FABTECH FTS22350 Ball Joint Tie Rod Kit Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- FABTECH
Table of Contents
FABTECH FTS22350 Ball Joint Tie Rod Kit
Product Information
The FTS22350 Ball Joint Tie Rod Kit is designed for the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco
4WD. It is manufactured by Fabtech
Motorsports and is intended to be installed on a stock vehicle. The kit
includes the following components:
- 2 FT31016 Tie Rod Assembly
- 1 FT22350i Instructions
- 1 FTLOCK Thread Locking Compound
Please note that if you need wearable replacement components, do not use the part numbers provided in this instruction sheet. Instead, visit the Fabtech website and look up wearable replacement parts to find the proper part number to order.
Pre-Installation Notes
Before you begin the installation, please take note of the following:
- For technical assistance, you can call Fabtech at 909-597-7800 or email info@fabtechmotorsports.com.
- Check all parts against the parts list provided above. If any parts are missing, contact Fabtech at 909-597-7800 for a replacement.
- This suspension and shocks are specifically designed for installation on a stock vehicle.
- Read all instructions thoroughly from start to finish before beginning the installation. Failure to do so may result in severe frame, driveline, and/or suspension damage.
- Check your local city and state laws to ensure the legality of installing this system in your area. Do not install if it is not legal.
- Prior to installing this suspension system, perform a front-end alignment and record the alignment. Do not proceed with the installation if the vehicle alignment is not within factory specifications. Check for frame and suspension damage before installation.
- The installation of this suspension system should be done by two professional mechanics. Fabtech shock absorbers must be used with this suspension.
- During installation, apply the provided thread locking compound to all fasteners and tighten them to the specified torque values indicated in the instructions.
- Installing this system will alter the center of gravity of the vehicle and may increase the risk of rollover compared to stock. Operate the vehicle with extreme care at all times to prevent rollover or loss of control, which could result in serious injury or death.
- If your vehicle has oversized tires, regularly check ball joints, uniballs, tie rod ends, pitman arm, and idler arm every 2500-5000 miles for wear and replace as needed.
- Prior to installing the kit, verify that the differential fluid is at the manufacturer’s recommended level. The installation may reposition the differential, and the fill plug hole may be in a different position. Make sure to check your specific manual for the correct amount of fluid required.
- Read all warnings and warranties on the last page of these instructions before starting the installation.
- Note that these tie rods use FK heim ends for offroad durability and are designed for race application. They may produce audible noise and road feel, which is considered normal and not a defect.
Product Usage Instructions
To properly use the FTS22350 Ball Joint Tie Rod Kit, follow the step-by-step installation instructions provided in the FT22350i Instructions document. Make sure to read and understand all instructions before beginning the installation. It is recommended to have two professional mechanics perform the installation using the required tools listed above.
During installation, apply the provided thread locking compound to all fasteners and tighten them to the specified torque values indicated in the instructions. This will ensure secure and reliable installation.
After the installation, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain the installed components. Check for any signs of wear or damage, especially if your vehicle has oversized tires. Replace any worn or damaged parts as needed to ensure optimal performance and safety.
For any technical assistance or inquiries, you can contact Fabtech Motorsports at 909-597-7800 or email info@fabtechmotorsports.com.
TOOL LIST
Required Tools (Not Included)
- Basic Hand Tools
- Floor Jack
- Jack Stands
- Assorted Metric and S.A.E sockets, and Allen wrenches
- Torque Wrench
- Hose clamp or pinch clamp tool
PRE-INSTALLATION NOTES
For technical assistance call: 909-597-7800 or e-mail: info@fabtechmotorsports.com
READ THIS BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION
- Check all parts to the parts list above before beginning installation. If any parts are missing contact Fabtech at 909-597-7800 and a replacement part will be sent to you immediately.
- This suspension and shocks have been designed to be installed on a stock vehicle.
- Read all instructions thoroughly from start to finish before beginning the installation. If these instructions are not properly followed severe frame, driveline and / or suspension damage may occur.
- Check your local city and state laws prior to the installation of this system for legality. Do not install if not legal in your area.
- Prior to the installation of this suspension system perform a front end alignment and record. Do not install this system if the vehicle alignment is not within factory specifications. Check for frame and suspension damage prior to installation.
- The installation of this suspension system should be performed by two professional mechanics. This suspension must be installed with Fabtech shock absorbers.
- Installation of all fasteners requires the use of provided thread locking compound with proper torque values as indicated throughout the installation. Apply thread locking compound upon the final torque of the fastener.
- WARNING- Installation of this system will alter the center of gravity of the vehicle and may increase roll over as compared to stock. Extreme care should be taken to operate the vehicle safely at all times to prevent rollover or loss of control resulting in serious injury or death.
