READYLIFT 2017-2022 Ford Super Duty 8.5 Lift Kit User Manual

READYLIFT 2017-2022 Ford Super Duty 8.5 Lift Kit

Product Information

• Product Name: 2017-2022 Ford Super Duty 8.5 Lift Kit
• Product Model: 49-27850
• Manufacturer: ReadyLIFT
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Contact Information:
• • Phone: 877-759-9991
  • Email: support@readylift-ami.com
  • Website: ReadyLIFT.com

Product Usage Instructions

Before beginning the installation, please read and follow the instructions below:

Important Safety Instructions:

• Read all instructions thoroughly and completely before starting the installation.
• Installation by a certified professional mechanic is highly recommended.
• It is the responsibility of the retailer, installer, and driver to comply with state and local laws regarding vehicle bumper height and lifting.
• Check the surrounding area for obstructions, people, and animals before moving the vehicle.
• Raised vehicles have increased blind spots, so exercise caution and follow instructions to avoid damage, injury, or death.

Pre-Installation Measurements:

Perform the following height measurements before installation:

| Front| Rear
---|---|---
Driver Before| |
Driver After| |
Passenger Before| |
Passenger After| |

Measurements should be performed from the center of the hub to the fender edge straight up from the hub.
Also, record headlamp measurements for both driver and passenger sides.

Installation:

1. Follow the steps below to install the lift kit:

2. 1.   1. Remove the brake line bracket at the frame.

   2. Remove the brake line bracket at the axle.
3. For detailed installation instructions and a complete list of components and hardware, please refer to the user manual provided by ReadyLIFT.
4. Note: ReadyLIFT Suspension highly recommends professional installation for optimal results. If you need assistance finding an authorized installer in your area, please contact ReadyLIFT Suspension Customer Service or visit their website for a list of authorized installers.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

• This unique product warranty proves our commitment to the quality and reliability of every product that ReadyLIFT manufactures. The ReadyLIFT product warranty only extends to the original purchaser of any ReadyLIFT product, if it breaks, we will give you a new part. Warranty does not apply to discontinued parts.
• Our Limited Lifetime Warranty excludes the following ReadyLIFT items; bushings, bump stops, ball joints, tie rod ends, heim joints and shock absorbers. These parts are subject to wear and are not considered defective when worn. They are warranted for 12 months from the date of purchase for defects in workmanship. This product warranty is voided if the vehicle is not aligned after kit installation and proper maintenance is routinely done.
• Product purchased directly from ReadyLIFT has a 90 day return policy on uninstalled products from the date of purchase (may be subject to restocking fee). Uninstalled product returns must be in the original ReadyLIFT packaging. Please call 877-759-9991 to get an RGA# for any return. Customer is responsible for shipping costs back to ReadyLIFT. Returns without RGA# will be refused. Contact ReadyLIFT directly about any potentially defective parts prior to removal from vehicle.
• ReadyLIFT products are NOT intended for off-road abuse. Any damage or failure as a result from off-road abuse voids the warranty of the ReadyLIFT product. ReadyLIFT is NOT responsible for any subsequent damages to any related vehicle parts due to misuse, abuse, improper installation, or lack of maintenance. Furthermore, ReadyLIFT reserves the right to change, modify or cancel this warranty without prior notice.

Safety Warning

• MISUSE OF THIS PRODUCT COULD LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH.
• Suspension systems or components that enhance the on and off-road performance of your vehicle may cause it to handle differently than it did from the factory. Extreme care must be used to prevent loss of control or vehicle rollover during abrupt maneuvers.
• Always operate your vehicle at reduced speeds to ensure your ability to control your vehicle under all driving conditions. 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. ReadyLIFT Suspension does not recommend the combined use of suspension lifts, body lifts, or other lifting devices.
• You should never operate your vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Constant maintenance is required to keep your vehicle safe. Thoroughly inspect your vehicle before and after every off-road use.
• It is the responsibility of the retailer and/or the installer to review all state and local laws, with the end user of this product, related to bumper height laws and the lifting of their vehicle before the purchase and installation of any ReadyLIFT products.
• It is the responsibility of the driver/s to check their surrounding area for obstructions, people, and animals before moving the vehicle.
• All raised vehicles have increased blind spots; damage, injury and/or death can occur if these instructions are not followed.

