HIGH LIFTER HDFFA-GEN1 APEXX Front Forward Control Arms Polaris General Instruction Manual
- June 3, 2024
- HIGH LIFTER
Table of Contents
HIGH LIFTER HDFFA-GEN1 APEXX Front Forward Control Arms Polaris General
PRODUCT DISCLAIMER
The installation of products sold or manufactured by High Lifter Products, Inc. including, but not limited to suspension components such as lift kits, gear reduction lifts, frame stiffener kits, snorkels, and tires that exceed the original specifications for the vehicle, may change the vehicle’s center of gravity and handling characteristics both on- and off-road. You are aware that the installation of tires that are larger than original vehicle specifications may reduce the effectiveness of the braking system. Use of these products may place added stress to the original factory vehicle components which could cause them to weaken or possibly fail.
Products sold or manufactured by High Lifter Products, Inc. are intended for off-road use only. Operation of a vehicle modified with these products on a road could result in serious bodily injury or death, and such operation may violate the laws of your state or municipality. You agree to operate your vehicle exclusively in the manner intended by the vehicle manufacturer. You agree that failure to safely and reasonably operate your vehicle could result in serious bodily injury or death, and that, as a result of installation of this product(s) to your vehicle, extreme care must be taken to prevent vehicle rollover or loss of control, which may be more likely to occur as a result of said modifications. You will avoid unsafe maneuvers, including sudden sharp turns or other abrupt maneuvers, which could make a vehicular accident more likely.
You understand that High Lifter Products, Inc. is not responsible or liable for any damages or any injuries to yourself or your passengers that could occur upon possible accidents due to driver error, incorrect installations, bad judgment, incompatibility with other aftermarket accessories or natural disasters to the fullest extent allowable by law.
You will have all vehicle occupants fasten seatbelts, if equipped, and wear
proper safety equipment, such as DOT approved helmet and eye protection prior
to operating the vehicle. You understand and acknowledge that failure to wear
proper safety equipment may increase the risk of serious bodily injury or
death to yourself and any passengers.
Proper installation of products sold or manufactured by High Lifter Products,
Inc. requires knowledge of the factory recommended procedures for removal and
installation of original equipment components. Installation of these products
without proper knowledge and experience may affect the performance of these
components and the safety of the vehicle and cause serious bodily injury or
death. It is strongly recommended that a certified mechanic familiar with the
installation of similar components perform the product(s) installation.
Prior to installing any products sold or manufactured by High Lifter Products, Inc., you will perform or cause to be performed an inspection of their vehicle to confirm its condition is suitable for the installation of these products. A proper inspection of the vehicle includes confirmation that the vehicle has not been in a collision and is free of corrosion. If the vehicle is suspected to have been in a collision or misused, or is otherwise unsuitable for modification, you will not install the product(s). You will continue to inspect the vehicle prior to each use to confirm rm its condition is suitable for its intended use, and you acknowledge that the failure to do so may result in serious bodily injury or death, as well as damage to the vehicle itself.
You will install any warning labels provided with the product so it may be prominently seen by yourself and all passengers. You will notify all passengers of the modifications performed to your vehicle prior to operation.
Insurance companies may handle coverage of a modified vehicle differently. Please check with your insurance carrier prior to modifying the vehicle to ensure your coverage remains sufficient.
Installation of this product(s) may void your vehicle warranty. If this is a concern, please check with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase or installation of this product(s).
FRONT LOWER & UPPER ARMS
Wheels
REMOVING STOCK COMPONENTS
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE
KEEP ALL FACTORY HARDWARE.
Place jack under the FRONT center of the UTV and lift until the weight is off
the suspension. Ensure that the vehicle is properly secured, so that it is
stable on the jack. ONCE LIFTED, USE JACK STANDS TO PROPERLY SECURE THE UNIT.
Remove the front wheels.
Brake Caliper
Remove the brake line from the clamps that hold the lines to the arm.
Then remove the bolts connecting the brake calipers to the knuckle and set
them aside.
DO NOT DRAIN BRAKE FLUID!
Hub Assembly
Remove the cotter pin, axle nut, and washers from the hub assembly. YOU
WILL REUSE THE FACTORY HARDWARE to reconnect the new control arms to the
frame.
Front End Prep
Before removing the upper and lower arms from the front hub assembly, you
will first need to disconnect:
A. Tie rod
B. Lower sway bar link end
C. Lower shock end
D. Upper Ball joint
NOTE: Some models DO NOT have sway bar links.
Control Arms
Remove the Lower Arm FIRST by disconecting the bolt from the knuckle and
bolts at the frame. KEEP ALL FACTORY HARDWARE.
Disconnect the Upper arm by removing the bolts from the frame. KEEP ALL FACTORY HARDWARE.
Install
STEERING STOP
NOTICE: DO NOT remove the steering assembly. The images featured are for
DEMONSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.
BOOT REMOVAL
The rubber boots on the steering assembly are held on by zip ties. Cut the zip
ties that secure the boots to the inside of the rack.