- Vehicles that receive oversized tires should check ball joints, uniballs, tie rods ends, pitman arm and idler arm every 2500- 5000 miles for wear and replace as needed.
- Verify differential fluid is at manufactures recommended level prior to kit installation. Installation of the kit will reposition the differential and the fill plug hole may be in a different position. (For example, if the manufacture recommends 3 quarts of fluid, make sure the diff has 3 quarts of fluid). Check your specific manual for correct amount of fluid.
- Read all warnings and warranties on the last page of these instructions before starting installation.
NOTE- These tie rods use FK heims ends for offroad durability and are designed for race application. They may pass audible noise and road feel through the vehicle which is considered is normal and not a defect.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. Jack up the front end of the truck and support the frame rails with jack stands. NEVER WORK UNDER AN UNSUPPORTED VEHICLE! Remove the front tires.
- Remove the factory tie rods from the steering rack and the knuckle.
- Write down the measurement from the end of the flat inner end to the center of the ball joint. SEE FIGURE 1
- Disassemble the new Fabtech tie rod. SEE FIGURE 2
- Install the new boot onto the tie rod. SEE FIGURE 3
- Install the jam nut. SEE FIGURE 4
- Install the outer tie rod end to the same length as the factory tie rod assembly. Tighten the jam nut. SEE FIGURE 5
- Install the tie rod onto the steering rack. SEE FIGURE 6
- Install the larger end of the boot to the steering rack using the supplied clamp. Then, install the small clamp to secure the boot to the tie rod. NOTE: The tie rod end has a machined space for the clamp to secure into. SEE FIGURE 7
- Install the tie rod to the factory knuckle. Torque to 42 ft-lbs.
- Repeat steps on the passenger side.
- Check front end alignment and set to factory specifications.
- Install tires and wheels and torque lug nuts to wheel manufacturer’s specifications. Turn front tires left to right and check for appropriate tire clearance. Note – Some oversized tires may require trimming of the front bumper & valance.
- Recheck all bolts for proper torque. RE-TORQUE ALL NUTS, BOLTS AND LUGS AFTER 50 MILES AND PERIODICALLY THEREAFTER UNTIL TORQUE VALUES ARE RETAINED.
- Check ball joints, uniballs bearings, bushings and all steering components every 2500-5000 miles for wear and replace as required.
- Install Driver Warning Decal. Complete product registration card and mail to Fabtech in order to receive future safety and technical bulletins on this suspension.
- Review all included warnings and warranties with consumer
For technical assistance call: 909-597-7800
Product Warranty & Warnings
-
Fabtech provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty to the original retail purchaser who owns the vehicle, on which the product was originally installed, for defects in workmanship and materials.
-
The Limited Lifetime Warranty excludes the following Fabtech items; bushings, bump
stops, ball joints, Uniball bearings, tie rod ends, limiting straps, cross shafts, heim joints and driveshafts. These parts are subject to wear and are not considered defective when worn. They are warranted for 60 days from the date of purchase for defects in workmanship. -
Dirt Logic take apart shocks are considered a serviceable shock with a 1-year warranty against any manufacturer’s defects. If a shock fails within the initial year of ownership, the owner
must ship the shock to Fabtech for inspection and service. If after examination the shock is determined to have failed due to neglect, damage caused by improper installation, or any reason other than “normal wear and tear,” the owner of the shock will be responsible for all service costs. Costs include labor, parts, and shipping. Service seal kits are available separately for future maintenance. All other shocks are covered under our Limited Lifetime Warranty. -
Fabtech does not warrant any product for finish, alterations, modifications and/or installation contrary to Fabtech’s instructions. Alterations to the finish of the parts including but not limited to painting, powder coating, plating and/or welding will void all warranties. Some finish damage may occur to parts during shipping, which is considered normal and is not covered under warranty.
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Fabtech products are not designed nor intended to be installed on vehicles used in race applications or for racing purposes or for similar activities. This warranty does not include coverage for police, taxi, first responder vehicles, race vehicles, or vehicles used for government, commercial or fleet purposes. Also excluded from this warranty are sales outside of the United States of America.
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Installation of most suspension products will raise the center of gravity of the vehicle and will cause the vehicle to handle differently than stock. It may increase the vehicle’s susceptibility to a rollover, on road and off road, at all speeds. Extreme care should be taken to operate
the vehicle safely at all times to prevent rollover or loss of control resulting in serious injury or death. -
Oversized tires and wheels may decrease the vehicle’s braking capacity. Drivers should always brake early and be aware of the increased the stopping distance of the vehicle. Drivers should adjust their driving habits to the effectiveness of the braking. Adjust your driving habits to these changes.
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Failure to drive safely may result in serious injury or death to driver and passengers. Driver and passengers must ALWAYS wear your seat belts, avoid quick sharp turns and other sudden maneuvers
Instruction Sheet Part# – FT22350i