BDS 014331 Jeep Gladiator 4WD Suspension System Installation Guide
- September 10, 2024
- BDS
Table of Contents
014331 Jeep Gladiator 4WD Suspension System
“`html
Specifications:
- Part Number: 014331
- Suspension Type: Front 3-3.5 inches, Rear 2-2.5 inches
- Compatible with: Jeep Gladiator 4WD | 2020-24
- Manufacturer: BDS Suspension
- Address: 491 W. Garfield Ave., Coldwater, MI 49036
- Contact Phone: 517-279-2135
- Website: www.bds-suspension.com
- Email: tech-bds@ridefox.com
Product Usage Instructions:
1. Installation Recommendations:
It is recommended to have this suspension system installed by a
professional technician who has knowledge of disassembly/reassembly
procedures and post-installation checks.
2. Safety Precautions:
Before installation, ensure all fasteners are torqued properly.
Check for adequate clearance between various components such as
exhaust, brake lines, steering gear, and wiring harness. Perform a
thorough inspection of the brake system and ensure all components
have proper clearance.
3. Post-Installation Checks:
After installation, perform a steering sweep to ensure front
brake hoses have enough slack and do not contact any moving parts.
Inspect rear brake hoses for adequate slack as well. It is crucial
to re-torque all fasteners after driving 500 miles and inspect them
regularly during servicing.
FAQ:
Q: What tire sizes are recommended for Sport and Rubicon models
with this suspension system?
A: Sport Models can accommodate 33×12.5 tires on 17×8 wheels
with 4.5-5 backspacing without rubbing. Rubicon Models can fit
37×12.5 tires with stock wheels without rubbing or with 17×8 wheels
with 4.5-5 backspacing under normal conditions.
Q: What should I do before driving with the installed
suspension system?
A: Before driving, check all fasteners for proper torque, ensure
adequate clearance between components, inspect the brake system,
perform a steering sweep, and adjust headlights if necessary.
“`
Part#: 014331
3-3.5″Front 2-2.5″ Rear” Suspension System
Jeep Gladiator 4WD | 2020-24
491 W. Garfield Ave., Coldwater, MI 49036 . Phone: 517-279-2135 Web: www.bds- suspension.com . E-mail: tech-bds@ridefox.com
Rev. 060324
Read And Understand All Instructions And Warnings Prior To Installation Of
System And Operation Of Vehicle.
Your truck is about to be fitted with the best suspension system on the market
today. That means you will be driving the baddest looking truck in the
neighborhood, and you’ll have the warranty to ensure that it stays that way
for years to come.
Thank you for choosing BDS Suspension!
BEFORE YOU START
BDS Suspension Co. recommends this system be installed by a professional
technician. In addition to these instructions, professional knowledge of
disassembly/ reassembly procedures and post installation checks must be known.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Certain BDS Suspension products are intended to improve off-road performance.
Modifying your vehicle for off-road use may result in the vehicle handling
differently than a factory equipped vehicle. Extreme care must be used to
prevent loss of control or vehicle rollover. Failure to drive your modified
vehicle safely may result in serious injury or death. BDS Suspension Co. does
not recommend the combined use of suspension lifts, body lifts, or other
lifting devices. You should never operate your modified vehicle under the
influence of alcohol or drugs. Always drive your modified vehicle at reduced
speeds to ensure your ability to control your vehicle under all driving
conditions. Always wear your seat belt.
BEFORE INSTALLATION
· Special literature required: OE Service Manual for model/year of vehicle.
Refer to manual for proper disassembly/reassembly procedures of OE and related
components.
· Adhere to recommendations when replacement fasteners, retainers and keepers
are called out in the OE manual.
· Larger rim and tire combinations may increase leverage on suspension,
steering, and related components. When selecting combinations larger than OE,
consider the additional stress you could be inducing on the OE and related
components.
· Post suspension system vehicles may experience drive line vibrations. Angles
may require tuning, slider on shaft may require replacement, shafts may need
to be lengthened or trued, and U-joints may need to be replaced.
· Secure and properly block vehicle prior to installation of BDS Suspension
components. Always wear safety glasses when using power tools.
· If installation is to be performed without a hoist, BDS Suspension Co.
recommends rear alterations first.
