FABTECH FTS24231 2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler JL 5 Inch Trail Kit Instruction Manual

June 5, 2024
FABTECH

FTS24231 2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler JL 5 Inch Trail Kit
**Instruction Manual

**

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
2018-2022 JEEP WRANGLER JL
5″ TRAIL KIT
FTS24231

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

|

FTS24231

|

5” TRAIL KIT

---|---|---
2| FT50026BK| SWAY BAR END LINKS (FRONT)
2| FT50644| FRONT BUMP STOP SPACER
2| FT1599-2-4| SWAY BAR END LINK (REAR)
2| FT50724| REAR BUMP STOP SPACER
1| FT50584| REAR TRACK BAR BRACKET
1| FT50618| FRONT TRACK BAR BRACKET
1| FT50619| LONG TRAVEL BRACKET (DRIVER)
1| FT50620| LONG TRAVEL BRACKET (PASS)
1| FT50734| HARDWARE SUBASSEMBLY
1| FT50735| HARDWARE KIT

| FT50734|

HARDWARE SUBASSEMBLY

---|---|---
1| FT24231I| INSTRUCTIONS
8| FT404739| SLEEVE 12MM
1| FT50048| 5/8 HOURGLASS BUSHING KIT (4-PACK)
8| FT1004| SWAY BAR BUSHING HALF
2| FT50060| FRONT BUMP STOP NUT TAB
2| FT50443| SLEEVE 1.000 X .500 X 1.550
2| FT50592| SLEEVE 1.000 X .563 X 1.400 (TRACK BAR )
1| FT50616| FRONT TRACK BAR NUT TAB
2| FT83105| LONG TRAVEL BRACKET NUT TAB
1| FTAS12| STICKER FT BLUE 10X4
1| FTAS16| DRIVER WARNING DECAL
1| FTLUBE| URETHANE LUBE PACKET
1| FIREGUARD| REGISTRATION CARD

| FT50735 – HARDWARE KIT|

LOCATION

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4| M12-1.75 X 70MM HEX BOLT| SWAY BAR LINKS
8| 12MM WASHER|
4| M12-1.75 C-LOCK NUT|
2| 1/2-13 X 4-1/2 HEX BOLT| FRONT BUMP STOP
2| 1/2” SPLIT LOCK WASHER|
3| 7/16-14 X 1” HEX HD| REAR TRACK BAR
6| 7/16 SAE WASHER G8 ZINC|
3| 7/16-14 C-LOCK NUT ZINC|
2| 9/16-12 X 3” HEX HEAD| FRT/REAR TRACK BAR
4| 9/16 SAE WASHER|
2| C-LOCK NUT 9/16″-12|
4| 5/16-18 X 1” HEX BOLT| REAR BUMP STOP
8| 5/16 SAE WASHER|
4| 5/16-18 C-LOCK NUT|
2| 1/2-13 X 4-1/2 HEX BOLT| LONG TRAVEL BRKT
4| 1/2 SAE WASHER|
2| 1/2-13 C-LOCK NUT|
6| 3/8-16 X 1-1/4” HEX BOLT| LT BRKT/FRT TRACK
10| 3/8” WASHER|
1| 3/8” LOCK WASHER|
3| 3/8-16 C-LOCK NUT|
1| THREAD LOCKING COMPOUND 1 MIL|

NOTE: REFER TO OPTIONAL KIT BOX INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.

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

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, 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.
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 rollover as compared to stock.
Vehicles that receive oversized tires should check ball joints, uni balls, tie rod ends, pitman arm, and idler arm every 25005000 miles for wear and replace as needed.
Verify differential fluid is at the 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 manufacturer recommends 3 quarts of fluid, make sure the diff has 3 quarts of fluid). Check your specific manual for the correct amount of fluid.

FOOTNOTES

– Fits 6 cyl models only
– Fits 4-Door models only
– Heavy off-road use requires driveshafts 4 door model Front( FTS94057), Rear (FTS94065)
– Does not fit 4XE models
– Does not fit Rubicon 392 models

INSTRUCTIONS

FRONT SUSPENSION
NOTE:
REFER TO OPTIONAL KIT BOX INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.

