Toyota Tundra Ready Lift leveling kit install - Part 1 [ Front Side ]

[@diggerdanh]

Outstanding video. Best one I have seen yet for the ReadyLift leveling kit on the Tundra.

[@TundraMods]

Thanks! I am glad you liked it.

[@thomasgeary9070]

Best install video I’ve seen, will be using it as reference when I get my tundra! Thanks!

[@TundraMods]

Thanks! I hope it helps!

[@Abdul-mh5zh]

Thank you for making me confident to do this in future!

[@TundraMods]

I am glad to hear that. I am installing a 6 in lift kit now and will upload videos about it too. In case you are interested! 🙂

[@steveknopf3954]

Step #1 (front lift 3" spacer on both wheels) is complete. Took me about 10 hours but that's counts some breaks for food, beverage, run to the hardware store so it's not a complete 10 hours. Worst part, lower the front dif and figure out how to tighten those nuts up at the top. There's no room for your fingers. Putting on the front sway bar wasn't very easy either. Note: I did not put the skid plate back on because I'm going to have the alignment done in a couple days. No sense putting it back on only to have them remove it to do the alignment. Tomorrow I'll tackle the rear spacer.

[@ulkesh78]

I've been thinking about doing this, but wasn't sure about the complexity. You made it pretty clear, thanks for the vid

[@TundraMods]

Hello, thanks for your comment! Same happened to me because of the instructions that came with kit, hadn't the level of details that I needed. The must difficult part for me was when I was tightening the lower control arms to the required torque due to the limited space. I looked like spiderman below the Trundra pulling that torque. 😁

[@Joeshmofoshoyo]

Perfect video for this install thank you for excellent camera work and step by step instructions

[@TundraMods]

Thanks! 🙂

[@Carnal0429]

Appreciate the effort in putting together this video!

[@TundraMods]

Thanks!

[@kevinvoyer5053]

Hello there! I commend you for sharing your efforts to raise your Tundra. But to go through all that effort to end up with just stock struts and shocks! When for just a couple hundred or so more than the spacer kit, you could have installed the same system I have on my 2019 Colorado Crew Cab,4x4, V6. The Bilstien 5100 Struts/Shocks. That when you deduct the cost of the spacer kit that you would not need to buy, from the Bilstien setup, it’s really worth it for two good reasons. That would superior dampening and added suspension travel at both ends, when you add that block in the rear. The improvements in my Colorado were more than worth it! I was able to fit 33” tires, with great bottoming out resistance. It’s really great how I can now drive over speed bumps and off road hits with out bottoming out! Plus the extra control I get, especially when towing my Grey Wolf 24 JS, 26’ travel trailer at 4,400-6,300lbs. max! Not like it’s a ZR2 or anything, but pretty dam good!

[@TundraMods]

Thanks for the feedback! Your comment remember me a Jeep Wrangler JK 2014 Willys Ed. that I had before. I installed an AEV 3.5in lift kit on it. This kit came with everything including Coil Springs, Stabilizer, Bilstein 2100 Shocks for the font and rear sides among other stuff. Also had 35in. BFGR tires on it. It was really great and very smooth ride but obviously cost me 1.2K approx. by that time. It is definitely notable the difference among kits depending on the height and parts replaced to correct the geometry. I am happy so far with the ReadyLift kit I have installed because in my case is a family truck 😊. I don’t go for serious off-road for now. The only problem I have now is that I want to see it higher 😊. Thinking on 6in lift kit and bigger tires. It is in my to do list in near future and for sure for that height I will have to replace everything as you mention. 😊

[@drayray4009]

Finally a no bs video! Thank you!

[@TundraMods]

Glad you liked it!

[@leereyes3259]

Thanks for the detailed video. Best one I've seen. 👍👍👍

[@TundraMods]

Thanks! 🥳

[@AlexRamirezDrummer]

Thank you very much for making this video. Really easy to follow!!!

[@TundraMods]

Thanks! 🙂

[@dohiii]

Excellent video, best how to video I've seen. Any suggestions or problems since install? Posted about a year ago now?

[@TundraMods]

Thanks I am glad you liked it. 🥳, no issues so far. I am happy with this kit. The only problem I have now is that I want a higher lift kit.😁 Doing research on 6 in. lift kits.

[@toddytwotones2905]

My lift came with new upper control arm to allow tolerance for added camber

[@TundraMods]

Nice! What lift you have?

[@jorgecardona4901]

Very nice work and well explained... very helpful

[@TundraMods]

Thanks a lot 😊, Glad it was helful!

