FABTECH 4 Inch System w/UNIBALL Upper Control ARM TOYOTA TUNDRA Installation Guide
- October 27, 2023
- FABTECH
Table of Contents
FABTECH 4 Inch System w/UNIBALL Upper Control ARM TOYOTA TUNDRA
COMPONENT BOX
| FTS26039| COMPONENT BOX (2007 – 2015 MODELS)
---|---|---
4| FT1500U| U-BOLT SQ 9/16-18X10.00X2.63
1| FT70175| HARDWARE KIT
1| FT70176| HARDWARE SUBASSEMBLY
1| FT70180BK| UNIBALL UCA (DRIVER)
1| FT70181BK| UNIBALL UCA (PASSENGER)
2| FTBK12| 1″ BLOCK 9/16″ PIN
1| FTS70168D| SPINDLE MACHINED (DRIVER)
1| FTS70168P| SPINDLE MACHINED (PASSENGER)
| FTS26070| COMPONENT BOX (2016 – 2021 MODELS)
---|---|---
1| FT70225D| SPINDLE MACHINED (DRIVER)
1| FT70225P| SPINDLE MACHINED (PASSENGER)
1| FT70180BK| UNIBALL UCA (DRIVER)
1| FT70181BK| UNIBALL UCA (PASSENGER)
1| FT70175| HARDWARE KIT
1| FT70176| HARDWARE SUBASSEMBLY
2| FTBK12| 1″ BLOCK 9/16″ PIN
4| FT1500U| U-BOLT SQ 9/16-18X10.00X2.63
| FT70176| HARDWARE SUBASSEMBLY
---|---|---
4| FT1037| BUSHING
4| FT1038| BUSHING
4| FT196| SLEEVE
4| FT147| MISALIGNMENT
2| FT20583| UNIBALL ADAPTER PIN -B-
8| FT57-1| WASHER 2.188 X .656 X .188
1| FT70111| BRAKE HOSE MOUNT (DRIVER)
1| FT70112| BRAKE HOSE MOUNT (PASSENGER)
2| FT70171| FRONT DIFF SPACER
4| FT70174| BUMP STOP SPACER
1| FT90121| HARDWARE KIT
1| FT916H| 9/16″ U-BOLT HARDWARE KIT
1| FTLUBE| URETHANE LUBE 1 PACKET
2| FT26039I| INSTRUCTIONS
1| FTAS16| DRIVER WARNING DECAL
1| FTREGCARD| REGISTRATION CARD
| FT90121 – HARDWARE KIT| LOCATION
---|---|---
2| 1/2-13 X 6 HEX BOLT G8 ZINC| DIFF MOUNT
2| 1/2-13 C-LOCK NUT ZINC|
4| 1/2 SAE WASHER G8 ZINC|
4| 1/4-20 X 3/4 HEX BOLT G8 ZINC| BRAKE LINE
4| 1/4 SAE WASHER G8 ZINC|
4| 1/4 LOCK WASHER ZINC|
2| 1/4-20 X 1/2 HEX BOLT G8 ZINC|
2| 1/4 SAE WASHER G8 ZINC|
2| 1/4 LOCK WASHER ZINC|
8| 3/8-16 C-LOCK NUT ZINC| FOR USE IN BALL JOINT SPACER KIT ONLY
8| 3/8 SAE WASHER G5 ZINC
4| NEOPRENE CLAMP|
1| THREAD LOCKING COMPOUND 1 MIL|
4| GREASE FITTING 1/4-28| CONTROL ARM
2| ZIP TIE 8″ BLACK 40 LBS| BRAKE LINE
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
PRE-INSTALLATION NOTES
For technical assistance call: 909-597-7800 or e-mail:
info@fabtechmotorsports.com
Read this before you begin installation-
NOTE: THE INSTALLATION OF THIS KIT REQUIRES WELDING, AND SHOULD BE
PERFORMED BY A CERTIFIED WELDER
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.
Installation of all fasteners requires the use of provided thread-locking
compound with proper torque values as indicated throughout the installation.
Apply thread locking compound upon the final torque of the fastener.
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, 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-
- Will not work with 17” wheels.
- Cannot use OEM wheel and tire.
INSTRUCTIONS
FRONT SUSPENSION
-
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.
-
Working from front of the truck, locate and remove the factory skid plate. Discard skid plate and hardware, these will not be reinstalled on the truck. SEE FIGURES 1-2
-
Remove factory mud flaps off front of the vehicle and discard. SEE FIGURES 3-4
-
Remove the sway bar link ends from the lower control arm.
-
Starting on the driver’s side, disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle by striking the knuckle to dislodge the tie rod end. Use care not to damage the ball joints.
