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Q?
Are wheel spacers safe?
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A.
Wheel spacers are perfectly safe when used on the rear as long as they are quality hubcentric spacers. We use only the best U.S. Alcoa 6061t6 billet aluminum. Unlike our competitors, we provide a LIFETIME WARRANTY. It is also recommended to use red Loctite on the factory studs that hold your wheel spacers on. This will prevent them from coming loose. It is also required to remove any brake drum/rotor retaining ring from the factory studs before installing your wheel spacers
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Q?
Can I add a body lift to my suspension lift for additional lift?
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A.
Yes
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Q?
Can I add a Leveling kit to my suspension lift for additional lift?
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A.
Yes and no. Some lifts are compatible with leveling kits while some are not. For example, the Rough Country 5” kit for GM 1500 trucks will work fine with a 2” leveling kit, but the 7.5” Rough Country lift is not compatible with a leveling kit of any size. If you add a leveling kit to a lift that is not compatible you will have alignment issues along with over extending the suspension components causing failure of the ball joints, axles, tierods, and various other parts. Please give us a call if you need to know the compatibility of your parts.
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Q?
Can I add a Leveling kit to my suspension lift for the “squat or lean look”?
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A.
Yes, as long as the lift is compatible with a leveling kit. Alternatively, we can use smaller blocks in the rear. It is advised to have no more than a 2” lean to avoid having issues with various fluids and pumps throughout the truck.
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Q?
Do you install suspension lifts, leveling kits, body lifts?
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A.
We install suspension lifts but not leveling kits. We no longer have the time for smaller jobs and have decided to focus on larger builds. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause any of our customers. We will install body lifts but only in conjunction with the installation of a suspension lift
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Q?
Do you offer tech assistance?
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A.
Yes, we offer some of the best tech assistance in the industry for those who purchase a lift from us. When you call us with a problem you will actually talk to someone who installs the lifts. If you have an issue while you’re installing your lift, we will walk you through the problem.
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Q?
Do you take all your own photos?
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A.
Yes, all photos and videos are property of NothingButLifts. We have a photographer/videoographer on staff and will include a free photoshoot with all full truck builds. Do not edit, alter, or add filters to any NothingButLifts photos.
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Q?
How does offset affect tire clearance?
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A.
The more negative the offset the more lift and/or trimming that will be required. For example, a 07-13 GM 1500 with 295/60R20 (34x12) on a 20x9 with +27 offset will only require 5.5” of lift. If we change that wheel to a 20x10 with a -24 offset we will now require a 6.5-7” lift.
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Q?
How long is your warranty and the lift warranty?
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A.
Please see Warranty information here (link)
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Q?
How long will you need my truck for lift installation?
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A.
Typical install takes 3-5 days including alignment
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Q?
How much do lifts increase front track width?
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A.
Typically, 1.5” per side on most of the IFS lifts we sell for GM trucks. Some exceptions of this would be 2011 and up 2500 HD, which has no track width change on most lifts (Except McGaughys) The track width change is only on the front and is done so that there is enough clearance for oversized tires and the new lift steering knuckle
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Q?
Should I buy blocks, springs, or add-a-leafs in the rear?
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A.
Most suspension lifts come standard with rear lift blocks. We usually prefer to use blocks on daily drivers that only see occasional off-road use or towing because they maintain the factory ride quality. If you offroad your vehicle on a weekly basis or routinely tow heavy loads, then lift springs may be a better option.
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Q?
Should I buy blocks, springs, or add-a-leafs in the rear?
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A.
Most suspension lifts come standard with rear lift blocks. We usually prefer to use blocks on daily drivers that only see occasional off-road use or towing because they maintain the factory ride quality. Rough Country uses an anti-wrap lift block that substantially reduces axle wrap. If you wheel you vehicle on a weekly basis or routinely tow heavy loads then lift springs may be a better option. We normally don't like to use add-a-leafs just because they tend to stiffen up the ride too much.
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Q?
What alignment specs do you recommend?
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A.
All vehicles have different alignment specifications; in general, camber needs to be as close to 0.0° as possible. We prefer to set the caster as high as possible while still being within factory spec and while not throwing camber out of spec. Toe needs to be as close to 0.0° as possible as well. Your factory specs will determine how far +/- 0.0° you can deviate. Your cross caster is advised to be within 0.3° or it will pull to the side with the least caster. Your cross camber is advised to be within 0.4° or it will pull to the side with the most camber.
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Q?
What is a NorCal fender mod?
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A.