  1. Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. Jack up the front end of the vehicle and support the frame rails with jack stands. NEVER WORK UNDER AN UNSUPPORTED VEHICLE! Remove the front tires.

  2. On both the Driver and Passenger side, unbolt the front brake line brackets from the frame and the link arm. Save all hardware. SEE FIGURES 1-2 On the driver side unclip the differential breather hose from the upper coil spring mount. SEE FIGURE 3

  3. About and remove both driver and passenger side brake line brackets from the axle spring perch. SEE FIGURE 4

  4. Unplug the front diff locker harnesses from the axle
    (RUBICON MODELS ONLY) SEE FIGURES 5-6

  5. Remove and discard the factory sway bar end links, and save the hardware.

  6. With the axle supported, remove the factory shocks. Save all hardware. Lower the front axle and remove the factory coil springs. Retain coil spring isolators.

  7. If installing FTS24208 Lower link arms, do so now with the instructions provided in the kit box.

  8. Disconnect the front track bar at the axle. Save hardware.

  9. Install FT50618 (Front track bar bracket) to the factory mount using a stock bolt. SEE FIGURE 7. Mark the 2 holes to drill using the new bracket as a guide. Remove and drill the holes to 3/8″

  10. Reinstall the bracket using the factory bolt and (2) supply 3/8″ x 1-1/4″ bolts and hardware.
    NOTE: Install the FT50592 (Sleeve) with the factory bolt between the new track bar bracket and the FT50616 (3/8″ Nut tab) by inserting it through the opening under the factory bracket for the rear vertical pad location. SEE FIGURES 8-9

  11. If installing FTS24210 Drag Link Kit, do so now with the instructions provided in the kit box.

  12. On the factory coil spring perch. Use a drill with a 1/2″ drill bit and drill out the existing factory hole on both driver & passenger sides. SEE FIGURE 10

  13. DRIVER SIDE: Insert a 1/2″ x 4-1/2″ bolt and lock washer inside the FT50644 (Front bump stop spacer). Place the FT50644 (Bumpstop spacer) into the bottom of FT50604 (Front driver spring) then install the spring into the vehicle as one unit.
    NOTE: The driveshaft may have to be disconnected to install the spring back into the vehicle. Once installed insert the FT50060 (Nut tab) through the opening on the spring perch and thread the 1/2″ bolt. Torque to 127 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 11-13 Repeat on the passenger side using the FT50605 (Coil)

  14. Locate the hole on the lower coil mount where the factory brake line bracket mounts. Drill out the hole and welded nut on the factory brake line bracket to 3/8″. Repeat on the passenger side. SEE FIGURE 14

  15. Locate FT50619 (Lower driver shock bracket). Loosely install using the supplied 3/8″ x 1-1/4″ bolt, washer, and FT83105 (Nuttab). Using the new bracket as a guide, mark the bottom hole on the lower shock bracket. Remove and drill to 3/8″. SEE FIGURE 15

  16. Install the new bracket using the 3/8″ hardware and FT83105 (Nut tab). Torque to 31 ft-lbs. NOTE: Install the lower brake line bracket back into the factory location. The new 3/8″ bolt and nut tab will secure it. SEE FIGURE 16

  17. Install FTS6354 (Stealth shock) to the upper mount using the factory hardware. Install to the lower mount using the supplied 1/2″ X 4-1/2″ bolt and hardware as well as the FT50443 (Spacer) in the factory location. Torque to 106 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 17

  18. Repeat steps 15-17 on the passenger side using the FT50620 (Pass lower shock bracket

  19. Re-install the track bar using the supplied 9/16″ X 3″ bolt, nut, and washers. Torque to 153 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 18

  20. Install FT50048 (Bushings) and FT404739 (Sleeves) into FT50026BK (Sway bar links). Then, install the links to the axle mount and sway bar using the supplied M12 x 70mm hardware for the upper location and the factory for the lower. Torque to 100 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 19

  21. Locate the factory brake line bracket on the front hydraulic brake line. This will need to be removed. Do so by cutting a small relief, then bend open. NOTE: Use caution not to cut the brake line! SEE FIGURES 20-21

  22. Reinstall the diff breather hose by moving the metal clip up the hose 2″ SEE FIGURE 22 and the Christmas tree fastener into the next hole down. SEE FIGURE 23.