· Due to payload options and initial ride height variances, the amount of lift
is a base figure. Final ride height dimensions may vary in accordance to
original vehicle attitude. Always measure the attitude prior to beginning
installation.
2 | 014331
Sport Models 3.5″ Lift – 33×12.5 on 17×8 with 4.5-5″ Backspacing no rubbing
35×12.5 on 17x 8 with 4.5-5″ Backspacing rubbing under articulation will occur
Rubicon Models 3.0″ Lift – 37×12.5 with stock wheels will not rub fender 3.0
Lift – 37×12.5 on 17×8 with 4.5-5″ backspacing will rub under extreme
articulation
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
Check all fasteners for proper torque. Check to ensure for adequate clearance
between all rotating, mobile, fixed, and heated members. Verify clearance
between exhaust and brake lines, fuel lines, fuel tank, floor boards and
wiring harness. Check steering gear for clearance. Test and inspect brake
system.
Perform steering sweep to ensure front brake hoses have adequate slack and do
not contact any rotating, mobile or heated members. Inspect rear brake hoses
at full extension for adequate slack. Failure to perform hose check/
replacement may result in component failure. Longer replacement hoses, if
needed can be purchased from a local parts supplier.
Perform head light check and adjustment.
Re-torque all fasteners after 500 miles. Always inspect fasteners and
components during routine servicing.
Box Kit-014331
Part #
Qty
3396
2
03315
1
03316
1
03374
2
01473
2
A1024
2
A356
1
SB58BK
4
62147
4
03005
2
M03212-BK-01 3
A1046
1
A1045
1
01499
1
162
1
65
3
163
1
03326
4
843
1
2
2
2
J127
1
2
2
4
2
2
4
839
1
4
4
8
913
1
2
4
2
J172
1
2
2
4
149
2
Description Front Bump Stop Block Disconnect BRKT Tall DRV Disconnect BRKT
Tall PASS JT 2″ Rear Bump Stop Block Rear Sway Bar Link Sway Bar Disconnect –
Long Adjustable Track Bar Bushing Spacer Sleeve Quick Pin Offset Polyurethane
Spacer Stud with Nut Stud with Nut 1/4″ Spacer .75 x 1.255 Sleeve .75 x 1.650
Sleeve .81 x 1.62 Sleeve Alignment Cam Bolt Pack- Front Bump Stop
3/8-16 x 3-3/4 Bolt 3/8-16 serrated Flange Nut 3/8″ SAE Washer
Bolt Pack – Front Disconnects
12mm-1.75 x 75mm Bolt 12mm-1.75 Prevailing Torque Nut 12mm Flat Washer
5/16-18×3/4 Bolt 5/16-18 Prevailing Torque Nut 5/16 SAE Flat Washer
Bolt Pack- Rear Bump
5/16-18×3/4″ Bolt 5/16-18 Prevailing Torque Nut 5/16″ SAE Washer
Bolt Pack
12mm-1.75 x 65mm Bolt 7/16″ USS Washer 12mm-1.75 Prevailing Torque Nut
Bolt Pack – 2024 JL 14mm Sway Bar Link 14mm-2.00 x 80mm Bolt – Class 8.8
14mm-2.00 Prevailing Torque Nut 14mm Flat Washer – Clear Zinc .750 x 0.095 x
1.680 DOM Sleeve
Box Kit-034440
Part #
Qty
034440R
2
Description Front 3″ Springs
Box Kit-032159
Part #
Qty
032159R
2
Description Rear 2″ Springs
014331 | 3
pre installation
IMPORTANT
It is required that ride height measurements be taken before and after
installation. Measure from the WHEEL AXLE CENTER up to the FENDER LIP of the
wheel opening. Do this for all 4 wheels. Record measurements
below.
BEFORE Left Front__ Right Front__ Left Rear__ Right
Rear___
AFTER Left Front__ Right Front__ Left Rear__ Right
Rear__
FENDER LIP
WHEEL AXLE CENTER
These ride heights will be required if you have any ride height concerns
after installation. Please be prepared to provide these to Technical Support.
4 | 014331
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Park the vehicle on a clean, flat surface and block the rear wheels for
safety.
