches, ratchets, sockets, metric wrenches and other hand tools; as well as a shock absorber bracket kit and leveling strut spacer kit.

Once you’ve gathered all of these components together its time to start the installation process:

1) Place jack stands under each corner of your Sierra so that it sits firmly in an elevated position.

2) Use your torque wrench to loosen the top mounting bolt for each shock absorber bracket located in both front and rear wheel wells.

3) Install each leveling strut spacer according to directions included with the parts being used on your truck. Generally this involves inserting one end into the top portion of a shock absorber while securing them both underneath with existing bolts fastened with washers or four nuts.

4) Reinstall original shock absorbers onto leveled struts using nuts or bolts provided by slackening off brackets previously loosened from top mounting bolts during Step 2 using a socket set if needed for accessing behind components securely connected on an upper level such as fuel tanks etc..

5) Double check screw/bolt connections for tightness after lifted suspension frame has been allowed some time (1 hour) to adjust fully once vehicle has been lowered back down onto jack stands or finished repair is complete before taking machine out onto road again or continuing off roading activity at scheduled reservation area..

Step-by-step instructions on how to install the lift kit

Installing the lift kit on a GMC Sierra is a straightforward task that can be completed in one day with the right set of tools and parts. It is important to understand each step when installing the kit so that all parts are properly tightened and sections are lined up correctly. Before starting, consult your vehicle’s owner manual to check for compatibility with the lift kit you have chosen. Also ensure that you park the vehicle in an area with good ventilation while working on it.

Tools needed:

Jack and jack stands
Socket set and wrenches of various sizes
Tire iron
Tape measure
Grease or anti-seize compound
Drill with bit set
Wood block or other support structure for lifting (optional)

The following step-by-step instructions explain how to install a 4 inch lift on your GMC Sierra:

Raise your vehicle with a jack and secure it safely on jack stands. Remove all four tires from their respective positions, retaining the lug nuts for reuse during reattachment.
Suspend all shock absorbers from their upper mounting points using safety chains or other appropriate tools, then remove them from their respective positions. Unbolt control arms at all four corners of your Sierra using appropriate wrenches or sockets, keeping track of how each part corresponds to its original position in order not to confuse when reinstalling parts later on.
Using a measuring tape, record precise measurements between any two (or more) points that may be affected when installing the new kit components such as Pivot Points (PPs) and Frame Change Points (FCPs). This will facilitate proper alignment during installation; it is important to save this data until you have checked that everything is working properly before disengaging jack stands and raising your truck back off them afterwards.
To install leaf springs in place, use anti seize or grease to ensure smooth transmission of force along contact points between components, then attach them into corresponding bolt holes at designated positions within suspension assembly areas of automobile body frame; both front springs should intersect near their lower region while rear springs should extend full length through both arms underneath frame before reaching cross member connections behind engine compartment firewall space.

Similarly mount shocks/struts into position again making sure secure contact surfaces by applications of grease/anti seize lubricants as necessary before tightening connecting hardware fully closed according pointing exact measurements taken earlier throughout entire process; Depending upon purchase terms some amounts kits may come prepared including nut/bolt assemblies indicating where specific piece should go upon installation – these must also line up correctly lengthwise or else mismatch between pieces due poor alignment could result which compromise operation durability over time!

Double check before proceeding next gradually raise jack stands truck height until differential cross member touches bottom edge cab again inspect each point prior last adjustment placement being done test drive changes after driving few miles adjust further necessary.

Tips and tricks for smooth installation

When it comes to installing a 4-inch lift kit on your GMC Sierra, there are certain tips and tricks that can help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Proper tools and hardware must be used, and the vehicle’s suspension should be in good condition before starting installation. A few common considerations to keep in mind include:

-Gather supplies prior to beginning: Common supplies needed for a 4-inch lift kit installation including wrenches, jack stands, ring compressors if applicable, axle degree shims if applicable, and leveling springs.

-Check suspension prior to beginning: Make sure the suspension components of your GMC Sierra are in good condition before installing a 4-inch lift kit. This includes checking for tears in rubber bushings or abnormal wear on other components.

-Be aware of clearance issues: When adding larger tires or wheels with a lift kit, it is essential to make sure that the new items fit comfortably within clearance areas. This includes factors such as wheel well size, tire size measurement when mounted onto the wheel or hub itself, brake calipers not coming into contact with the rims when turning sharply and so forth.

-Securely tighten all hardware: Make sure all bolts and screws are securely tightened during installation of your 4-inch lift kit. Doing so helps prevent excessive movement or clunking down the road later on due to loose parts!

Things to look out for during the installation process

Before you begin the installation process, it is important to make sure that you have all the necessary components for the job. Your four-inch lift kit should come with some or all of the following parts: wheel spacers, coil spacers, shock absorbers, block kits and/or drop brackets. If any of these parts are missing from your kit, be sure to order replacements before proceeding. After ensuring that you have all the necessary components in your kit, there are a few other aspects to consider when installing your four-inch lift kit:

Pay attention to wheel orientation – Wheel orientation is an important factor when installing a four-inch lift kit. Check each wheel and tire carefully to make sure that they are oriented correctly and securely mounted before taking the vehicle out on the road.
Inspect steering components – Steering components should be inspected thoroughly prior to beginning installation. Make sure all parts are tight and well lubricated before putting any strain on them while adjusting suspension angles or angles of camber.
Consider ride height adjustments – Ride height adjustments need to be taken into consideration when installing a suspension system on your GMC Sierra. Determine what your preferred ride height is and adjust accordingly for most efficient performance and handling characteristics for that vehicle size/weight class.
Test drive – As with any mechanical changes made on a car or truck it’s important to test drive in order to ensure proper operation of steering, brakes and acceleration as related to any mechanical changes made prior or during installation of a suspension lift kit or other modifications designed for off-road use.

