JTPhoto JK

Improper lift installation practices leading to failures:
- components torqued while vehicle is in the air and not while the vehicles weight is on the wheels.
- incorrect adjustment/length on adjustable components like control arms and trackbars.
- incomplete instal, not all required parts put on.

PJF4X4

Since I couldn't help but take the comment personnaly I'll repond to see if we share values:

Not using proper torque durring install, just double wrenching it and be done, ALWAYS

not doing allignment after swapping out major components, ALWAYS and is always recommend to the DIYfers as well

installing big lifts without considering proper steering and axle geometry. Under the assumption that the manufacturer of the lift kits we install have engineered their products with provisions for such corrections and are aware of the legal repercussions if they have not, that being said I agree entirely.

No track bar relocation brackets. I don't like adjustable trackbars as they don't actually fix the angle issue, this all depends on the rig and setup of course, but anything over 2" needs these things attended to. It's either a bracket or a adjustable trackbar, pick one.
I always torque anything with a bushing with the weight on the truck. ALWAYS and is ALWAYS mentioned to the customer if he is DIYfer
This way the bushing is not already preloaded, this causes premature wear leading to the dreaded death wobble.AGREE

Alot of places will install lifts on trucks with already worn out components. NEVER, I think we have high standards and would rather loose the sale of a kit, than have a dangerous truck on the road.
Any shop installing lifts and bigger tires on a vechicle that already has worn out bushings, ball joints, ujoints, shocks, etc should be ashamed, TOTALLY in agreement
unless of course you are replacing these components with new ones. Agree, All components that must be replaced are always pointed out to the customer BEFORE lift is installed
Any increase in height wheel offset adds to the stress of the older components which leads to failure.Agree

Whenever I have worked on a vehicle, I do a basic safety on it first. If it needs anything serious then I inform the person and if they don't agree to fix that issue then I don't work on it. I agree and disagree. If I have done everything to point out the faults of the customers vehicle and he still insists to have the work done, it's his responsibility from that moment forward. The exception to the rule is if I feel the vehicle is truly a danger to others. I have a different opinion of what a loose balljoint is compared to what Chrysler says is an "acceptable amount of wear". in the past I have said to a customer his balljoints were done, but when returned to the dealership for warranty I was told it was "within specs".
So by that statemant, it looks as thought I'm more of a fuss *** then them....

At the end of the day its my license on the line and I rather not be drug down that road. At the end of the day my business name and reputation is on the line and I would do nothing to jeopardize it by doing shoddy work or offering less that honest advice.

So as you can see we share a hell of alot more as far work ethics than I think you imagined we did!

Thx
Danny

PJF4X4

- incorrect adjustment/length on adjustable components like control arms and trackbars.
If the information is set by the manufacturer at the time of the installation, it's done. The balance of the fine tuning is completed by the alignment shop on a 3D machine.

- incomplete instal, not all required parts put on.
For the life of me I don't understand why any shop would do this?

Duke

My comments were not aimed at anyone or any business. I am sure you run a upstanding shop, because if you didn't you wouldn't be promoting here on the forum.

Word of mouth is everything these days with this fancy internet.

Anyway I do like to support local enterprise rather than going south. I will even pay more to support the local guy.....to an extent. My buddy and his dad run a local body/speed shop, I get alot from him even though I could get it cheaper on Ebay or Amazon, its just easier to deal with a person if you need something. That being said if I'm going to save a couple hundred and get the same quality and service then I will order online.

Couldn't agree more. I bought my Ram used from a dealer and 7000 km after my ball joints were toast, so bad the tires were showing symptoms. I contacted them and they said they had play but were "In Spec" . What a load, I could understand if one wore out but all 4....anyway I know the Rams were famous for front end wear but these guys are nuts.......but I won't go on my dealer rant today.

JTPhoto JK

Simply the difference between an instal done by a reputable 4x4 shop or experienced DIYer and a corner garage or newb DIYer.

PJF4X4

My favorite quote of all time was from a gas station owner in Thunder bay.
I was traveling West on motorcycle heading for the Rockies and I was asked by him if I had seen any moose along the way. I responded no not at all, to which he replied "well that's funny 'cause around here, moose are thicker here than bloodsuckers on a whales ----"...

I almost pissed myself!

JTPhoto JK

Lol ... i've never heard that one before. :)

Duke

Yeah I live in Newfoundland and my biggest fear riding here is hitting a bog donkey doing 100+.

Topbanana

Bog donkey? 100+ ? That's gonna leave a mark. Love the name, rates right up there with dump ducks (sea gulls).

Duke

Yeah nothing worse than road rash with Moose fur stuck in there too.