FABTECH FT22258i 4 Inch Basic and Performance Systems Instruction Manual

FABTECH FT22258i 4 Inch Basic and Performance Systems Instruction Manual

PARTS LIST

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
• Die Grinder w/ Cutoff Wheel or Sawzall
• Coil Spring Compressor

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.

Read all instructions thoroughly from start to finish before beginning the installation. If these instructions are not properly followed severe frame, drive line 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.

Use the provided thread locking compound on all hardware.

WARNING- Installation of this system will alter the center of gravity of the vehicle and may increase roll over as compared to stock.

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.

FOOTNOTES –

• Can not use OEM wheel and tire.
• Does not fit standard cab models.
• Will not fit raptor models.

Wheels & Tires –

• 33/12.50R18 – 18X9 w/5” BS w/Minor Trimming
• 295/60R20 – 20X9 w/5” BS w/Minor Trimming
• 295/70R18 – 18X9 w/5” BS w/Minor Trimming
• 33/12.50R20 – 20X9 w/5” BS w/Minor Trimming

INSTRUCTIONS

FRONT SUSPENSION

1. 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.

2. Starting on the driver’s side. Remove the 2 bolts securing the brake caliper assembly to the spindle. Tie the brake caliper to the frame. DO NOT ALLOW THE BRAKE CALIPER TO HANG FROM THE BRAKE LINE HOSE.

3. Remove the brake rotor from the vehicle.

4. Remove the sway bar and sway bar end links. Save hardware.

5. Locate the Anti lock Brake System (ABS) sensor attached to back side of the spindle, remove the bolt attaching the sensor to the spindle. Save the bolt, and hang the sensor aside.

6. Remove the nut securing the tie rod end to the spindle. Using a large hammer strike the spindle to break loose the tie rod end. Save the factory hardware. USE CARE TO NOT HIT THE THREADS OF THE TIE ROD END.

7. Loosen the upper and lower ball joint nuts. Disconnect the upper and lower ball joints from the steering knuckle by striking the knuckle with a large hammer next to each ball joint on the knuckle to dislodge the ball joints. USE CARE NOT TO HIT THE BALL JOINTS WHEN REMOVING.
   Retain the hardware and discard the knuckle with the dust shield. The factory dust shield will not be reused. SEE FIGURE 1
   

8. Locate the lower shock mount bolt and remove. Save the hardware. Locate the three upper nuts and remove. Save the hardware. Remove the shock assembly from the truck and set it aside for disassembly later. DO NOT REMOVE THE CENTER NUT FROM THE TOP OF THE SHOCK ASSEMBLY.

9. Remove the lower control arm bolts from the frame pivots and remove the lower control arm from the truck. Save the hardware and lower control arm.

10. Repeat steps two through nine on the passenger side of the truck.

11. Locate the Fabtech rear crossmember FT30745. Install the crossmember into the factory rear lower control arm pockets and attach using the original hardware. NOTE: Due to vehicle variances the front side of the pockets may need to be trimmed SEE FIGURE 2. Leave loose at this time. SEE FIGURE 3
    

12. 12. Locate the Fabtech front cross member FT30744. Install into the factory front lower control arm pockets and attach using the original hardware. Leave loose at this time. SEE FIGURE 4
    

13. Locate the factory lower control arms previously removed from the truck. Install into the new Fabtech cross members using the supplied FT292 alignment cams.
    Leave loose at this time. SEE FIGURES 5-6
    
    

14. Locate the previously removed front shock assemblies.
    Using a HEAVY DUTY spring compressor, compress the coil spring and remove the coil from the shock assembly.
    Save the coil, coil hat, bump stop. Discard all other parts.
    EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN WORKING WITH COIL SPRINGS UNDER LOAD!