Installation Warning

• All steps and procedures described in these instructions were performed while the vehicle was properly supported on a two post vehicle lift with safety jacks.
• Use caution during all disassembly and assembly steps to insure suspension components are not over extended causing damage to any vehicle components and parts included in this kit.
• Included instructions are guidelines only for recommended procedures and are not meant to be definitive.
• Installer is responsible to insure a safe and controllable vehicle after performing modifications.
• ReadyLIFT Suspension recommends the use of an OE Service Manual for model/year of vehicle when disassembly and assembly of factory and related components.
• Unless otherwise specified, tighten all bolts and fasteners to standard torque specifications listed within the OE Service Manual.
• Suspension components that use rubber or urethane bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. This will prevent premature wear or failure of the bushing and maintain ride comfort.
• Larger tire and wheel combinations may increase leverage on suspension, steering, and related components.
• Due to payload options and initial ride height variances, the amount of lift is a base figure. Final ride height dimensions may vary in accordance to original vehicle ride height. Always measure the vehicle ride height prior to beginning installation.

SAEJ2492 Warning

• By installing this product, you acknowledge that the suspension of this vehicle has been modified. As a result, this vehicle may handle differently than that of factory-equipped vehicles. As with any vehicle, extreme care must be used to prevent loss of control or roll-over during sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. Always wear seat belts, and drive safely, recognizing that reduced speeds and specialized driving techniques may be required. Failure to drive this vehicle safely may result in serious injury or death. Do not drive this vehicle unless you are familiar with its unique handling characteristics and are confident of your ability to maintain control under all driving conditions. Some modifications (and combinations of modifications) are not recommended and may not be permitted in your state. Consult your owner’s manual, the instructions accompanying this product, and state laws before undertaking these modifications. You are responsible for the legality and safety of the vehicle you modify using these components.
• Due to payload options and initial ride height variances, the amount of lift is a base figure. Final ride height dimensions may vary in accordance to original vehicle ride height. Always measure the vehicle ride height prior to beginning installation.
• A lifted vehicle may have different headlight aim performance. ReadyLIFT recommends marking and recording the headlight beam position before kit installation and then adjusting, if necessary, the headlamps to the same height settings after kit installation. Set the vehicle on a level surface 10′ to 15’ from a solid wall or garage door. (This is a general distance with some manufacturers requiring different distances.) Note the top height of the low beam’s bright spot, the top of the most intense part of the beam, for driver and passenger side. Height may vary from side to side. Repeat this procedure and adjust after lift kit is installed. Adjust if the aim is off by turning the adjusters gradually (a quarter of a turn) and looking to see where the new alignment falls. It may be easier to block one headlamp while adjusting the other. Consult the owner operation manual for procedures to adjust headlights – many automakers offer headlight aiming specs. Some states have their own specifications when it comes to headlight aim, so it’s best to follow those rules when alighting headlights.
• This suspension system was developed using a 38”x12.5” tire with 20” x 9” wheel and a offset of +25. If wider tires are used, offset wheels may be necessary and trimming may be required. Factory wheels can be used but are not recommended with tires over 11” wide.
• The stock spare rim can be run in an emergency – exercise extreme caution under stock spare tire operating conditions. Please note that, if running the spare factory tire, it is done for short distances and a speed not to exceed 45mph or damage to differentials may occur.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• This kit was designed using the standard frame option vehicle. Vehicles that have been equipped with snow prep / ambulance packages will not see the same lift height gained as they come 1” to 1.5” taller from the factory due to heavier rated front springs. The lift height achieved is 6” to 8” over the standard frame option vehicles depending on the kit purchased. The springs provided in this kit are not designed to carry snow plow package and may see decreased front end heights if done.
• The lift blocks in this kit are not designed to work with aftermarket or factory add on air spring/load leveling kits that attach to the bump stop tangs. Use of this type of air bag system will void all block warranties and can cause failure of the block bump stop tang.

PRE-INSTALLATION MEASUREMENTS

• It is imperative that you record the following measurements and factory components in the tables below. ReadyLIFT tests and records as much data from each application as available at the time of product development. Vehicle manufacturers may change components or add models with different options. Recording and not exceeding the fender-to-hub-center ReadyLIFT calls out will ensure the lift on the vehicle is correct.
• These measurements will affect the performance of this lift kit. Failure to ensure proper stock conditions may result in over lifting, causing premature failure of axles, CV boots and drivetrain. Over lifting a vehicle will also result in an incorrect wheel alignment. This will wear tires incorrectly. Incorrect alignment will cause poor vehicle handling issues including but not limited to under steer. Over lifting will also cause a shock top off condition resulting in poor ride quality accompanied by pops and clunks which are symptoms of prematurely wearing components.
• Failure to adjust head lamps may cause dangerous driving conditions for you and other drivers on the road. Record the head lamp position before the installation of this lift or leveling kit and adjust to original factory position after the completion to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

VEHICLE HEIGHT MEASURMENTS

**| Driver Before| Driver After| Passenger  Before| Passenger  After
---|---|---|---|---
Front| **| | | **
Rear| **| | | ****

RECORD HEAD LAMP MEASURMENTS

Driver Before| Driver After| Passenger  Before| Passenger After
---|---|---|---
| | |

BILL OF MATERIALS

Before starting installation: ReadyLIFT Suspension highly recommends that the installation of this product be performed by a professional mechanic with experience working on and installing suspension products. Professional knowledge and skill will typically yield the best installation results. If you need an installer in your area, please contact ReadyLIFT Suspension Customer Service or check out the dealers tab  on our Website for authorized installers .