  23. RUBICON MODELS ONLY: Reinstall the electrical connectors at the diff.

– REAR SUSPENSION –

  1. Jack up the rear end of the vehicle and support the frame rails with jack stands. NEVER WORK UNDER AN UNSUPPORTED VEHICLE! Remove the rear tires. Support the rear axle; do not allow axle to hang freely.

  2. Remove the rear sway bar endlinks then remove the rear shocks and save hardware.

  3. Disconnect the e-brake cables behind the rotor. SEE FIGURE 24. Next, Disconnect the brake line from the axle link pocket. SEE FIGURE 25.

  4. Unplug the locker harness from the axle (RUBICON MODELS ONLY) SEE FIGURES 26

  5. Disconnect the rear track bar from the axle and save hardware. Lower the rear axle and remove the factory coil springs.

  6. Continue with the installation of the lower links at this time using the supplied instructions with that kit.

  7. Locate the two E-brake cables that route over the rear sub-frame. These will need to be disconnected and rerouted underneath that sub-frame. SEE FIGURES 27-28

  8. Install both FT50724 (Rear bump stops) onto the factory bump stop pad using the factory holes on the axle pad with supplied 5/16 x 1″ hardware. Torque to 25 ft-lbs SEE FIGURE 29.

  9. Locate the factory rear track bar bracket. Mark a straight line on the front and back before the 90 degree bend. Remove the track bar from the axle bracket and cut the top section off. SEE FIGURES 30-31

  10. Install the FT50584 (Rear track bar bracket) onto the factory bracket. Mark the 3 holes using the FT50584 as a template. SEE FIGURES 32-34. Remove and drill the 3 holes using a 7/16″ drill bit.

  11. Reinstall the FT50584 (Track bar bracket) using the supplied 7/16″ x 1″ hardware. DO NOT TIGHTEN. Install FT50592 (Rear track bar sleeve) using the supplied 9/16″ x 3″ bolt and hardware. SEE FIGURES 35-36 Torque 7/16″ hardware to 83 ft-lbs and 9/16″ to 184 ft-lbs.

  12. Install FT50606 (Driver rear spring) on the driver side and FT50607 (Pass rear spring) on the passenger side. SEE FIGURES 37-38. Then install the track bar into the new bracket using the factory bolt. Torque to 160 ft-lbs.

  13. Install FTS6355 (Stealth), FTS811432 (Dirt Logic N/R) or FTS801432 (Dirt Logic W/ Resi) shocks using the factory hardware. Torque to 100 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 39

  14. Install the FT1004 (Half bushings) and FT404739 (Sleeves) into FT1599-2-4 (Rear sway bar links). Then, install the new links to the sway bar and sway bar mount on the axle using supplied M12 x 70mm hardware for the upper location and the factory for the lower.
    NOTE: The new end link will need to be installed on the inside of the sway bar and axle mount. Torque to 100 ft-lbs SEE FIGURE 40

  15. Reconnect the Brake lines, E-brake line, breather hose, and factory locker (if equipped).

  16. Install tires and wheels and torque lug nuts to the 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.

  17. Check front-end alignment and set it to factory specifications. Readjust headlights.

  18. Recheck all bolts for proper torque.

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

  20. 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.

  21. 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, uni balls, and all steering components every 2500-5000 miles for wear and replacement 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 vehicles 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 the 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, and 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 nonrelated 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 is for display purposes only. The majority of all Fabtech components will be black specifically where noted with part numbers ending in BK.
Installation of Fabtech products may void the vehicle’s 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

Instruction Sheet Part# – FT24231i

References

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