15. Locate FTS30503 new front shocks. Place the factory bumpstop and coil spring, followed by the factory coil hat with the original stem bushing. Using the supplied nylock nut, attach the coil hat to the shock. Torque the nylock nut to 25 ft lbs. DO NOT USE THE NYLOCK NUT TO COMPRESS THE COIL SPRING, YOU MUST COMPRESS THE COIL SPRING WITH A HEAVY DUTY COIL SPRING COMPRESSOR TO ASSEMBLE THE SHOCK. Do not reinstall the factory shock boot or any aftermarket shock boot onto the shock. SEE FIGURE 7
    

16. Locate the factory spindles and remove the hub assemblies and dust shields. Save hardware. Reinstall the hub assembly onto the new Fabtech spindles using the factory bolts. Torque to 160 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 8
    
    IF INSTALLING A DIRT LOGIC COILOVER DO SO NOW.

17. Install the shock assembly into the upper shock mount using the factory 3 nuts (58 ft-lbs) and the supplied 1/2” hardware for the lower mount to control arm (127 ft-lbs).
    SEE FIGURE 9
    

18. Attach the new Fabtech spindle onto the lower ball joint.
    Torque to 85 ft-lbs. Holding the top of the spindle inboard set the upper ball joint into the spindle. Attach the upper ball joint to the spindle using the factory nut. Torque to 110 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 10
    

19. Repeat steps 17-18 on the passenger side.

20. Install the new brake line bracket (FT70032) using the factory hardware and supplied 5/16” hardware. Torque to 29 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 11
    

21. Reinstall the ABS sensor to the new spindle using the factory bolt. Install the factory dust shield and brake rotor.
    SEE FIGURE 12
    

22. Torque the factory lower control arm cam bolts to 145 ft lbs. Before torquing the cam bolts place the cam so it is in the center of its adjustment. Torque the crossmember to control arm pocket bolts to 130 ft lbs.

23. Using the stock hardware along with the supplied thread locking compound reinstall the brake caliper onto spindle.
    Torque the bolts to 80 ft lbs.

24. Install the tie rod end into the new Fabtech spindle.
    Torque to 70 ft lbs. SEE FIGURE 13
    

25. Repeat steps 20-24 on Passenger side.

26. Locate the FT30783 (sway bar brackets). Using the factory bolts, nuts, and washers attach the sway bar brackets to the frame. Leave loose. Locate the factory sway bar and attach it to the new bracket using the supplied 7/16” x 1 ¼” bolts, nuts, and washer. Attach the sway bar end links to the factory lower control arm. Torque bracket hardware to 83 ft-lbs and ball joints to 50 ft lbs. SEE FIGURE 14
    
    REAR SUSPENSION

27. Jack up the rear end of the vehicle and support the frame rails with jack stands. Release the parking brake at this time. Supporting the rear differential, remove the rear shocks, u-bolts, blocks and lower axle down. Use care not to over extend the brake hose.

28. Locate the factory brake line mount on the driver side of the frame. Locate the supplied brake line bracket (FT70033) and attach the bracket between the factory fame mount and the factory brake line using the factory and supplied 5/16”-18 X 1” bolts and hardware. Torque to 29 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 15
    

29. Locate and install the rear lift blocks FTBK22. The extended bump stop perch will be facing inboard of the truck. Using the provided u-bolts, nuts and washers, align the axle, lift blocks, and springs and torque u-bolts to 184 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 16
    

30. Locate the Fabtech performance shocks (FTS7266), Stealth shocks (FTS6333)(use sleeves from P-1465 bag) or Dirt Logic shocks (FTS810292). Install the shocks using the factory hardware and torque upper and lower bolts to 100 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 17-18
    
    

31. 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.

32. Check front end alignment and set to factory specifications. Readjust headlights.

33. Recheck all bolts for proper torque.

34. Recheck brake hoses, ABS wires and suspension parts for proper tire clearance while turning tires fully left to right.

35. Check the fluid in the front and rear differential and fill if needed with factory specification differential oil. Note

    • some differentials may expel fluid after filling and driving. This can be normal in resetting the fluid level with the new position of the differential/s.

36. Install Driver Warning Decal. Complete product registration card and mail to Fabtech in order to receive future safety and technical bulletins on this suspension.