INSTALLATION BY A PROFESSIONAL IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

• A Factory Service Manual for your specific Year / Make / Model is highly recommended for reference during installation.
• All lifted vehicles may require additional driveline modifications and / or balancing.
• A vehicle alignment is REQUIRED after installation of this product.
• Speedometer / Computer recalibration is required if changing +/- 10% from factory tire diameter.
• A vehicle lift or hoist greatly reduces installation time. Installation time estimates are based on an available vehicle hoist.
•  Vehicle must be in excellent operating condition. Repair or replace any and all worn or damaged components prior to installation.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION

• ReadyLIFT recommends all steps and procedures described in these instructions be performed while the vehicle is properly supported on a two post vehicle lift with safety jacks.

• Otherwise, park vehicle on a clean flat surface and block the rear wheels for safety. Engage the parking brake.

• Disconnect the vehicle power source at the ground terminal on the battery.

• Lock the steering wheel in the straight forward position with the column lock or steering wheel locking device.

• Raise the front of the vehicle and support with safety jack stands at each frame rail behind the lower control arms.

• Remove the brake line bracket at the frame.

• Remove the brake line bracket at the axle.

• Remove the vacuum line clips from the driver side radius arm.

• Remove the axle vent line tube from the top of the driver side shock and the inside frame rail.

• Remove the vacuum line clip from the passenger side engine cross member.

• Remove transfer case skid plate. Retain factory hardware.

• Support transfer case with jackstand near the output shaft. Remove factory cross member and discard. Retain the 4 factory bolts and nuts that hold the transfer case on the outsides.

• With the transfer case still supported, remove the front and rear drive shafts from the vehicle. Retain factory driveshafts and hardware. Unclip the wiring harness from the transfer case.

• Using a transmission jack, support the transfer case and remove the 11 bolts attaching it to the vehicle. Making sure to keep the transfer case level, back it off the transmission output shaft and carefully lower it from the vehicle. Set aside in a safe location.

• Install the ReadyLIFT Transfer Case Clocking Ring into the transmission using the provided M10 x 35mm socket cap bolts. Using a star pattern, torque bolts to 50 ftlbs.

• Re-install transfer case using the provide M10-1.5 x 35mm Hex Bolts. Using a star pattern, torque bolts to 50 ft-lbs.

• Place a suitable jack under the tie rod ends close to the knuckles.

• Remove the radius arms at the frame. Use the jack to rotate the axle up allowing the radius arms to drop out of the frame low enough to clear the ReadyLIFT radius arm drops.

• Using one bolt on each side, line up the ReadyLIFT Transmission Crossmember and put the bolts through. Do not install the nuts at this time.

• Use a jackstand to hold up one side of the crossmember and install ReadyLIFT Radius Arm Drop Bracket using provided M18 x 130mm bolts, washers, crush sleeve, nuts and the factory cross member bolts. Do not tighten at this time. Repeat for other side.
  (Stock crossmember shown in image).

• Install the provided M12 nuts and washers to the bottom transmission studs and torque to 65 ft-lbs.

• Rotate the axle by lowering the jacks under the tie rod ends until you can line up the radius arms into the ReadyLIFT drop brackets. Install using factory hardware. Do not tighten at this time. Torque the transmission cross member bolts to 40 ftlbs.
  (Factory transmission crossmember shown in image)

• Remove the jacks from under the tie rod ends and place under the axle.

• Remove the sway bar end links from the sway bar and axle.

• Remove the sway bar from the frame. Note orientation of the bar for reinstallation.

• Remove the track bar at the track bar bracket. Let hang out of the way.

• Remove the shock from the axle.

• Lower the axle enough to remove the front springs. Remove the shock from the frame.

• Remove the tie rod end at the pitman arm. Strike the pitman arm with a dead blow hammer to dislodge the taper.

• Remove the steering stabilizer from the frame.

• Remove the steering stabilizer nut from the drag link. Dislodge the taper to remove the steering stabilizer. Discard.