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

Excellent video and you have a new subscriber 😊👍

[@TundraMods]

I am glad to hear that. Thanks for your support! I have a lot of things to do to my Tundra this year! I will start to publish more new mods videos soon!

[@ozzie3056]

Invest in a 1/2 impact. Some of these bolts are really stuck on.

[@TundraMods]

Definitely, that will help a lot! 🙂

[@adam10532]

How has the lift been all these years later.? Any regrets or breakdowns ? Great video by the way very Informative.

[@TundraMods]

Thanks man!. No issues of any kind associated to it so far. The only regret is not choosing a 6 in. lift kit instead. I already have an RC 6 in. lift kit on my garage. I will be installing it next week!

[@adam10532]

@@TundraMods did you ever use 4wd offroad on this lift?

[@orlandoodm]

@@adam10532 Few times on sand but nothing hardcore. Maybe I shouldn't consider it as offroad to be honest. 😬

[@adam10532]

@orlandoodm I am just doing my own research. I plan to get the same lift and do some offroading on the weekends, no rock crawling or jumps

[@TundraMods]

@@adam10532 IMO this kit can be a good fit for ocational light offroading, leveling, and better look. If you plan to go often maybe you can consider to upgrade the structs/shocks too or choose a more complete kit. In my case I am going te replace it by a 6 in. Kit and I went with one of the cheaper kits because I am just looking for a more agresive look. 🙂

[@richardmaxwell4489]

Can you tell me weather the leveling kit lowered your gas milage and to what, please.

[@TundraMods]

That’s a good question! In my case I see a small decrease in MPG but I think it is due mostly to the new tires installed ~1 in. higher. I replaced tires right after installing the lift kit when I went to align it. But even without replacing tires I also think that can be an impact on MPG due to the change in the aerodynamics if driving regularly on highways specifically. The reason I think it is a possibility in this scenario is because the front is lower than rear side from stock. Therefore, air displacement at high speeds should be better compared with truck leveled like my Tundra. This is just the rationale behind what I think make sense but not 100% sure about it 😊.

[@betinis916]

Are there 4 alignment plates per side that I need to mark out? How bad is the alignment after the lift?im currently in the middle of this install and am having difficulty loosening the 24mm lower control arm bolts

[@TundraMods]

Yes, it is recommended to mark all of them. No alignment issues so far. I went to a near PepBoys the next day I finished the install. They only told me that the alignment took more time than expected. I recently installed a 6in lift kit but never had an issue with the ReadyLift kit installed in this video. I didn't use it on this install but an impact wrench will help a lot. I got one for the 6in lift kit and it saved me a lot of effort and time. If you don't have one you can try to apply some lubricant, extend the length of your wrench or ratchet using a tube, use a piece of wood to hit the wrench or ratchet. I am not sure what tool you have but these are some ideas that helped me in similar situations when an impact wrench was not available.

[@markphilippsjr]

great camera work

[@TundraMods]

Glad you like it! Thanks!

[@lvang05]

How does it ride so far? Did you put on front bump stop extensions by chance? Any noise when going over bumps?

[@TundraMods]

Same quality so far. No front bump stop extensions. There is a particular moment that I remember where I heard a noise. Steering wheel was rotated all the way to the right over a bump at less than 4 mph. The noise was like when you hit a metal tube against another one. It was a short sound. I think I can try to replicate the scenario when I get a chance in order to identify the cause of it.

[@lvang05]

Nice. I got the same setup just installed it yesterday. I heard alot of people suggesting to get get bump stop extensions or spacers for but I called customer service and they advised me that this kit doesn't need it. So I'm kind of in middle. Also after install and alignment my front sits half inch higher then rear.

[@TundraMods]

I am curious what's the new front height? I noted same quality ride after I installed this, how about yours?

[@mebrannon1]

Great video good looking truck

[@TundraMods]

Thank you!

[@jeffgrizzle5476]

Did you not add the spacer for the Sway Bar?

[@TundraMods]

Yes, I did it but forgot to include that part in the video. I uploaded a photo here www.tundras.com/media/20210408_205437.26883/

[@soulrebel808]

Good stuff. Well done 👍🏽

[@TundraMods]

Thank you! 👍

[@nicolasb5613]

Thank you

[@Trd2020]

Great explainable video

[@TundraMods]

Thanks!

[@Jr-qp3qo]

Truck looks great! Can you please post a link to the leveling kit you use. Thank you!

[@TundraMods]

Thank you! Here is the link: www.amazon.com/Readylift-69-5175-ReadyLift-Lift-Kit/dp/B00IOYREIK

[@TundraMods]

And here is the product link: www.readylift.com/3-f-1-r-sst-lift-kit-toyota-tundra-trd-sr5-rock-warrior-2012-2018.html

[@Jr-qp3qo]

@@TundraMods thank you!

