How to Install a Lift Kit on a 2000 or Newer Chevrolet Silverado

There isn’t much that looks better than one of the newer Chevrolet Silverados with just the right amount of lift, and a nice set of oversized tires. Aftermarket lift kits from companies like Skyjacker, Superlift, and Pro Comp all offer high-quality lift kits that aren’t necessarily difficult to install, but they do take a certain amount of care and time to install correctly. Also, pay attention to the tools required. If you don’t have what you need, you’re not going to want to have to stop midway through your installation and go to the auto parts store for some obscure tool you can’t finish without.

The first thing you’re going to need is a set of tall jack stands. Depending on the lift you want to put on, the jack stands should be big enough to clear the Silverado’s stock ride height as well as the height of the lift. It is helpful, and much safer, to install the lift one wheel at a time. While it doesn’t matter which wheel you start with, it is usually easier to do the back wheels, so I’ll say to start there. Jack up the back of the truck and support one side with a jack stand under the frame. Lower the jack down so that the frame is resting snugly on the jack stands, but don’t remove the jack- any additional support isn’t going to hurt. Remove the wheel and tire so that you’ll have access to the suspension parts. Use another jack or jack stand to support the axle, and then switch out your shocks, leaf springs, etc. according to the lift kit’s instructions. Make sure that you have everything attached the way you need, and then re-mount the wheels, or mount your new wheels and tires, whichever the case may be. Do the other side exactly the same way.

With the Silverado’s rear all done, you can begin to work on the front. This part of the lift is a lot more complicated and can lead you into some problems if you’re not careful. If you’re installing lift spindles, you’re going to have a different set of challenges that you may not have accounted for. You’re going to have to have a special tool that will re-mount your lower ball joint, as well as a good, sturdy log chain to keep the spring from flying out and hurting someone when it’s loosened up. Follow the directions explicitly, however, and you’ll certainly be satisfied with the results. Something else to consider while you’re reading this, and not ripping suspension parts out from under your Silverado, is that perhaps you might consider having the lift professionally installed. While you’re not going to save any money doing it, dealerships and specialty shops are well-versed in this type of customization, and offer you the ability to have the truck’s suspension aligned all in one shot, something you’ll have to have done anyway.

Either way, lifted suspension systems look great on Chevy’s Silverado, and getting one installed on yours either by a dealership or your buddies and yourself, is a great way to spend some excess cash and make your truck really stand out.