• Remove the factory bump stop by grabbing and pulling it out of its mount using a twisting/pulling motion.

• Remove the bump stop mount from the frame.

• Install the ReadyLIFT bump stop extension to the frame by threading it into the existing bolt hole. Use a punch or similar tool in the holes of the mount and tighten. Install the bump stop mount to the extension using M8 nut and washer. Mark a line across the edge of the outer lip of the bump stop mount parallel to the frame.

• Remove the bump stop mount and use a suitable cutting device, trim off the marked edge. This is for spring clearance under suspension full droop and articulation. Paint the exposed metal with a quality rust preventative paint.

• Re-install bump stop mount to the ReadyLIFT extension making sure the cut edge faces to the outside of the vehicle. Torque to 5 ft-lbs.

• Remove factory track bar bracket by removing the 2 vertical bolts and 3 horizontal bolts. Retain factory hardware.

• Remove the pitman arm nut. Using a pitman arm puller, remove the pitman arm from the steering gear box. Clean off any debris off the sector shaft. Coat the sector shaft splines with a light duty liquid based lubricant or oil.

• Install the ReadyLIFT pitman arm using the factory nut. Remove the nut, and clean off any lubricant from the sector shaft and pitman arm nut threads and apply a liberal amount of thread locker. Run tight. Use a chain or other suitable strap through the pitman arm tie rod mounting hole to the passenger side frame rail to keep gear box from turning. Torque the pitman arm nut to 450 ft-lbs.

• Install the ReadyLIFT track bar mount to the frame using factory hardware. Torque to 120 ft-lbs.

• Install the track bar into the ReadyLIFT track bar mount using the factory hardware and the ReadyLIFT offset square washers. Ensure that the offset is closest to the passenger side. Do not tighten at this time.

• Install the factory isolator onto the ReadyLIFT springs, and then the springs onto the axle making sure to clock the dead end of the spring into the spring lock. Raise the axle enough to hold the springs into place. Install the front extended length shock to the frame using provided hardware and to the axle using factory hardware. Do not tighten at this time.

• Loosen the tie rod adjuster and flip the tie rod 180 degrees and install to the ReadyLIFT pitman arm using factory hardware. Torque to 70 ft-lbs. Install the safety keeper and cotter pin.

• Install the ReadyLIFT steering stabilizer bracket to the frame using M12 x 35mm bolt and washer. Do not tighten until the stabilizer has been test fit so as to establish the brackets final orientation.

• Install the ReadyLIFT steering stabilizer bracket to the tie rod using M12 x 55mm bolt, washers, cone adapter, and nut. Cone adapter will install from the bottom going up. Do not tighten at this time. The stabilizer must be test fit to establish the bracket’s final orientation.

• Install the steering stabilizer to the brackets using M12 x 70mm bolts, washers, and nuts. Mark the orientation of the brackets to the tie rod end and frame mount. Remove the stabilizer. Torque the mount hardware to 45 ft-lbs. Reinstall the steering stabilizer and torque hardware to 45 ft-lbs.

• Make a mark 2.5” below the original vacuum line mount on the passenger side engine cross member. Drill a hole using 3/8” drill bit. DO NOT drill into the oil pan. Install the vacuum line clip into the newly drilled hole.

• Locate the forward hole on the driver side spring mount on the bottom of the frame rail. Drill into frame rail using 3/8” drill bit. Install the differential vent line clip into the hole.

• Zip tie the driver side vacuum line to the vent tube making sure that it can not be pinched by the bump stop when the suspension cycles.

• Install the ReadyLIFT brake line extensions to the factory brackets using 5/16” x 3/4” bolts, washers, and nuts. Installbolts facing outwards.
  Driver side: gently pull down on the metal line until you can get the ReadyLIFT bracket to line up with the factory holes.

• Passenger side: gently unbend the metal line until you can line up the ReadyLIFT bracket locking tang into the original bolt hole. Make sure to not kink the metal line. Install using factory hardware. Do not over tighten and strip the threads.

• Install the front wheels. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the lug nuts to the wheel manufacturers specs. Jounce the vehicle a few times to settle it to the new ride height. Install the front drive shaft using the factory hardware with a drop of thread locker. Torque to 26 ft-lbs, then the upper shock hardware to 30 ft-lbs, the lower shock hardware to 65 ft-lbs, the radius arm hardware to 200 ft-lbs, track bar at the bracket to 350 ft-lbs.

Rear Installation

• Block the front tires and raise the rear of the vehicle using a suitable jack.

• Support with jack stands at each frame rail in front of the rear leaf spring hangers.