NorCal fender mod is an inner fender modification for 07-13 GM 1500 trucks and 2007.5-14 2500 HD GM trucks. However, this modification or similar modifications can be applied to many other makes and models. Once complete, you will have increased tire clearance without having noticeable signs of modifications. We charge $100 for this modification. NorCal Nick did the initial internet write up on this modification and it became known as the NorCal fender mod. Here is the how-to write up:
http://www.duramaxforum.com/forum/nor-cal-truck/69677-2007-5-2014-nbs-hd-large-fender-mod-step-step-pics.html -
Q?
What is IFS?
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A.
Independent Front Suspension
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Q?
What is offset?
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A.
Wheel offset is the measured distance between the hub mounting surface and the center line of the rim. Offset determines how far the wheel will stick out past the hub. The more negative the offset the farther the wheel will be positioned outside the fender. The more positive the offset the farther the wheel will be positioned inside the fender. It is important to mention that the more negative the offset the more lift that will be required. Generally high negative offset wheels, -44 and -76, are only available in wider applications such as 12-14” respectively.
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Q?
What is the difference between a leveling kit, suspension lift, and a body lift?
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A.
A leveling kit Generally only lifts the front enough to match the rear, but some will slightly raise the rear as well. Leveling kits come in many forms such as polyurethane spacers, steel spacers, torsion keys, lift struts, or extended coils. Regardless of the type all leveling kits on IFS applications create lift by changing the angle of the control arms. A IFS Suspension lift drops all of your factory suspension down however many inches your lift is. By doing this the ride and drive stays near stock. I should mention that the shocks are not dropped down, they are replaced with a longer counterpart. A body lift doesn't affect the suspension at all, it raises the body above the frame anywhere from 1-3 inches.
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Q?
Why do you use rear wheel spacers?
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A.
On trucks that have an increased front track width rear wheel spacers are used to bring the rear wheels out to match the front
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Q?
Will I need to buy extended driveshafts?
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A.
With suspension lifts under 8" extended driveshafts are generally not needed on most pickups and SUVs. However, Jeeps will typically need a CV style rear shaft with anything over 4" of lift and occasionally with only 4 inches. Body lifts will have no affect on driveshaft lengths.
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Q?
Will I need to purchase a leveling kit with a suspension lift so that the truck sits level?
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A.
No, all suspension lifts are designed to level the truck in addition to lifting it. For example most newer trucks sit 2" higher in the rear from the factory. To correct this a typical 6" lift will raise the front 6", but only raise the rear 4" so that the truck sits level.
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Q?
Will my truck need an alignment after the lift is installed?
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A.
Yes, after the installation of a suspension lift on a vehicle with independent front suspension(IFS) the front caster, camber, and toe will need to be readjusted back to spec. We can have this done before you pick the truck up or you can take it to the alignment shop of your choice if you prefer. This must be done to so that the truck handles correctly and to prevent uneven tire wear Typically the cost is $65. If installing a body lift then the alignment is not needed.
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Q?
Will you check my factory suspension components while installing the lift?
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A.
Yes, we will do a full assessment of all suspension components before and during install. Normal wear items include balljoints, tierods, axles, wheel bearings, pitman arm, idler arm, and idler arm bracket. If these parts are found to be in poor condition, it is highly recommended that we replace them during lift installation for two reasons. The first reason being to ensure proper alignment, drivability, and tire wear. The second reason being that we will install them at a reduced rate considering we already have the truck apart for the lift installation. For example, on IFS lift installation, if we need to replace your axle or wheel bearing there is no labor charge. It is recommended to use only MOOG replacement parts; however, if this is outside of your budget we do offer less expensive alternatives
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Q?
Will you have to cut anything on my frame to install the lift?
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A.
All IFS suspension lifts on 4wd trucks will require the driver side rear control arm pocket to be cut where the factory crossmember bolts in. Some trucks, for example Toyota, have a welded in crossmember which will require removing the crossmember partially or completely depending on which lift you choose. This modification is done so that the differential has clearance to be dropped down to its new mounting location. A new stronger rear crossmember will replace the factory crossmember. Some kits will come with a weld in plate that is to be welded in where the control arm pocket is cut. We do have a certified welder on staff for all of our welding requirements. Contact us for information on which kits require welding. (generally Rough Country lifts do not require any welding) These modifications are not necessary on 2wd trucks
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Q?
Will you need to trim/cut my inner fenders and or bumper for tire clearance?
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A.
Yes, trimming is often required to get the best look possible. The wheel and tire combos that we recommend with our set-ups will usually need inner plastic trimming and trimming of valence and/or plastic bumper. Norcal fender mod will be required with some setups. We will try to avoid cutting metal bumpers primarily because it does not look as nice. All of our plastic cutting is done with a hot knife to give a clean factory-like edge. The more negative the wheel offset the more trimming that will be required.