2. Measure and record ride heights as described on page 4.
3. Disconnect the front track bar and discard Retain mounting bolts. (Fig 1)
Rotary Grinder or carbide burr for alignment cam installation
FIGURE 1
4. Raise the front of the vehicle and support the frame with jack stands
behind the front lower control arm pockets. 5. Remove the wheels. 6.
Disconnect the central axle disconnect (CAD) from the front axle as well as
the two clip holding it to the axle. Rubicon models, disconnect
the locker wire harness from the axle (Fig 2)
FIGURE 2
7. Disconnect the OE front sway bar links from the sway bar and the axle (Fig 3). Save lower hardware.
014331 | 5
FIGURE 3
8. Disconnect the brake lines from the control arms to allow enough slack for
coil removal (Fig 4). Support the front axle with a hydraulic jack. Remove the
front shocks from the vehicle. Retain upper and lower mounting hardware.
FIGURE 4
9. Lower the front axle and remove the coil springs from the vehicle. Use
care not to over extend the brake lines, or driveshaft. 10. Place a provided
bump stop extension inside one of the new front coil springs and install the
spring in the vehicle. Rotate the spring until it
is seated properly in the axle mount. Ensure the upper coil seat pin aligns
with the hole in the frame. 11. Attach the bump stop extension to the hole in
the spring perch hole using the 3/8″ x 3-3/4″ bolt, washers, and serrated
flange nuts (BP 843).
Torque bolt to 29 ft-lbs. Repeat the spring/bump stop installation of the
other side of the vehicle. On the passenger side it may be easiest to remove
the brake line bracket from behind the coil mount to gain better access to get
the nut started on the bolt for the bump stop.
12. Install the hourglass bushings in the shocks. Shorter ones for the front
with the sleeve on the lower mount and the stepped spacers on each side of the
upper mount. Fox shocks install with the body up, NX² shocks install with the
body down. Using the factory hardware, torque the upper and lower bolts to 52
ft-lbs plus 55 degrees.
13. Adjust both quicker disconnects to the minimum length approximately 8″
and tighten the jam nuts. Insert the longer sleeves into the upper bushing
(male end) and slide the polyurethane spacer onto the upper sleeve so it will
mount towards the swaybar. The links will be installed with the grease
fittings forward. IMPORTANT: Bushing cradles at both ends of quicker
disconnect must remain parallel with each other when Jam Nut is tightened.
14. from the vehicle. Use care not to over extend the brake lines, or
driveshaft. 6 | 014331
15. Place a provided bump stop extension inside one of the new front coil
springs and install the spring in the vehicle. Rotate the spring until it is
seated properly in the axle mount.
16. Attach the bump stop extension to the axle through the hole using a 3/8″
x 2-3/4″ bolt, nut, and 3/8″ USS washers (BP 840). Torque bolt to 30 ft-lbs.
Repeat the spring/bump stop installation of the other side of the vehicle.
On the passenger side it may be easiest to remove the brake line bracket from
behind the coil mount to gain better access to get the nut started on the bolt
for the bump stop. 17. Install the hourglass bushings in the shocks. Shorter
ones for the front with the shorter sleeve on the lower mount and the longer
sleeve with nylon spacers on each side of the upper mount. Fox shocks install
with the body up, NX² shocks install with the body down. Using the factory
hardware, torque the upper and lower bolts to 60 ft-lbs. 18. Adjust both
quicker disconnects to the minimum length approximately 8″ and tighten the jam
nuts. Insert the longer sleeves into the upper bushing (male end) and slide
the polyurethane spacer onto the upper sleeve so it will mount towards the
swaybar. The links will be installed with the grease fittings forward.
IMPORTANT: Bushing cradles at both ends of quicker disconnect must remain
parallel with each other when Jam Nut is tightened. 19. 2024 Models: Use the
larger ID sleeves that will accommodate 14mm hardware 20. Using the provided
12mm x 75mm bolts, washers, and nuts loosely fasten the sway bar links to the
sway bar with the bolts going from the outside towards the frame (Fig 5). 21.
2024 Models: Use the larger 14mm hardware found in bolt pack J172
FIGURE 5
Rubicon models have a factory electronic disconnect system. Follow these steps
15-20 to solid mount your sway bar links. 22. Set the sway bar into disconnect
mode for ease of installation of the links to the axle. 23. Locate the 1-1/4″
sleeve and insert it into the passenger side disconnect bushing. 24. Insert
the 1/4″ thick spacer and disconnect into the original sway bar link location.
