jrover27 said:
well you can feel bad for me. i have about 6 hours to myself per week. and im trying to get this done before spring hunting season and a memorial day beach trip. im a total effing noob as far as suspension and lift go. we raised my buddies f150 5" back in highschool but that was many moons ago.
and since you raised the issue--> what would your plan of action be????
Not downing on you at all. I am not fond of that style lift and the labor for basic work of unbolting a couple things and tossing in the spacer is HIGH.
My plan would be to reach out to other VA members that might be able to lend a hand or do a little reading and figure out how to do it myself. Our lifts are not complicated. If you read the directions, you may be more likely to just save some cash and do it in your 6 hours. It is great to say I did this and then have the knowledge for the future, whether it be to work on another vehicle or fix your truck when 10 miles from pavement without cell service.
If I were in your shoes, I would buy Marks 2.5 in lift. Fairly simple install. Works great. Increases ground clearance. Lots of value at a very reasonable cost. Great vendor that will answer your call and help with whatever you need. Then I would install it myself, preferably with an extra set of eyes/hands, maybe a member of the site, or family member, or just a buddy that is not afraid of a little dirt and work. Its amazing what the offer of a few brews and some grilled food will get you. Around here we drive 100's of miles to help each other for a day or weekend.
I have helped with a ton of trucks/jeeps/cars. With the 360/370 stuff, I get emails and calls multiple times a week for advice or help on lifts/suspension. Its a rather small group of enthusiasts here. If you need help, call me. I do not know it all, but with well over a dozen 360/370 installs and several variations on my own truck, I usually got a good idea if you get stuck.
Read some of the install threads, ask any questions, and hopefully you can get it done yourself cheaper and easier than dealing with an obviously clueless shop that did not even offer the best option for our trucks.
Do not forget you will need an alignment after the lift.