-
Remove the brake hose bracket from the top of the steering knuckle. Remove the caliper from the rotor and place above the upper control arm during this portion of the installation. Remove brake rotor from the steering knuckle. Unbolt the wheel speed sensor connection from the hub and control arm. SEE FIGURES 5-7
-
Remove axle nut, washer and the 4 hub bolts on backside of knuckle. Remove bearing hub assembly from knuckle. Retain parts and hardware for reinstallation. SEE FIGURES 8-9
-
Remove the upper ball joint nuts. Disconnect the upper ball joints from the steering knuckle by striking the knuckle with a large hammer next to the ball joint on the knuckle to dislodge the ball joints. Use care not to hit the ball joints when removing. Retain nuts. SEE FIGURE 10
-
Loosen the castle nut on the lower ball joint and strike the lower ball joint boss assembly with a large hammer next to the ball joint to dislodge (use care not to hit the ball joint when removing). Remove the two bolts on each side connecting the lower ball joint assembly to the knuckle and remove the knuckle. Remove the castle nut from the lower ball joint and remove the boss from the ball joint. Save the castle nut and discard the knuckle. SEE FIGURES 11-13
-
Remove the factory coil over shock and discard. SEE FIGURES 14-15
-
Support the front differential with a transmission or floor jack. Remove the front passenger and driver diff bolts. SEE FIGURE 16
-
Locate two of the FT70171 front diff spacer and two 1/2” -13 x 6” bolts nuts and washers. Install the Diff spacers under the factory mounts. Torque to 90 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 17-19
-
Locate the four factory compression bump stops and remove and save. SEE FIGURE 20
-
Using a die grinder remove a 1/4” of thread from the threaded portion of the bump stop. SEE FIGURES 21-22
-
Locate the four FT70174 bump stop spacers and thread in to the factory bump stop mounts. SEE FIGURE 23
-
Thread the cut bump stop into the new spacer. Torque to 17 ft-lbs.
-
Remove the upper control arm. Retain the factory hardware. SEE FIGURES 24-25
-
Locate the Fabtech driver’s side control arm (FT70180BK), two bushings (FT1037), two bushings (FT1038), four washers (FT57-1), two grease zerks (FT84), and two sleeves (FT196).
-
Install all these components in the control arm barrels. SEE FIGURE 26
-
Install the upper arm using the factory hardware. Place the new FT57-1 washers on the inside and outside of the bushings. When installing the arm on the truck make sure the barrel gussets are up. Torque to 200 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 27-28
-
Locate FT20583 Uniball adapter pin, and two FT147 uniball misalignment spacers. SEE FIGURES 33-34 SEE FIGURE 29 FOR STEPS 22-26
-
Insert the uniball pin into the factory knuckle upper ball joint taper. Install the 9/16”-18 lock nut with thread lock compound and flat washer onto the bottom side of the pin. This will lock the pin into the knuckle. Torque to 129 ft-lbs.
-
Install one FT147 uniball misalignment spacer onto the pin.
-
Swing the control arm down, slide the pin into the uniball on the control arm seating the lower FT147 spacer in the control arm.
-
Install the upper FT147 uniball misalignment spacer onto the pin.
-
Install the 3/4” -16 lock nut on the top side of the pin with thread lock compound and torque to 250 ft-lbs.
-
Install the FTS26037 Dirt Logic front coilover shock at this time, using steps 3-11 in the instructions provided with the Dirt Logic shocks.
-
Locate the factory steering knuckles and remove inner seal.
-
Locate the new Fabtech FTS70168D or FT70225D steering knuckle. Install the factory inner seal. NOTE: 2wd models have a dust shield that must be taken out of the stock knuckle and installed in the new Fabtech knuckle. SEE FIGURE 30-34
-
Position the knuckle onto the lower ball joint and CV Axle (4wd only) at the same time and install the lower ball joint nut. Leave loose (make sure not to damage the CV & CV Boot or the seal in the knuckle). Then attach top of the knuckle to the upper ball joint with the nut. Torque the upper ball joint nut to 81 ft-lbs and the lower ball joint nut to 123 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 35-36
-
Install the factory hubs, backing plates, and the dust covers with the factory hardware and supplied threadlocking compound. NOTE: Trimming the dust shield may be required to properly installed the brake caliper.
Torque the hub bolts to 73 ft-lbs. Torque the CV Axle nut to 249 ft-lbs. & install axle nut retainer with new supplied cotter pin. SEE FIGURE 37-39 -
Reinstall the lower sway bar link to the lower control arm.
Torque to 100 ft – lbs. SEE FIGURE 40 -
Install brake rotors & brake calipers with the factory hardware and thread locking compound. Torque the caliper bolts to 73 ft-lbs. Locate FT70111 (drv) Brake
Hose Mount Bracket and the supplied ¼” x ¾” hardware.
Mount the bracket to the knuckle. Mount the factory brake hose to the new bracket with the ¼” x ½” hardware.
Torque to 10 ft-lbs. Remove the factory tie rod end. Using a die grinder cut 3/8” off the threaded end of the tie rod, and reinstall the tie rod end. SEE FIGURES 41-42 -
Locate the FTclamp , ¼ -20 x ½ bolt , nut and washer.
Attach the wheel speed sensor to the tab on the upper control arm with the clamp and hardware. Torque to 10 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 43 -
Repeat steps 4–34 on the passenger side.
-
Locate the factory body mount in the back of the wheel well. Mark and cut as shown in photos. Locate FT70196 gusset and weld on as shown. Sand and paint all cut areas. SEE FIGURES 44-48
REAR SUSPENSION -
Locate and install the rear lift blocks FTBK12 to the axle.
Using the provided U bolts FT1500U, nuts and washers, align axle, lift blocks, and springs and torque U-bolts to 130 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 49-51
-
Install rear Dirt Logic shocks
-
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.
-
Check front end alignment and set to factory specifications. Readjust headlights.
-
Recheck all bolts for proper torque.
-
Recheck brake hoses, ABS wires and suspension parts for proper tire clearance while turning tires fully left to right.
-
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.
-
Install Driver Warning Decal. Complete product registration card and mail to Fabtech in order to receive future safety and technical bulletins on this suspension. 45. Have vehicle properly aligned to factory specs.
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.
RETORQUE 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 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 Instruction Sheet Part# – FT26039i