Post-Installation Checklist

Once you have the lift kit installed on your GMC Sierra, it’s time for a post-installation checklist to make sure everything is working correctly. During this process, inspect the parts and components of the lift kit and make sure that they are correctly installed. Additionally, you will also want to check important items such as tire pressure and alignment. The following is a list of steps to take following a 4-inch lift installation:

Check all of the components for proper installation and ensure that none of the nuts and bolts have come loose. Make sure connections such as brake lines and sway bars are properly fastened down.
Check all torsion bar settings; make sure their ride height has increased by 4 inches in order to reach proper elevation with your new lift kit.
If included with your kit, check ball joints or stabilizer links for room in certain parts such as tie-rod ends and drag links if necessary (depending on your specific model).
Mount any brackets for items such as fog lights, running boards or winch mounts according to manufacturer’s instructions; be sure to properly secure them with bolts so they won’t damage components like bumpers in the event of an accident or rough terrain driving situation.
Test drive after reinstalling wheels & tires to determine that the GMC Sierra performs according to its model specs – acceleration, braking & steering should be up-to par after installation is complete!
Visually inspect new tires for signs of uneven wear or excessive contact with metal objects; patch any tire damages before proceeding part replacements if necessary (consult manufacturer’s instructions).
Perform an alignment on your vehicle; check toe angles & camber angles carefully ensuring all are within factory specifications — this will decrease uneven tire wear over time providing optimal longevity and performance out of your suspension system!

Important checks to make after the installation

After the lift kit has been installed, there are a few important checks you should make to ensure everything is in working order.

Check the tire pressure: The additional height of the lift kit will force the tire pressure to increase. Check your tires for appropriate air pressure and adjust accordingly.

Check suspension components: Check your suspension components such as shocks, control arms, track bars and any other components that have been adjusted or replaced during the installation process. Verify that all bolts are tight and make sure each part is in working order.

Check steering geometry: With the added height of the lift kit, it’s important to check steering geometry prior to heading out on a drive. Make sure that the caster angles are aligned correctly and there is no excessive play in the steering wheel when turning left or right.

Inspect wheels/tires: Inspect your wheels and tires carefully to confirm there isn’t any abnormal wear on either one of them due to improper alignment or adjustment. A misaligned tire can lead to severe damage if driven for lengthy periods of time so take care when inspecting your setup post installation!

Recommendations for ensuring the lift kit works optimally

To ensure the GMC Sierra lift kit works optimally, there are some important recommendations to follow.

First, before beginning the installation, be sure all of the components are present and in good working condition. Test fit the components before beginning to mount and secure them. Additionally, use a torque wrench to accurately secure all bolts and fasteners according to the manufacturer’s directions.

It is also essential that you select appropriate tires for a 4-inch lift kit — higher tire models with 35-inch diameter should be used, while tires that are taller than 35 inches may require a suspension modification or additional spacer lift kits for optimal performance and safety. Be sure to refer to your owner’s manual or contact a qualified technician for specific guidance on which tires work best.

Finally, if you have any doubts about your ability to install the GMC Sierra lift kit correctly and safely, it is recommended that you take your truck to an experienced technician who can help with installation and provide advisement on any parts or procedures necessary for optimal performance.

Conclusion

At the end of the installation, your GMC Sierra will be back on the road looking better than ever! The combination of raised height and improved levels of front end stability and control provided by a 4-inch lift kit make these modifications worth every penny. With quality components and careful attention to detail in the installation process, you can be sure you’ll get years of reliable performance from your GMC.

You should now have a better understanding about the necessity for alignment after installation, as well as all of the materials needed for this job. Rest assured that with just a little effort from your part, installing a 4-inch lift kit on your GMC Sierra is not as difficult as it could sound at first.

FAQ’s

How much does it cost to get a 4 inch lift kit installed?

The cost of getting a 4 inch lift kit installed can vary depending on various factors like the brand, model of the vehicle, and labor costs. It can range anywhere from $500 to $5000 or more.

Is it worth installing lift kit yourself?

Installing a lift kit yourself can save you money on labor costs, but it requires expertise and experience. If you have the necessary knowledge and tools, it can be worth it, but it’s always recommended to get professional help.

How much does it cost to put a 4 lift on a truck?

The cost of putting a 4-inch lift on a truck can range from $500 to $5000 or more, depending on various factors like the brand, model of the vehicle, and labor costs.

How much does it cost to put a lift kit on a GMC truck?

The cost of putting a lift kit on a GMC truck can vary depending on the type of lift kit and the model of the vehicle. It can range from $500 to $5000 or more.

What are the disadvantages of a lift kit?

Some of the disadvantages of a lift kit include reduced stability, increased rollover risk, decreased fuel economy, and reduced ride quality.

What are the disadvantages of putting a lift kit on a truck?

Some of the disadvantages of putting a lift kit on a truck include reduced stability, increased rollover risk, decreased fuel economy, and reduced ride quality.

Does lifting truck decrease fuel mileage?

Yes, lifting a truck can decrease fuel mileage because it increases the vehicle’s weight and wind resistance, which leads to higher fuel consumption.

What are the common problems in lift?

Common problems in a lift kit include excessive wear on suspension components, steering issues, and improper installation, which can lead to safety issues.

Do lifted trucks last long?

The lifespan of a lifted truck depends on various factors, including how it’s used and maintained. If it’s maintained properly, a lifted truck can last just as long as a regular truck.

Do lift kits cause problems?

Lift kits can cause problems if they’re not installed properly or if they’re not maintained properly. Some common problems include excessive wear on suspension components, steering issues, and reduced stability.

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