START WITH THE DRIVER’S SIDE
This side has the least amount of room. If you install the spacer on the
passenger side first, you will have less play on the driver’s side. DO NOT
REMOVE THE FACTORY SPACER ALREADY IN PLACE. Turn the steering wheel all the
way to the RIGHT, place the steering stop (10U) between the inner tie rod
joint and the rack and pinion. It is a tight fit, so you may have to force it
on, this is to ensure that the spacer stays in place.
PASSENGER SIDE
Turn the steering wheel all the way to the LEFT. Install the steering stop
(10U) to the rack.
RESECURING BOOT
Turn the steering wheel closer to the center to allow play in the boot. Slide
the boot back down and secure it at both ends with an 11” zip tie.
Removal
IF YOU ORDERED ARMS WITH PRE-INSTALLED BUSHINGS SKIP THIS STEP.
IF YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A BLIND BEARING PULLER WE HIGHLIGHLY RECOMMEND USING
THIS TOOL OVER A PUNCH. USING A PUNCH MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE BUSHINGS.
UPPER & LOWER ARM
THE REMOVAL TECHNIQUE IS THE SAME FOR BOTH UPPER AND LOWER ARMS.
- Remove pivot caps and sleeves from the arm.
- Use a blind bearing puller or a flat punch to remove the bushings.
- Use caution when removing the bushings from the collar, there is a stop built into the factory arm that prevents the bushing from pushing out when installed. Because of this, the bushing must be pushed out from the opposite side.
UPPER ARM
IF YOU ORDERED ARMS WITH PRE-INSTALLED BUSHINGS SKIP THIS STEP.
THE BUSHING WILL ONLY COME OUT FROM THE SIDE WITH THE SNAP RING. Remove the
bushings and snap ring from the factory arms.
NOTE: Use caution when removing the bushing from the collar. There is a
stop built into the factory arm that prevents the bushing from pushing out
when installed.
UPPER ARM
IF YOU ORDERED ARMS WITH PRE-INSTALLED BUSHINGS SKIP THIS STEP.
On the new upper arms there is NOT a stop built into the collar on one side.
Instead there will be new snap rings that will prevent the bushings from
moving.
LOWER ARM BUSHINGS
LOWER ARM
Once the bushing is inserted, you will need to use a socket, of the same
diameter as the bushing, to help press it in all the way.
Applying grease to the bushings and sleeves will make the installation easier.
Use a press or vice to secure the bushings.
Pre-installation
WARRANTY WARNING:
The warranty for this product will not cover improper installation of ball
joints. Any claim relating to a ball joint issue will require inspection
before eligibility for warranty can be determined. If the ball joint area
shows damage due to improper installation such as, ridges, scarring, impact
marks or other signs of improper installation, the warranty will be not be
approved.
TIPS AND CHECKS
Review the following steps if you are installing ball joints into your new
High Lifter Control Arm Kit
Verify the ball joint hole is free of paint or materials that could prevent a successful press fit. If there is overspray or paint build up on the top or bottom of the ball joint hole that we missed during manufacturing, use a razor blade, utility knife, or sharp edge to clean the openings on both sides of the ball joint hole. Do not use a grinder or power tool! This will remove more than paint and can ruin the control arm.
IF YOU HAVE PRE-INSTALLED BALL JOINTS SKIP THIS STEP
NOTE: FOR DEMONSTRATIVE PURPOSES WE USED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, BUT THE
PROCESS IS SIMILAR FOR BOTH. A press or a vise is suggested for removing and
replacing the ball joints.
Back the ball joint with a large 36mm socket or something sturdy of similar diameter, then using a press or vice, press the ball joint out of the arm.
BALL JOINTS
Flip the control arm over, and using the same process, press the ball joint
in using a vice or press.
If you press in the ball joint crooked, DO NOT TRY TO FORCE IT IN! If you try
to force it straight you can “egg” the opening. Press the ball joint out and
reinsert it into the opening, pressing it in with a vise. Verify that the clip
snaps into place after installing the ball joints into the new Control Arm.
You should always double-check the ball joint snap ring for proper fit. Even
if you use snap ring pliers, it may not seat. You can use a flathead
screwdriver and a hammer to tap the snap ring to ensure that it is seated into
the groove.
FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM
FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM
FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY
Secure Lines
FRONT BRAKE LINES
Connect the caliper to the hub assembly by securing the factory bolts. Make sure that you route the brake lines so that they DO NOT come in contact with moving parts and don’t become pinched. Connect the (3) brake line clamps (133B) along the rear of UPPER the arm -similar to the stock routing.
ADJUSTING WHEEL CAMBER
BEFORE STARTING
- Tires must be off the ground
- Tires must have equal air pressure
- Suspension components must be completely assembled
The new High Lifter lower control arms will come pre-adjusted to factory
length, which is .937”
If you need to re-adjust the collars, place the factory arm and new control
arm on a fl at surface. Measure from eyelet to center mount on the factory
arm, and then adjust the new arms to those lengths.