It may be necessary to slightly open up the link opening
for ease of assembly. 25. Adjust the length of the quicker disconnect to 8″.
Fasten the link to the axle with the original hardware.
014331 | 7
FIGURE 6
26. Install the remaining longer sleeve on the driver side and slide the
polyurethane spacer onto the sleeve so it will mount towards the axle mount
tab. Install the quicker disconnect to the inboard side of the axle tab with
the original sway bar link hardware. Note: If the link length was adjusted for
the passenger side, match the length on the driver side link.
27. Torque the upper and lower hardware to 65 ft-lbs
NON-RUBICON MODELS FOLLOW STEPS21-26
28. Non-Rubicon Models Only: Measure back 1-1/4″ from the center of the sway
bar link hole or just past the weld at the axle and make a vertical cut line.
Cut off the tab at the mark and paint exposed metal.
FIGURE 7
29. Attach the short mounting post into the original sway bar link mount hole
on the track bar bracket. Tighten the post ensuring the click pin hole is
horizontal or parallel with the ground. Tighten to 65 ft-lbs. (Fig 8) Note:
Apply a drop or spray of lubricant before threading on the nut. (Oil, WD-40,
Silicone, or Graphite all work) Note: A small screwdriver or punch inserted
into the pin hole will keep the post from turning as you tighten it.
8 | 014331
FIGURE 8
30. Attach the long mounting post with polyurethane spacer into the factory
sway bar link mount. The stud should point towards the center of the vehicle.
Tighten the post ensuring the click pin hole is horizontal or parallel with
the ground. Tighten to 65 ft-lbs. (Fig 9)
FIGURE 9
31. Torque the quicker disconnect to sway bar mounting bolts to 65 ft-lbs.
32. Insert click pins as illustrated to secure.
When properly installed, the ring on the Click Pin will “snap” against the
shaft of pin. When installed backwards, the ring does not fit snugly against
shaft.
014331 | 9
ALL MODELS
33. Install the retention brackets using the provided 5/16″ bolts into the
factory hole in the front of the coil bucket as shown. These are designed to
slightly form to the edge of the coil bucket to hold them in place.
FIGURE 10
34. This kit comes with optional alignment cams to regain the caster that was
lost from the lift. With the front axle still support with a jack, loosen all
4 lower control arm bolts and remove the driver’s side lower control arm bolt
at the axle. The OE lower control arm mounts designed for alignment cams. The
section behind the bolt must be removed to use the cam washers supplied in
this kit. Special tools are made to perform this operation but are not
necessary. The perforated sections can be removed most easily with a carbide
burr or rotary grinding tool. Only the rear portion of the cam slot must be
removed (Fig 3). Hint: Position the alignment cam between the slots and in
line with the original hole to mark area that needs to be removed.
Note: Adjustable cams are required if you are NOT installing adjustable
control arms.
FIGURE 11
35. When the perforated sections are removed from the lower control arm
mount, reinstall the control arm to the axle with cams on factory bolt. Rotate
the cams so that the bolt is as far towards the `rear’ of the slot as
possible. Just snug the cam hardware so that the cam washers are retained
within the stops. Final cam bolt torque will be completed with the weight of
the vehicle on the suspension. (Fig 4)
10 | 014331
FIGURE 12
36. Repeat cam washer installation on the passenger side. 37. Reattach the
brake lines to the control arms, and any axle wire harness disconnected during
the install.
ADJUSTABLE TRACK BAR INSTALL
38. Thread the hex adjustment collar all the way in. Then, thread out the
axle side bushing until the eye to eye measurement is 33-1/4″. Note: This
length is a starting point. Final adjustments to be made later. 39. Install
the new track bar on the vehicle, installing frame side first. Ensure the
gusset plate on the axle side is on top.
The preferred method to aligning the axle side bolt is to have an assistant
turn the steering wheel in small increments to shift the chassis. If working
by yourself, a ratchet strap can be used. 40. Set the length of the track bar
by turning the hex adjustment collar. If necessary, a 1-1/2″ wrench or
accessory BDS129601 can be used. For reference, the factory length is 33-5/8″
measured from eye to eye. Make adjustments as necessary to center the axle
from side to side. In order to ensure proper thread engagement, do not extend
the axle side bushing past 6″, and do not extend the hex adjustment collar
past 1-7/8″.
