If you own a truck or SUV and are looking to upgrade your suspension, Johnny Law Motors offers a range of aftermarket parts designed for off-road and daily driving. The brand is known for its lift kits, shocks, springs, and control arms, often paired with YouTube assembly tutorials. This guide will help you navigate the process of using YouTube to assemble Johnny Law Motors suspension parts correctly, avoid common mistakes, and get the most out of your gear.
Finding the Right YouTube Assembly Video
Before you start wrenching, you need a reliable video. Johnny Law Motors has an official YouTube channel, but many independent mechanics and off-road enthusiasts also post detailed installs. Here’s how to find the best one:
Search Specifics
When searching on YouTube, use exact part names and vehicle models. For example, if you have a Chevy Silverado 1500 and bought the 4-inch lift kit, search "Johnny Law Motors 4-inch lift Chevy Silverado 1500 assembly." Including "assembly" or "install" helps filter out reviews and unboxings. Avoid vague terms like "Johnny Law suspension" that might return old or unrelated videos.
Check Video Length and Views
A good assembly video typically runs between 20 and 60 minutes. Very short videos (under 10 minutes) may skip critical steps. Longer ones might include unnecessary commentary. Look for videos with at least a few thousand views and a high like-to-dislike ratio. This indicates the community found it helpful.
Look for Playlists
Johnny Law Motors often organizes videos into playlists by product line (e.g., "Suspension Kits 2015-2020 F-150"). These playlists walk you through the entire process in order—from disassembly to final torque checks. Using a playlist ensures you don’t miss steps if the video is split into parts.
Essential Tools and Prep Work
YouTube assembly videos assume you have basic mechanical skills and tools. Before starting, gather:
- Floor jack and jack stands
- Socket and wrench set (metric and SAE, as Johnny Law parts use both)
- Torque wrench (important for suspension bolts)
- Pry bar and pickle fork for ball joints
- Penetrating oil for rusted bolts
- Safety glasses and gloves
Watch the entire video once before you start. Note any special tools required, like a ball joint press or spring compressor. Johnny Law Motor’s instructional videos often list needed tools in the description or as a pinned comment.
Step-by-Step Assembly Insights
While every kit differs, most Johnny Law Motors suspension assemblies follow a similar pattern. Here’s what to expect based on common YouTube installs:
1. Disassembly
Most videos begin by removing the stock suspension. This includes taking off wheels, unbolting shocks, and detaching control arms. Johnny Law’s videos emphasize marking all bolts and using impact guns for stubborn fasteners. They also remind you to support the vehicle with jack stands and never rely on the jack alone.
2. Installing Control Arms
Many lifts use new upper or lower control arms to correct geometry. In the YouTube video, you’ll see the installer compare old and new arms side-by-side. They apply antiseize to bolts and tighten in a specific order (often loosely first, then torque after the vehicle is on the ground). Pay attention to torque specs: Johnny Law provides them in the video’s description or on their website. Common mistakes include overtightening bushings, which can cause premature wear.
3. Coilover or Shock Assembly
For coilover kits, videos show how to compress springs and assemble the strut. Johnny Law Motors sells pre-assembled coilovers, but some kits require you to transfer springs. YouTube tutorials demonstrate using a spring compressor, and they stress safety: do not use a vice alone. If you’re unsure, have a shop assemble them. For shock-only kits, the video shows how to install the new shock and adjust ride height collars.
4. Differential Drop and Other Brackets
Larger lifts require dropping the front differential to keep CV axles at a safe angle. Johnny Law’s videos include detailed steps for installing drop brackets or spacer blocks. They use a floor jack to support the differential and show how to align it with new bolts. Similarly, rear lift blocks or add-a-leaf kits are demonstrated with axle placement and U-bolt torque patterns.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even with a good YouTube guide, mistakes happen. Watch out for:
- Incorrect torque sequence: Always follow the specific order shown in the video. For example, lower control arm bolts should be torqued with the suspension loaded (vehicle on the ground). Doing it with the axle hanging can deform bushings.
- Missing alignment specs: After lifting, alignment is crucial. Johnny Law Motors includes suggested camber/caster settings in their videos. Write them down and take them to an alignment shop. Without it, tire wear and handling suffer.
- Using wrong hardware: Kits include all bolts, but sometimes YouTube commenters point out that included hardware may be wrong for certain model years. Double-check part numbers before installing.
- Not watching the entire video: Many viewers jump in halfway and miss critical warnings. Watch from start to finish. Johnny Law’s videos often have a “before you start” section with important safety notes.
Off-Road and On-Road Testing
After assembly, the YouTube video usually shows a test drive. Follow their advice: drive a few miles at low speed, then check all bolts for tightness. Listen for clunks or squeaks. If you hear anything, stop and inspect. Johnny Law Motors recommends a re-torque after 500 miles for new bushings and springs to settle.
Using YouTube Comments for Troubleshooting
The comments section under Johnny Law Motors assembly videos is a goldmine for real-world tips. Many users share their experiences with specific vehicle models. Sort comments by “newest first” to see recent updates. If you encounter a problem, search for it in the comments (e.g., “4WD issues after lift”) before posting your own question. The channel owner or other users often reply quickly.
Final Recommendations
For a successful Johnny Law Motors suspension assembly, follow these steps:
- Watch the full YouTube video specific to your kit and vehicle at least once before you start.
- Gather all tools and hardware beforehand. Check the video description for a list.
- Work slowly and methodically. Rushing leads to mistakes. If a bolt is stuck, use penetrating oil and take your time.
- Get an alignment immediately after installation. Use the specs from the video.
- Re-torque after 500 miles as recommended by Johnny Law Motors.
If you’re not confident in your mechanical skills, consider hiring a professional shop. However, with the help of YouTube assembly videos and careful attention to detail, many DIYers successfully install these parts themselves. Johnny Law Motors suspension parts are built for durability, and proper assembly ensures you get the performance and longevity you’re after.