So, I am one of the very lucky winners of the following lift kit:
http://www.metalcloak.com/Duroflex-L...cks-p/7180.htm

and while I work on my own cars often, including replacing suspension parts, I've never had such a comprehensive kit to install. On a scale of 1-10, I would say I was a 6 when it comes to working on my own vehicles.

if it was you, would you install it yourself or take it to a shop to get done? I know i will have to get an alignment done at a shop when it is installed. Local cherokee specialty shop quoted me at $450 for installation and alignment.

also, in addition to the kit, is there anything else you would suggest installing/taking care at the same time? I would hate to have everything apart and then realize that I could have taken care of "X" when it was all apart and saved myself some work later down the line.

Edit:
I installed the lift on my patriot, but it was just spacers, took me about 5 hours total with breaks.

 

If you have done suspension work before that all this is...just with everything.
So take steps, do one end at a time and make a checklist. You will be glad you did it yourself. I figure, if somebody can do it, why can't i? That's why I have done all the work on my jeep myself including re gearing my axles.
It's not the money you would be saving, it's the experience and fun you can gain. Invite some buddy's over and make a weekend out of it.
About the other components thing, you have a ton of things in that kit and that will knock a ton of parts off your rig that could have been bad.
I say if when your doing it you don't find any bad parts that will be re used, don't replace them.
You can always check ball joints and hubs and tie rods whenever anyways.(about the only thing left after that kit lol)

 

Nice! I voted for you.

I'd install it myself. I do all my own work though. Over all it's not too hard if you've worked on suspensions before.

Do you have another car to drive if you get hung up for a day or two? That always helps, so you don't have to rush. Or even someone else to give you a hand with it.

Plenty of people to help you here if you have questions too.

 

This^^

 

Its not that bad. PB blast a few days in advance. Line up your help and take your time you will enjoy the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Get it aligned at a good shop when its finished and enjoy.

 

450$ is pretty cheap but, i would still install it myself.

 

on COTM? If so, I appreciate it man, but I'm getting killed out there lol
Maybe next month

 

I am leaning towards doing it myself. I'm just afraid of the time it will take, I would have to borrow a car from my parents. my XJ is my DD, and the wife takes the boy to school with the other car. maybe I need to just take a few days off from work?

 

Just voted for you

You should be able to get it done in a weekend, especially if you have some help. Have any jeep clubs nearby? Just an idea

 

Thanks man!
And good idea with the jeep clubs!
Where's your location? If your by me I would love to help out

 

If you have the tools and time its not that hard to do.Like said soak every nut and bolt your gonna take off with pb blaster few days ahead of time.

 

The best thing to help loosen up rusty bolts is a 50/50 mixture of ATF & acetone. Get a spray bottle & done. Use the copper anti seize when you put it back together.
If you live in the rust belt, good luck.
You can do it yourself in a 12 hour day, but plan for two. You can disassemble the night before & you'll have the entire day to reinstall.
You could have a shop install it, but as stated, it seems pretty cheap. If you have a issue then you'll have to deal with a crappy shop or fix it yourself. Just save the money & do it yourself. The feeling you will get from doing the lift gives you more confidence to attempt other modes in the future.
Plus you can use that $ for a locker, winch, bumper, gas....whatever.

 

Another for do it yourself. These vehicles are super easy to work on. I paid a shop about 450 to do a zone 3" they recommended. After it was done they didnt live up to their promises and I ended up doing some adjustments myself. Since then I changed quite a bit and after seeing what is involved I kick myself for wasting the money. 450 will buy a nice part/parts that arent in your kit.

 

Hardest part is if the leaf spring bolts are rusty. Other then that it's just time and patience.

 

I decided to have a 4x4 shop do all my work during a major upgrade on the XJ all done at once that I had been collecting parts for some time. Many had things done at once from steering upgrades (complete everything)/Lift & new Alignment/Shocks/ SYE/Rock Sliders/Gears/Lockers/Drive Shafts/SB Disconnects/Brake Upgrade (Hawk)/ SS Brake Lines Ex./.

Work done by shop very reasonable and 25 yrs. experience for the listed items $895, had a few other electrical items done also alt wiring upgraded/Alt. 150 amp & Bracket modified/8 Hella Lights installed other small items. Total bill for everything done $1179, completed in 2 1/2 days and I told them no rush very reasonable IMHO.

Only one issue and they corrected it for no charge shim's for differentials.