[@1971lemond]

Do I need skid plate spacers for a 2 inch front lift in my 2008 tundra 4x4 double cab?

[@TundraMods]

That's a good question! Generally speaking, I understand it depends if your lift kit comes with front differential spacers and its height. For example, this kit came with ~1 inch front differential spacers. Therefore because of this, the skid plate had to be dropped around ~1/2 in. in the rear side using 3 spacers. Now there is around ~1/4 in. between the skid plate and the differential, otherwise the skid plate can’t be installed. I hope this help!

[@chapinrv740]

thank you, great job!!!

[@TundraMods]

Thank you! :)

[@tamS600]

I saw you removed the sway bar but Did you reinstalled it??? 🤔🤔🤔

[@TundraMods]

Hello, I didn't include in the video. I forgot during the editing. But yes I reinstalled it. There is a picture in the following link about how it looks. I hope this helps. www.tundras.com/media/20210408_205437.26883/

[@ika5663]

Great video

[@TundraMods]

Thanks!

[@bigtvideos3514]

Did you have any problems with tire alignment after the install?

[@TundraMods]

Hello, no alignment issues so far. I went to a near PepBoys the next day I finished the install. They only told me that the alignment took more time than expected.

[@rivasider1]

Muy buen video. Loved it bro

[@TundraMods]

Gracias! I am glad you loved it! 😊

[@steveknopf3954]

Wow! This is a major under-taking. I'm 4.5 hours in to it and I've completed the front driver side only. I still have to do the passenger side and I just realized I have to put the spacer in for the differential. That's going to add some time, no doubt. I also now realize the front driver side wheel is lower than before since we've added a 3" spacer and the spring doesn't want to move without weight on it. Is it better to just jack your truck up roughly 3" higher than it already is and put the wheel on or is it an option to use your jack to jack the lower control arm up higher so the wheel will now go on it?

[@TundraMods]

I will jack the truck not the lower control arm. Safety always first. 🙂 I sent you a msg. related to the other question in another vid. How you finally placed the shock bolt in position?

[@steveknopf3954]

@@TundraMods Yes, I got it shortly after I posted my previous post, which is why I deleted it. I was able to get the bolt through by tightening the spring bolts a bit more and jacking the lower control arm with a jack. I played around with it a bit, wiggling and hitting it with a rubber mallet and it went through without too much trouble.

[@TundraMods]

@@steveknopf3954 Awesome, I am glad that you solve it! It takes some time and a lot of patient to get it done. But and the it will be very satisfactory and you will learn a lot about your Tundra. 🙂👍

[@MrGunner945]

what was the before ride height?

[@TundraMods]

Hello, Before ride height was: Driver Front 36 1/4", Driver Rear 38 3/8", Pass. Front 36 1/2", and Pass. Rear 38 7/8".

[@Carlosarincon100]

Did you install the sway bar spacer?? I didnt see you installing them.

[@TundraMods]

Hello, yes I did it but it isn't in the video. I uploaded a photo here for reference. www.tundras.com/media/20210408_205437.26883/ I hope this help.

[@Carlosarincon100]

@@TundraMods Thank you!

[@TheTruth-fb4be]

Do you need to loosen up the alignment cams to lower the lower control arm and remove the strut? (So that I don't have to mess with the alignment settings later)

[@ozzie3056]

Yes they have to be loosened otherwise the control arm will be stiff and won't drop down on like in the video. You'll have to align the car regardless. You should definitely mark them, your alignment won't be so bad.

[@RoFlo.]

Why do you need to put a spacer on the front diff?

[@TundraMods]

Hello, That's a good question! It came with the 3.5 in. Ready Lift kit. I understand it is necessary to correct the geometry changed by the block spacers installed over the suspension. In my opinion these spacers helps to keep the quality of the ride and avoid the overstretch of the axles.

[@RoFlo.]

@@TundraMods that makes so much sense, i'f you block the front suspension and front diff do you need top lift the rear as well or can you get away with just leveling the front?

[@TundraMods]

Good question! I understand is not necessary to lift the rear diff because the front lift since both are connected to the transfer case independently. There are some kits that provides different heights for the front and rear side. I like more the leveled style but having it a litter bit higher in the rear side can be good for heavy loads. In the other hand having it a litter bit higher in the front side give it a more aggressive look in my opinion. It is just matter on how you want it to look like, always considering the limitations and necessary parts.

[@huy-tuannguyen6151]

good video

[@TundraMods]

Thanks! I am glad you liked it!

[@canconservative8976]

Is that the 1794 Badge?.... Top of the line Tundra there.....