FIGURE 13
41. Ensure that the clamp is located 1/2″ from the end of the tube, facing
up. This is to avoid contact with other suspension/ steering components. Also
ensure that the clamp is centered upon the slit on the end of the tube. Both
the slit on the tube and the slit on the hex adjustment collar must be
perfectly aligned. This is illustrated in Figure 14 below. 014331 | 11
FIGURE 14
42. Using a 5/8″ socket and 11/16″ wrench, tighten the pinch bolt to 40 ft-
lbs.
FIGURE 15
12 | 014331
REAR INSTALLATION
43. Disconnect the track bar at the axle with the vehicle still on the
ground. Retain factory hardware and nut tab. 44. Raise and support the vehicle
with jack stands positioned in front of the lower suspension arm brackets.
Remove the tires. 45. Remove the sway bar links from the axle and sway bar
(Figure 16)
FIGURE 16
46. Remove the rear inner fender liners by removing the 3 bolts to gain
access to the upper shock bolt . 47. Support the axle with a jack under the
center of the differential and remove the shocks from the frame and axle,
Retain factory hardware. 48. Lower the axle enough to remove the factory
springs. Note the orientation of the upper spring isolators. Make sure there
is adequate slack
on all brake lines.
Note: Before installation be sure to transfer the coil wrap from the factory
coils onto the upper windings of the new coils. 49. Install the shorter pair
of coil springs with the larger windings on top into the rear of the vehicle
with the orientation similar to stock. The
upper isolators have a locating pin that fits into a hole in the frame. Raise
the axle to compress the springs enough to hold them in place. 50. Install
bushings and sleeves into the rear sway bar links, Install links to the frame
with factory hardware, Install links to sway bar using
included hardware (BP913). (Figure 17) Torque M12 hardware to 60 ft-lbs,
torque factory hardware to 55 ft-lbs
FIGURE 17
51. Install the rear bump stop blocks using 5/16″ hardware (BP 839) (Figure 18) Torque to 20 ft-lbs
014331 | 13
FIGURE 18
52. Install the hourglass bushings and sleeves into the shocks. Fox shocks
install with the body up, NX² shocks install with the body down. Install using
the factory hardware, torque the upper and lower bolts to 89 ft-lbs
Note: The bushings will have to compress slightly to get the shock in the
mount, try walking the shock into place by tilting the shock back and forth
against the spacers while pushing the shock up into place.. 53. Re-install
inner fender. 54. Install the wheels and torque lug nuts to manufacturer’s
specifications. 55. Lower the vehicle to the ground and bounce the front to
settle the suspension. Torque the front control arm bolts to 103 ft-lbs plus
145
degrees. 56. Attach Front track bar to axle and tighten front trackbar
mounting hardware to the proper torque specifications, 52 ft-lbs plus 115
degrees
on the frame end and 52 ft-lbs plus 155 degrees on the axle end. 57. Reattach
the rear track bar to the axle with factory hardware. Torque the track bar
bolt to 100 ft-lbs. 58. Double check all hardware for proper torque. 59.
Lubricate all grease zerk fittings on the Quicker Disconnects using common
wheel bearing grease or equivalent. 60. Check all fasteners after 500 miles
and at regularly scheduled maintenance intervals.
Thank you for choosing BDS Suspension.
For questions, technical support and warranty issues relating to this BDS
Suspension product, please contact your distributor/installer before
contacting BDS Suspension directly.
14 | 014331
Component
Front Bump Stop Upper Shock Hardware Lower Shock Hardware Front Sway Bar Link
Bolts Front Quick disconnect Post Front Driveshaft Flange Lug Nuts Front Lower
Control Arm Front Track Bar Pinch Bolt Front Track Bar at Frame Front Track
Bar at Axle Rear Sway Bar Links (12mm) Rear Sway Bar Links (OE Hardware) Rear
Upper Shock Hardware Rear Lower Shock Hardware
Torque (FT-LBS)
29 52 plus 55 degrees 52 plus 55 degrees 65 65 89 130 103 plus 145 degrees 40
52 plus 115 degrees 52 plus 155 degrees 60 55 89 89
014331 | 15
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>