I got Ground Force "1-2" lowering kit for Xmas (springs, shackles, NO shocks). Went to local alignment shop to see how much they will charge me for the install. They quoted me $415 for labor, including alignment. That sounds kinda high to me, so wanted to know how much I should expect to pay for something like that. Another bummer is that most shops won't deal with my own Ground Force kit, since they all wanna make sure the part is purchased thru the shop. Thanx alot.

 

My Roush kit took me ~4.5+hrs taking my time.

I don't think you'll get it done for less than $400. If that includes an alignment (make sure you have the proper cam bolts for the front end), I don't think that's a bad deal.

The work is not hard, but can take a little time, even for someone who's done it before. I've only done two, so it may take me more time than most.

 

$415 sounds right. A local shop quoted me the same for a Roush.

 

just do it yourself. my front springs took me 2 hours by myself. and the shackles took 30 min with help from a friend. all you need is some sockets, wrenches, breaker bar, jackstands and a jack.

 

I also just got the ground force 1/2 drop. I plan on doing it myself but there is no cam bolts in the kit does this mean i dont need them or do i have to get them somewere else?

 

Thanx for all of your input ...

Wow, $400 is kinda steep... I thought it would be around $200... I'm almost thinking about doing it myself but not sure if i'm up for the task and actually i don't even have all the right tools... i'll decide next week... it's supposed to rain all this week in OC anyways...

 

You definetly _NEED_ cam bolts. They can be bought from a dealer or Auto Parts store (like NAPA) i think... the quote i got from the Alignment shop included cam bolt installation and they even agreed to instal Clunk Washer which I got from David Lynn...

 

They are not expensive, if you need them. You could just wait until you go to the alignment shop. They should have them, and can install them without any additional cost. If its only a 1" drop up front you _might_ be able to keep it in alignment specs without the cam bolts... but don't count on it 100%.

 

I have installed ground force kits on both my L's.

You will need cam bolts to get the alignment correct, you can get them at NAPA. It is not a hard install I would shop around or read up here and do it yourself. There are some really good posts about the subject you just have to search for them.

Bob

 

You can also swap out the stock spring isolators with energy suspension ones, it gave me a little more than one inch. I would also suggest the ford Cam bolt kit vs. the NAPA. I have the ford cam bolt kit by far is beefier; I held the NAPA bolts in hand as a comparison. Both have been used with success.

It is not too hard to do it you’re self, just taking the time to read and do a little research before you begin. Superford did a nice right up with a detailed illustration of pictures. I would recommend dropping the upper a-arms only since you will now want to install the cam bolt kit as well. If you need some advice feel free to call (cell) 803-469-0193. I did the front and back in about three hours. My alignment was $50 and is within specs and rides like new.

 

Thanks for the info everybody.

 

Well, if the complete install also included the cam bolts and install, then that's not all that bad. I paid $120.00 for my first alignment including the cost of the bolts and install so that leaves about $295.00 for installing the lowering kit. It's not a difficult job, but can be a little dirty and time consuming. Good luck.

 

I installed my Ground Force 1/2 drop kit 3 weeks ago myself. It was really easy after looking the job over. I dropped the lower A-arms to install the coil springs. Just put the truck on jack stands and put a floor jack under the A-arm. Take off the lower ball joint nut and tie rod nut. I smacked the lower ball joint with a large hammer and the lower A-arm dropped down on the floor jack which was up against the A-arm. Lowered the jack to "uncompress" the coil spring. Just be careful!!!
No more than 1hr each side, and this was the first time I had done this.
After the front wheels have been replaced put your floor jack under the spring perch on the front of the rear leaf springs. Remove the nut on the bolt on the bottom of your rear shackle.
You can do this yourself, but its a pain..........jack the truck up and check the bolt. It will become "loose" after the weight is off it.
Its easier if someone jacks while you check the bolt.
After the weight is off, the bolt will pull out. Then lower the jack so the top bolt will clear the frame. Repeat to install the longer shackles.

Its really an easy job. Just take your time and look over everything before you start. Just remember to respect that compressed front coil spring. The is alot of energy built up in there.

I bought the NAPA Cam Bolt kit, but after looking them over, I tossed them into the garbage. I'll have a set of the Roush Cam Bolts when I go for the front end alignment

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Fast Gator
I installed my Ground Force 1/2 drop kit 3 weeks ago myself. [/i]

I'm guessing that based on the fact that you had time to do the install yourself and that you're posting at this time of day on a Tuesday means that you're not working one-meeellion hours a week anymore?

cough - R.Js - cough

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dan SS2471

Quote:

Originally posted by Fast Gator
I installed my Ground Force 1/2 drop kit 3 weeks ago myself. [/i]

I'm guessing that based on the fact that you had time to do the install yourself and that you're posting at this time of day on a Tuesday means that you're not working one-meeellion hours a week anymore?

cough - R.Js - cough

End of the year, money all gone in the budget, can't understand it

Taking the week off. Headed to Hackensack this afternoon for a test drive in a new Stang

RJ's.............sure ;-) Today for lunch?