Vehicles that will receive oversized tires should check ball joints, uniballs and all steering components every 2500-5000 miles for wear and replace as required.

RE-TORQUE ALL NUTS, BOLTS AND LUGS AFTER 50 MILES AND PERIODICALLY THEREAFTER.

For technical assistance call: 909-597-7800

Product Warranty and 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, 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 and Performance Coilover take apart shocks are considered a serviceable shock with a one year warranty on leakage only. 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.

Fabtech products are not designed nor intended to be installed on vehicles used in race applications or for racing purposes or for similar activities. (A “RACE” is defined as any contest between two or more vehicles, or any contest of one or more vehicle against the clock, whether or not such contest is for a prize). This warranty does not include coverage for police or taxi vehicles, race vehicles, or vehicles used for government or commercial purposes. Also excluded from this warranty are sales outside of the United States of America.

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. Fabtech front end Desert Guards may impair the deployment or operation of vehicles equipped with supplemental restraining systems/air bag systems and should not be installed if the vehicle is equipped as so.

Fabtech makes every effort to ensure suspension product compatibility with all vehicles listed on the website, but due to unknown auto manufacturer’s production changes and/or inconstancies by the auto manufacturer, Fabtech cannot be responsible for 100% compatibility, including the fitment of tire and wheel sizes listed. The Tire and Wheel sizes listed in Fabtech’s website are only a guideline for street driving with noted fender trimming. Fabtech is not responsible for damages to the vehicle’s body or tires. Fabtech is not responsible for premature wear of factory components due to the installation of oversized tires and wheels.

Fabtech’s obligation under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement, at Fabtech option, of the defective product only.
All costs of removal, installation or re-installation, freight charges, incidental or consequential damages are expressly excluded from this warranty. Fabtech is not responsible for damages and/or warranty of other vehicle parts related or non related to the installed Fabtech product. This warranty is expressly in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied. This warranty shall not apply to any product that has been subject to accident, negligence, alteration, abuse or misuse as determined by Fabtech.

Fabtech suspension components must be installed as a complete system including shocks as shown on our website. All warranties will become void if Fabtech parts are combined and/or substituted with other aftermarket suspension products.
Combination and/or substitution of other aftermarket suspension parts may cause premature wear and/or product failure resulting in an accident causing injury or death. Fabtech does not warrant products not manufactured by Fabtech.

Depending on the condition of the factory suspension components retained after the installation of a Fabtech suspension not all vehicles may have the same ride stance front to rear as described in the website. The blue color of suspension components shown in all Fabtech photographs are for display purposes only. Majority of all Fabtech components will be black specifically where noted with part numbers ending in BK.

Installation of Fabtech product may void the vehicles factory warranty; it is the consumer’s responsibility to check with their local vehicle’s dealer for warranty disposition before the installation of the product. Some state laws may prohibit modification of suspension to a vehicle in whole or in part. It is the responsibility of the installer and consumer to consult local laws prior to the installation of any Fabtech suspension product to comply with such written laws.

It is the responsibility of the distributor and/or the retailer to review all warranties and warnings of Fabtech products with the consumer prior to purchase.

Fabtech reserves the right to super cede, discontinue, change the design, finish, part number and/or application of parts when deemed necessary without written notice. Fabtech is not responsible for misprints or typographical errors within the website or price sheet. For the most recent Product Warranty and Warnings visit our website www.fabtechmotorsports.com

NOTE: TO ORDER WEARABLE REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS DO NOT USE PART NUMBERS SHOWN ON THIS INSTRUCTION SHEET. GO TO FABTECH WEBSITE AND LOOK UP WEARABLE REPLACEMENT PARTS TO FIND THE PROPER PART NUMBER TO ORDER.

Fabtech Motorsports
4331 Eucalyptus Ave. Chino, CA 91710
Tech Line: 909-597-7800
Fax: 909-597-7185
Web: www.fabtechmotorsports.com

References

• Fabtech® - Suspension Lift Kits & Truck Accessories

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