• If your vehicle is equipped with a rear sway bar, remove the brackets from the frame and let the sway bar hang out of the way. Retain factory hardware.

• Support the axle with a suitable jack. Remove the rear shocks from the axle and frame. Retain factory hardware.

• Loosen but do not remove the passenger side u-bolts. Remove the driver side ubolts completely and lower the axle.

• Take care as you are working with a spring that is under pressure. Use a suitable clamp around the leaf pack to hold the pressure, remove the center pin holding the leaf pack together. Undo the clamp to remove the lower overload from the pack. Install the dual add-a-leaf in ascending order in between the overload and leaf pack. Install the provided center pin. Use a suitable clamp to bring the leaf pack together. Torque the center pin nut to 45 ft-lbs. Once tight, use a suitable cutting tool and cut off excess center pin above the nut.

• Install the ReadyLIFT driver side block (D is cut into the block under the bump stop tang) and raise the axle lining the center pins up. Install using the provided u-bolts and nuts but do not fully tighten at this time. Repeat steps for the passenger side. (P is cut into the block under the bump stop tang)

• If the vehicle is equipped with the factory sway bar, install the ReadyLIFT rear sway bar brackets to the frame using factory hardware. Torque to 45 ft-lbs.

• Install the factory sway bar bracket to the ReadyLIFT drop bracket using M12 x 35mm bolts, washers, and nuts. Torque to 45 ft-lbs.

• Install the provided extended rear shocks using factory hardware. Do not tighten at this time.

• Re-install the rear driveshaft with the ReadyLIFT driveshaft spacer using the provided M12 bolts, washers and a drop of thread locker. Torque to 65 ft-lbs.

• If equipped with a 2 piece driveline, remove the bolts holding the carrier bearing to the frame. Install the ReadyLIFT carrier bearing spacer between the carrier bearing and frame using 7/16” bolts, washers and a drop of thread locker. Torque to 50 ft-lbs.

• Prior to installing wheels, complete all installation steps on the opposite side. Install the wheels and lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the lug nuts to the wheel manufacturers specs. Jounce the vehicle to settle the suspension to the new ride height. Torque the U-bolts to 110 ft/lbs and all shock hardware to 65 ft/lbs.

• Reconnect the battery ground terminal. Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock to lock and verify all clearances between tire, body and suspension components. Adjust as necessary.

• Have wheel alignment performed by qualified alignment technician. Have the alignment set to the recommended specs at the end of the instructions.
  WARNING: FAILURE TO PERFORM THE POST INSPECTION CHECKS MAY RESULT IN VEHICLE COMPONENT DAMAGE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO THE DRIVER AND/OR OTHERS.

Final Checks & Adjustments

Once the vehicle is lowered to the ground, check all parts which have rubber or urethane components to ensure proper torque. Torque lug nuts to the wheel manufacturer specs. Move vehicle backwards and forwards a short distance to allow suspension components to adjust. Turn the front wheels completely left then right and verify adequate tire, wheel, brake line, and ABS wire clearance. Test and inspect steering, brake and suspension components for tightness and proper operation. Inspect brakes hoses and ABS lines for adequate slack at full extension, adjust as necessary.
RECHECK ALL HARDWARE FOR PROPER TORQUE VALUES AFTER 500 MILES, AND THEN PERIODICALLY AT EACH SERVICE INTERVAL THERAFTER.

Vehicle Handling Warning

• Increasing the height of your vehicle raises the center of gravity and can affect stability and control. Use caution on turns and when making steering corrections.
• Vehicles with larger tires and wheels will handle differently than stock vehicles. Take time to familiarize yourself with the handling of your vehicle.

Wheel Alignment/Headlamp Adjustment

• It is necessary to have a proper and professional wheel alignment performed by a certified alignment technician. Align the vehicle to factory specifications. It is recommended that your vehicle alignment be checked after any off-road driving.
• In addition to your vehicle alignment, for your safety and others, it is necessary to check and adjust your vehicle headlamps for proper aim and alignment. If the vehicle is equipped with active or passive safety/ collision monitoring and/or avoidance systems including, but not limited to, camera- or radar-based systems, check and adjust your vehicle’s systems for proper aim and function.

RECOMMENDED ALIGNMENT SPECS

ABOUT COMPANY

• www.ReadyLIFT.com
• Phone: 877-759-9991

References

• Foundational Technology - AMI
• ReadyLIFT | Leveling Kits | Lift Kits | Jeep Lift Kits | Block Kits | ReadyLIFT Suspension
• ReadyLIFT | Leveling Kits | Lift Kits | Jeep Lift Kits | Block Kits | ReadyLIFT Suspension

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