[@TundraMods]

Yes, that is the 1794 Edition. 🙂

[@mtmitchell34]

Did you put the spacer on the sway bar? It comes with one correct? By the way, this is way better than Readylift's own video! Great stuff!

[@TundraMods]

Thanks! Yes, I also installed the sway bar spacers that came with the kit.

[@TundraMods]

Hello I uploaded a picture of the spacer installed. Here is the link: www.tundras.com/media/20210408_205437.26883/ I hope it helps.

[@mtmitchell34]

@@TundraMods . Thank you!. I literally started today and got to the point of marking my alignment bolts before I lost sunlight! This really helped.

[@nathanb9174]

Did you have to lower the wheels with the tires on first to get the suspension to get into place before putting the sway bar back on? My sway bar is not reaching forward enough to get the bolts in. Thanks.

[@TundraMods]

@@nathanb9174 I am sorry, I don't know how I missed this question. The answer is yes, lower the wheels completely to install the lower link bolt to the lower control arm. I know is too late for this answer but wondering what you did? Also, in case someone have the same question.

[@jenniferbowen1209]

what size of tire are you using ?

[@TundraMods]

In this video it had stock tires P275/55R20. I already replaced all by bigger tires 275/60R20. I will upload a new review video of this lift kit soon. In this new video you will see how it looks with bigger tires. There isn't too much difference but looks great too I think.

[@the-handy-fixer]

Installing mine now but stuck at adding the front diff spacers. How on earth did you get a wrench on those lock nuts to tighten them down?

[@TundraMods]

Same happened to me! I used the open side of a regular wrench.

[@TundraMods]

I was wondering if you could install it? 🤞

[@the-handy-fixer]

@@TundraMods I got it! Used some vise-grips and was able to get a bite in them and torqued them done.

[@TundraMods]

@@the-handy-fixer I'm glad to hear that! 🎉

[@LTYFLY]

How long did it take you to do both front?

[@TundraMods]

Hello, about 8-9 hrs. approx.

[@LTYFLY]

@@TundraMods really? Looks like it could be done 3-4 hours just for the front?

[@TundraMods]

Yes, probably with some help, or an experienced person and the right tools. I wished that I had an impact air tool for this install. That can really improve the completion time I think.

[@LTYFLY]

How did you loose the alignment bolts? Mine are impossible to loosen.

[@TundraMods]

Hello I used a breaker bar 1/2 by 24 inches. Here you can see one similar to what I have: www.amazon.com/Neiko-00206A-Premium-Breaker-Length/dp/B001222378 I hope it helps!

[@markdejonge9143]

When is the next video coming?

[@TundraMods]

Hello!! Thanks for asking. The second part of this video is the skid plate install. I will upload the second part this week. You can also find the third part (rear lift kit install) in the following video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p37CXnmwbZeVo9k I am currently working on a video about a summary/review of my first mods, including hood scoop, lift kit, Anytime backup/front camera, and bed tonneau cover. I also ordered 2 sets of Spidertrax wheel spacers 1.25 in, and a wireless charge for cellphone that will be installed in the arm rest. For the wireless charge, If everything works as expected I will be able to add such functionality with less than 50 dollars :). I will be doing a detailed videos for these installs too. My goal is to have this ready at some point on December in the next 2 weeks probably. The led lights, TRD air intake and TRD exhaust comes next :).

[@TundraMods]

Hello I hope you are doing fine. I just wanted to let you know that I uploaded the second part of this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2rXqXath8uBg7M I will do my best to keep uploading videos more often, at least one every one or two weeks! I have a lot of stuff in queue for my Tundra. :)

[@Pishing805]

Good job!

[@TundraMods]

Thanks Gary! I still have additional content pending to upload about this install. I will upload it hopefully by next week.

[@georgioantoine4194]

Do you work for Toyota? 😀

[@TundraMods]

Hello! No, I don't work for Toyota.😎 But I really like to do stuff like this :) on my free time.

[@chrissmits3215]

Sway bar?!?!which is not easy...hello

[@TundraMods]

I also installed the sway bar spacers that came with the kit. 😊

[@chrissmits3215]

@@TundraMods send me a link to ur leveling kit so i can see what the sway bar spacer looks like

[@TundraMods]

@@chrissmits3215 Hello I uploaded a picture of the spacer installed. Here is the link: www.tundras.com/media/20210408_205437.26883/ I hope it helps. You can also find a view of it in the begining of this video at 0:36. The sway bar spacers are the rectangular small solid blocks with 2 holes located in the middle of the table. Don't hesitate to ask me if you have questions or need additional info. 🙂