FABTECH FTS21267 2019 to 2021 GM 1500 4WD 3 Inch Aluminum UCA Suspension Kit Instruction Manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 2019-2021 GM 1500 4WD
3” ALUMINUM UCA SUSPENSION KIT
FTS21267

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.

– 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

– 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 –

• Can not use OEM wheel and tire.
• Does not fit a standard cab.
• Check with the aftermarket wheel manufacturer for wheel compatibility on 2019 vehicle
• Does not fit GMC AT4 or Chevy Trail Boss, models
• Does not fit the 2019 Silverado LD or 2019 Sierra Limited models. Use 2018 applications for these vehicles.

– 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 with the passenger side. Disconnect the ABS wire bracket from the upper control arm and the brake line bracket from the knuckle. Save hardware. SEE FIGURES
   1-2

3. Remove the factory tie rod end nut and strike the knuckle with a hammer till the tie rod end comes loose. Save all hardware. Use care not to hit any other parts. SEE FIGURES 3-4

4. Using a 36mm socket, remove and save the axle hub nut.
   SEE FIGURE 5

5. Remove and save the sway bar link nut from the bottom side of the lower control arm. SEE FIGURE 6

6. Loosen the upper ball joint nut and strike the knuckle with a hammer until it comes loose from the upper control arm. Next, remove the factory nut. Then, detach the knuckle from the upper control arm. Push the knuckle to the side and secure if possible. SEE FIGURE 7

7. Locate the plastic wire harness channel on the top of the passenger side Coilover mount. Push it up and back to allow access to the three Coilover nuts. Remove the upper Coilover nuts. SEE FIGURES 8

8. Remove the two lower Coilover bolts. Then remove the Coilover assembly from the vehicle. SEE FIGURES 9-10

9. Remove the factory upper control arm from the vehicle and save the hardware. Repeat steps 1-8 on the driver’s side.
   • IF INSTALLING DIRT LOGIC COILOVERS REFER TO THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED

10. Refer to the next pages for the correct installation instructions associated with your part number.
    FTS21262
    ROD BEARING KIT

11.  Install a 3/4” jam nut onto the rod ends. SEE FIGURE 11

12. Install the rod ends into FT20861 & FT20862 (Upper control arm). Measure 1.5” from the center of the rod end to the control arm, and tighten the jam nut. SEE FIGURE 12

13. Install the control using a supplied FT619 (Spacer) on each side of the rod end with the factory bolts and supplied M14 nuts. Leave loose at this time. SEE FIGURE 13 FTS21263
    ROD BUSHING KIT

14. Using a press, press out the sleeve that came in FT95242 (Rod End). Then, install the 3/4” jam nut onto the rod end. SEE FIGURES 14-15

15. Install the FT95242 (rod end) into FT20861 & FT20862 (Upper control arm). Measure 1.5” from the center of the rod end to the control arm, then tighten the jam nut. Install FT20882 (sleeve) into the bushing so the spacer end is towards the inside. SEE FIGURE 16

16. Install the new control arm using the supplied M14 hardware. Leave loose at this time.

17. Locate the factory bump stop tabs on the frame mount. Using a cutoff wheel, remove this tab completely off the mount and sand to a smooth finish. SEE FIGURES 17-18

18. Install FT90153 (Lower misalignment) onto FT94531 (Uniball Pin). Then, install it into the factory control arm using the supplied 1/2” nut and washer. Torque the nut to 120 ft-lbs. using a 15/16” open-end wrench on the pin end. SEE FIGURES 19-20

19. Install the new upper control arm bearing to the pin making sure it is fully seated. Then, insert the FT90152 (Upper misalignment) & 1/2-20 – 12 point bolt. Torque to 120 ft-lbs. Then, install FT90154 (Bearing cap). SEE FIGURE 21

20. Using the supplied thread lock, torque the upper control arm frame pocket hardware to 148 ft lbs. NOTE: Removal of the nut may be necessary to apply the thread lock compound.

21. Remove the ABS bracket from the lines and discard it. Secure the ABS lines to the frame using a zip tie. SEE FIGURES 22

22. Repeat the steps on the passenger side.

23. Install the sway bar link to the lower control arm and the tie rod end to the knuckle torque all nuts to 35 ft-lbs.
    Reinstall the axle hub nut and torque to 156 ft-lbs. Attach the brake line bracket to the knuckle. Torque to 11 ft-lbs.
    – REAR SUSPENSION –

24. Jack up the rear end of the truck and support the frame rails with jack stands. NEVER WORK UNDER AN UNSUPPORTED VEHICLE! Remove the rear wheels/tires.

25. With the rear axle supported. Remove the rear shocks and save the hardware. Remove the factory bolts.

26. Install the new FTBK15 (1.5” Blocks) and FT1500U (bolts) using the supplied 9/16” nuts and washers. Torque to 130 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 39

27. Install rear shocks using factory hardware. Torque to 100 ft-lbs.

28. Install tires and wheels and torque lug nuts to the wheel manufacturer’s specifications. Turn the front tires left to right and check for appropriate tire clearance. Note – Some oversized tires may require trimming of the front bumper & valance.

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

30. Recheck all bolts for proper torque.

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

32. 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.

33. Install Driver Warning Decal. Complete the product registration card and mail to Fabtech in order to receive the 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 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 serviceable shocks 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 the 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 the 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 or 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# – FT21267i 05/06/21
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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