NOTE: When re-adjusting, leave the jam nuts loose. Do not fasten tight
until installed on UTV, after all fi nal adjustments have been made.
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
IF YOU HAVE ADJUSTBLE CONTROL ARMS, YOU MUST ADJUST THE CAMBER FIRST BEFORE
PROCEEDING. DO NOT INSTALL WHEELS ONTO UTV UNTIL PROPER ALIGNMENT HAS BEEN
ACHIEVED.
- Straighten steering wheel
- Make sure that the brake rotors are straight to sight or level.
- Using a tape measure, measure from inside to inside on the front and back ends of the rotors.
ADJUSTING TOE
If the FRONT OF THE WHEELS are facing OUT, adjust the tie rods OUT or INCREASE
the length of the tie rod.
Measurement at the front of the tires will be GREATER than the rear, if the
TOE IS OUT.
If the FRONT OF THE WHEELS are facing IN, adjust the tie rods IN or REDUCE the
length of the tie rod.
Measurement at the front of the tires will be LESS than the rear, if the TOE
IS IN.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When tightening the tie rod jam nuts, the tie rod ends
must be held parallel to prevent rod end damage and premature wear. Damage may
not be immediately apparent if done incorrectly.
After alignment is complete, tighten & torque tie rod end jam nuts to specifi
cations. [12-14 ft lbs]
STEERING CHECK
IF YOUR STEERING IS ALREADY CENTERED SKIP THIS STEP.
Factory steering for some makes and models may NOT be centered. This can cause
the tie rod ends to have more engagement on one end than the other. This also
causes the steering wheel to be off center.
Once the nut is broken loose, back it off just enough leaving a few threads.
Use a hammer to tap on the nut while pulling up on the steering wheel until it
breaks loose. But DO NOT hammer too hard, it could damage the nut or threads.
Now remove the nut and steering wheel.
NOTE: A puller may be needed to remove the steering wheel if it can’t be
broken free.
Now will be the time to adjust the steering wheel accordingly. Replace the
wheel and make sure the wheels are turned back straight. The steering wheel
should be straight up and down.
NOTE: Rolling vehicle back and forth may help straighten the wheels.
Once the wheel is straight, thread the nut back on and turn the nut clockwise
until the steering wheel locks at full turn, then tighten the nut. Reinstall
the steering wheel cap.
NOTE: Loctite may be needed for the steering nut.
HIGH LIFTER LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
High Lifter offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty to the original purchaser that our product shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product if utilized in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and operation of said products.
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY EXTENDS TO THE FOLLOWING PRODUCT LINES:
- Lift Kits (Signature, Standard and Big Lifts)
- Control Arms
- Trailing Arms
- Radiator Relocation Kits
- Portal Gear Lifts
- Wheel Spacers
- Tow Hooks
- Control Arm Link Kits
Damages to vehicle or any other object during the installation, use, or removal of High Lifter products are not covered under this warranty. Normal wear items included with any of the products covered under this Limited Lifetime Warranty are excluded from coverage. These items include, but are not limited to heim joints, tie rods, bearings, bushings, seals, gaskets, zinc plating, painted and powder-coated finishes. Other exclusions of coverage under this warranty include, but are not limited to: damage or product failure due to improper installation, lack of maintenance, product modification, abuse, collision or use on vehicles for which product was not designed, repairs performed by anyone other than approved High Lifter personnel or made using non-High Lifter components. This warranty is valid for the original purchaser only and is non-transferable.
High Lifter reserves the right to inspect any product before determining if the claim is valid and covered under this warranty. Claims determined to be caused by reasons other than a manufacturer defect will be rejected and an estimate for repair or cost of a replacement product if a repair is not possible, will be provided.
This warranty is exclusive and is in lieu of any implied warranty of merchantability, fi tness for a particular purpose or other warranty of quality, whether express or implied, except the warranty of title.
WARRANTY PROCESSING
If you suspect your product is defective, DO NOT disassemble the product to
determine the cause without prior approval as it may void your warranty
status. This is especially true with our Portal Gear Lift. To begin the claim
process, please e-mail our warranty team at warrantycare@highlifter.com and
include the following in the e-mail:
- Your full name, address and contact phone number.
- The year, make and model of your vehicle
- The part number of the product
- Photos of the product installed, and vehicle product is installed on
- Proof of Purchase (Required for all warranty claims and you must be the original purchaser)
Once a claim is created, you will receive a return authorization number (RMA). Write this number on the outside of the box containing your defective product and include it along with your name and contact information inside the box. Product must be returned in the original box or a box of equal strength and packaging. Product sent without an RMA number visible on the outside of the box or sent COD will be refused. Ship your product to the following address:
High Lifter Products, Inc.
Attn: Returns 780 Professional Dr N Shreveport, LA 71105
Once your product is received, we often have your replacement or repaired product shipped back to you within 3-business days of receiving it. Please note that High Lifter is not responsible for shipping charges on product returned for warranty or repair, including duties and fees required by those residing outside the United States.