Mod Hatter -
Your first question was "Do I need a lift kit in order to switch to 15" wheels and tires?"
Answer: maybe. It depends on the year and model of your TM. Why don't you add those to your signature line, as many have done. It helps us answer questions like this.
A more direct answer is this. Open up the TM, take off the flat plastic wheel well cover. Measure the distance from the top of the tire to the underside of the wheel well. Dexter Axle says on their web site that they like to see 3" of clearance here, to allow the suspension to flex (it actually flexes only an inch - the rest is a safety margin). If you have 3", you are good to make the switch. If you have 2", you can make the switch, but should plan on adding a lift kit in the not-too-distant future. If you have less than 2", do the lift before changing out the wheels and tires.
Question 1 1/2 was: "is adding a lift kit hard to do?" Answer - no. You may not choose to do it yourself, because it involves unbolting the axle, jacking up the frame, inserting the lift, lowering the frame, and bolting everything together. There may be a weld to grind off - again, can't tell without knowing your year and model. But any automotive garage has the tools and the jacks to do it. There have been several threads detailing the steps involved, with pictures. Once you get settled down, take a look for them. They will help.
Question #2 was "Do I need to use special TM parts to repair the plumbing?" The answer is NO (unless the gray water tank is destroyed). The plumbing is put together with standard pipe and fittings that you can buy at any hardware store. If you are at all handy, you can do it yourself. A plumber will be a bit expensive simply because of the access issues. You should really know what is leaking before you give a plumber the keys to the kingdom. If you can figure it out, let us know. It shouldn't be hard to isolate the leak. The solution may be as simple as tightening as nut.
Hope this helps.
Bill
|