Anyone ever buy a used suspension kit? I see some for like 750 or 800 missing shocks and brake lines and stuff like that. You think a shop would still install it?

 

i bought parts of mine used and the place i went installed it
before i bought it i had the shop check to make sure everything was ok

 

i would take precautions buying a used suspension kit. remember that the suspension system has to take on a big load and it will wear down and wear out over the years depending on its usage. me personally, i would not buy used suspension items. i would much rather buy brand new and have the warranty should something break or go wrong.

 

i bought a used suspension lift off someone on here, and have had no problems over 1 year after install... just look for any cracks/bends/severe rust on the drop down brackets that would appear to have fatigued them. this is not really that hard to do, just examine the entirety of the lift subframe brackets carefully with your eyes.

i would definitely replace all of the bolts/shocks though. brake lines usually aren't an issue if you're staying in the realm of 6'' of suspension lift... the stock ones can be carefully bent downward to fit.

 

where are you guys buying these used kits from, a shop, or personal add? I would be extremely careful if the kit was installed on a vehicle that was involved in an accident but of course, finding a "salvaged title" so to say on a lift kit would be almost impossible. Look at the welds with a flashlight, particularly the starts and stops of the welds and any corners. Use a straight edge to see if the framing/bracketry is off/warped. Look for rust and pay particular attention to flaking paint. These areas could be an indication of rust or other issues. Check all the mounting holes and anywhere that hardware goes through. If the holes are out of round or distorted in any way, that could also be an indication that the kit was under extreme use or subjected to abnormal conditions like possibly being installed on a vehicle that was in an accident, maybe a rollover. Have a shop check it after you do your own inspection like mav said but you can probably kiss any warranty out the window. Definitely replace all the hardware too like minimonster suggested, even if the nuts and bolts look brand new. I inspect metal structures every day that undergo weight tests. Me personally, if it was a good deal and it passed my inspection as well as a professional's I would buy it. If you do buy a used kit and install it, I would check it often, especially within the first 500 miles or so.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-...item45eff03262

So what about this? You guys think this is a good deal?

 

I'd pass on that one. The guy doesn't even know what brand it is.

 

got mine used shipped from iowa to me in boston for 850(kit+shipping) no problems with install and got it installed by myself in under 3 hours at my shop

 

I gotta find a deal like that

 

use craigslook.com or searchtempest.com will search all of craigslist or search within a certain radius

 

I would agree with some of the guys above, I would pass on the kit as well! If you look on Ebay you can find many good deals on 4", 6", 8" even a 12" suspension lifts. That way you can get the brand you want, in the size you want, and most come with shocks! Like minimonster17 said I would replace all the bolts & nuts (including the U bolts) Just my opinion, save up another 400 bucks and get a brand new one with zero issues and all new parts with warranty!

 

i don't regret buying a used kit at all and installing it myself... the cost was too much to warrant a new kit. $700 for a used suspension lift and arched lift springs for the rear was a steal compared to $1500 + $500 extra for the arched lift springs+ labor for install... i did pay to have the alignment done professionally, though.

like i said, replace every bolt, (get all Grade 8 plated) regardless of whether or not it looks fatigued. make sure to loctite EVERY bolt down when you do install. lift install is also a great time to do your ball joints/tie rods if you need them done.