I reached out to JSM they no longer make this kit for our trucks

 

Just wondering how involved the install of the Ridetech kit is? I'm pretty mechanically inclined and am considering this kit since I really need to be able to translate my HP to the ground. Also, does the kit change the position of the rear axle to the point of changing the length of the driveshaft? Would be using it with coilovers so would the leaf springs be deleted as well? Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

first off the bed needs to come off for the install. the leafs are deleted and the main portion bolts in like a c-notch. it appears to be very straight forward install and does not appear to need any modification of the drive shaft. The long bars appear to bolt up to the front leaf spring mounting points and the wishbone mounts to the rear end housing. I am seriously considering this since it is hard to find anyone around here that wants to take on a 4-link for a reasonable price. The base kit is 2k but does not come with coilovers

 

Thanks for the insight. I think I'm going to have to get this kit and give it a shot. My son in law and I could probably have it on in a weekend now doubt. We've done everything on this rig from motor builds to the 80e swap, Willwood upgrade, and the lowering kit it sits on now. Probably the next best upgrade I can think of would be the 4 link & the Atomic coilovers for the front end.

 

with a second person it will definitely be easy. I am trying to figure out how to get the bed off and on by myself. I guess an engine hoist

 

KP components has a bolt on 4-link. if you add the watts-link the package looks like around $1400. All the reviews I have read are pretty positive but all say to use the watts-link instead of the pan hard bar.

 

That kit looks pretty pretty well.

 

That's a spot on assessment of the install. I did mine myself over a weekend, I do have a two post lift though. Unbolt and raise the bed on the lift, move the truck, put the bed on dollies, put the truck back on the lift.
Here's a good link where 06sierra5.3 documents the install:
https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...ersion-552974/

 

How do like it? How does it ride?

 

I like it, it's a well built kit. The R-joints they use in the 3 link arm and lower arms are miles ahead of just using rod ends, which would have probably started making noise or be loose by now. My only complaint about ride is on very rough/uneven pavement, it doesn't handle that very well imo. I attribute most of the harshness in this situation to the fact that I'm running 275/40/20's and there isn't much sidewall there to help cushion the ride. I run over these same sections of road in my 2017 crew cab and it soaks it up like it isn't there but, much longer wheelbase, much more tire sidewall and 20+ years of design advancements.