How to Install Rough Country 2.5 in. Leveling Lift Kit on your Sierra

1. Jack up the front of the vehicle and support the vehicle with jack stands, so that the front wheels are off the ground

2. Remove the front tires/wheels., using a 21mm deep well socket

3. Using  a 18mm wrench loosen the upper strut bolts. Do not remove at this time. See Photo 1.

4. Place jack stand under the knuckle for support. Remove upper ball joint nut, using a 18mm wrench. Using a hammer hit the knuckle as shown to allow the ball joint to separate from the knuckle. See Photo 2. Do not allow the knuckle to pull out far enough that it pulls the shaft out of the differential.

5. Using a 21mm wrench remove the nut from the steering linkage. Using a hammer hit on the side of the knuckle as shown, where the steering linkage is connected and remove from knuckle. Push linkage forward to make room for installation. Retain factory hardware. See Photo 3.

6. Remove the sway bar nut and bushings using a 15mm wrench, and 15mm socket. Retain factory hardware. See Photo 4.

7. Using a 15mm wrench or socket remove the bolts from the bottom strut mount. See Photo 5

8. Remove the bolt clips from the bottom of the strut using a flat screw driver. See Photo 6

9. Using a 18mm wrench, remove strut bolt nuts as shown in Photo 1 on previous page and remove strut from truck.

10. Using supplied plate, install atop of strut as shown. See Photo 7.

11. Now that plate is in place, reinstall strut using factory hardware and hand tighten in place.

12. Press down on lower control arm and place strut spacer under the lower strut mount and align holes. See Photo 8.

13. Install the new 10mm bolts, washers and nuts provided in the kit. Install bolts with the head going down as shown in Photo 9. Tighten to 30-35 ft/lbs. Do not over-tighten the bolts. You may have to move the knuckle to one side to allow room to install the bolt by the axle shaft.

14. Tighten the bolt using a 17mm wrench, and a 16mm wrench for the nut.

15. Using a 18mm wrench tighten the upper strut nuts, torque to factory specs See Photo 10.

16. Raise the lower control arm and connect the upper ball joint on the upper control arm to the spindle. Using a 18mm wrench, torque to manufacturer specs. If ball joint turns while tightening, use a 7/32”allen wrench to hold the ball joint. See Photo 11 next page.

17. Reinstall the steering linkage nut using a 21mm wrench. If ball joint turns while tightening, use a 10mm wrench to hold the bottom of the tie rod. See Photo 12

18. Repeat steps 3-14 on opposite side of vehicle

19. Using a 15mm wrench, reinstall sway bar bushings and nut using factory hardware. Torque to factory specs.

20. Install the wheels / tires, using a 21mm deep well socket.

21. Jack up the vehicle and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the floor and torque all bolts to factory specifications.

22. Using an certified alignment professional, have an alignment done to factory specifications.

REAR INSTALLATION

1. Chock the front wheels and jack up the rear of the vehicle. Support the vehicle with jack stands. Remove the tires/ wheels using 7/8” deep well socket.

2. Support the rear axle with a floor jack and remove lower shock bolts with a 21mm and then remove the factory u bolts.

3. Remove stock block and install the new 2” block on the axle making sure the block and axle pin align. See Photo 1.

4. Install the supplied 9/16” u-bolts and hardware and secure to the correct factory torque specs.

5. Install rear shock back into location using a 21mm wrench. See Photo 2.

6. Install the wheels and tires. Tighten lug nut to factory specifications using crossing pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts to 85 ft lbs.

POST INSTALLATION

1. Check all fasteners for proper torque. Check to ensure there is adequate clearance between all rotating, mobile, fixed and heated members. Check steering for interference and proper working order. Test brake system.

2. Perform steering sweep. The distance between the tire sidewall and the brake hose must be checked closely. Cycle the steering from full turn to full turn to check for clearance. Failure to perform inspections may result in component failure.

3. Re torque all fasteners after 500 miles. Visually inspect components and re torque fasteners during routine vehicle service.

4. Readjust headlights to proper settings.

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

It is the ultimate buyer's responsibility to have all bolts/nuts checked for tightness after the first 500 miles and then every 1000 miles. Wheel alignment steering system, suspension, and driveline systems must be inspected by a qualified professional mechanic at least every 3000 miles.