FABTECH FT23117i 2014-2018 DODGE 2500 4WD 5” 4-LINK KIT W/ 4.0 COILOVERS Instruction Manual
- June 3, 2024
- FABTECH
Table of Contents
FABTECH FT23117i 2014-2018 DODGE 2500 4WD 5” 4-LINK KIT W/ 4.0 COILOVERS
Instruction Manual
K3073DL
1| FTS23114| COMPONENT BOX 1
1| FTS23117| COMPONENT BOX 2
2| FTS835102| 4.0 DLSS COILOVER W/ RESI
| FTS23117| COMPONENT BOX 2
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2| FT1599-2-4| 5” SWAY BAR LINK CLEAR ZINC
1| FT44269BK| REAR TRACK BAR SUPPORT
1| FT44300BK| 4-LINK BRACKET (DRIVER)
1| FT44301BK| 4-LINK BRACKET (PASSENGER)
1| FT44303BK| 4-LINK UPPER (DRIVER)
1| FT44304BK| 4-LINK UPPER (PASSENGER)
1| FT44305BK| 4-LINK LOWER (DRIVER)
1| FT44306BK| 4-LINK LOWER (PASSENGER)
2| FT44318BK| CROSSMEMBER BACK PLATE
2| FT44268BK| REAR BUMP STOP SPACER
1| FT44420| HARDWARE SUBASSEMBLY
1| FT44464| HARDWARE KIT
| FT44424| HARDWARE SUBASSEMBLY
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1| FT44381| LOWER SHOCK MOUNT TAB DRIVER OUTER
1| FT44382| LOWER SHOCK MOUNT TAB DRIVER INNER
1| FT44383| LOWER SHOCK MOUNT TAB PASS OUTER
1| FT44384| LOWER SHOCK MOUNT TAB PASS INNER
1| FT44385| LOWER SHOCK MOUNT SPACER TOOL
1| FT44386| LOWER SHOCK GUSSET TOP DRIVER
1| FT44387| LOWER SHOCK GUSSET TOP PASS
| FT44464 – HARDWARE KIT| LOCATION
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| FT44421|
| BAG 1|
1| M18-2.5 X 90MM HEX BOLT| TRACK BAR DROP BRACKET
2| M18 WASHERS|
1| NUT C-LOCK 18MM G10.9 ZINC|
2| 1/2-13 X 1-1/2 HEX BOLT G8 ZINC| TRACK BAR BRACKET
8| 1/2” WASHERS|
4| 1/2 -13 C-LOCK NUT ZINC|
2| 1/2-13 1-1/4 HEX BOLT ZINC|
2| 5/16-18 X 2-1/2 HEX BOLT ZINC| BUMP STOP
4| 5/16 SAE WASHER G8 ZINC|
2| 5/16-18 C-LOCK NUT ZINC|
4| 1/4-20 X 1 HEX BOLT G5 ZINC| BRAKE LINE EXTENSION
2| 1/4 SAE WASHER G5 ZINC|
2| 1/4-20 C-LOCK NUT ZINC|
| BAG 2|
10| 7/16-14 X 1-1/2 HEX BOLT ZINC|
20| 7/16 SAE WASHER G8 ZINC|
9| 7/16-14 C-LOCK NUT ZINC|
1| 7/16-14 X 1-1/4 HEX BOLT ZINC|
2| 7/16 SPLIT LOCK WASHER|
2| 7/16 USS WASHER|
2| 5/8-11 X 3-1/4” BOLT|
2| 5/8” SAE WASHER|
2| 5/8-11 X 4” SOCKET HEAD BOLT|
2| 5/8-11 C-LOCK NUT|
4| 5/8 SAE WASHER|
2| 3/8-16 X 1-1/4” BOLT|
4| 3/8” SAE WASHER|
2| 3/8-16 C-LOCK NUT|
2| 1/4-20 X 1” BOLT|
4| 1/4” SAE WASHER|
2| 1/4-20 NYLOCK NUT|
| BAG 3|
8| 1/2 USS WASHER G5 ZINC| SWAY BAR LINK
4| M12-1.75 X 70MM HEX BOLT G10.9|
4| NUT 12-1.75 NYLOK 10.9 Z1|
5| 7/16-14 X 1-1/4 HEX BOLT G8 ZC| REAR TRACK BAR BRACKET
10| 7/16 SAE WASHER G8 ZINC|
5| 7/16-14 C-LOCK NUT ZINC|
1| 1/2-13 X 1-1/4 HEX BOLT G8 ZNC| REAR TRACK BAR BRACKET
1| 1/2-13 X 2-1/4 HEX BOLT G8 ZNC|
4| 1/2 SAE WASHER G8 ZINC|
2| 1/2-13 C-LOCK NUT ZINC|
1| 9/16-18 X 4 HEX BOLT G8 ZC|
2| 9/16 SAE WASHER G8 ZINC|
1| 9/16″ -18 C LOCK NUT|
1| 1/4-20 X 1 HEX BOLT G8 ZINC|
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 roll over 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.
RECOMMENDED TIRE/WHEEL SIZES –
- Use 37×12.50/R17 tire w/ 17×9 wheels w/ 5” BS w/ minor trimming
- Use 37×12.50/R18 tire w/ 18×9 wheels w/ 5” BS w/ minor trimming
- Use 37×13.50/R20 tire w/ 20×9.5 wheels w/ 5” BS w/ minor trimming
- Use 37×13.50/R22 tire w/ 22×11 wheels w/ 5” BS w/ minor trimming
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.
-
DRIVER SIDE ONLY – Starting on the driver side, remove the driver side fender liner.
-
Remove the factory shock and discard. Retain factory lower hardware.
-
Disconnect factory sway bar links.
-
Remove factory coil spring.
-
Remove the factory pitman arm and discard. Keep hardware.
-
Locate the new FT44172 Fabtech pitman arm and install. Do not reconnect the factory drag link at this time. Reinstall the factory lock washer plus thread locker.
Torque to 220ft-lbs. -
Unthread the factory drag link at the adjuster sleeve and remove adjuster sleeve. SEE FIGURE 1
-
Using a die grinder remove the flat non threaded section from both ends of the drag link. This will allow you to rotate the drag link and line it up with the pitman arm. SEE FIGURES 2-4
-
Reassemble the drag link and connect it to the new pitman arm. SEE FIGURE 5
-
Torque the drag link to 83 ft-lbs.
-
Remove the track bar from the frame side of the vehicle.
-
Locate the FT44236BK track bar bracket and M18–2.5 x 90mm bolt.
-
Slide the track bar bracket into the factory mount and insert the M18 bolt into the factory pivot hole. SEE FIGURE 6
-
Rotate the bracket up until the end of the bracket is flush with the cross member under the motor.
-
Using the Fabtech bracket as a guide, mark the factory mount for the upper driver side mounting hole.
-
Swing the bracket back out of the way. Using a ½“ drill bit, drill out the marked hole. S EE FIGURE 7
-
Locate one FT44246 sleeve and two 1/2”-13 x 1-1/2” bolts, nuts and washers.
-
Rotate the track bar bracket back into place and bolt together using 1/2”-13 x 1-1/2” bolt and the sleeve. SEE FIGURES 8-9
-
Using the Fabtech bracket as a guide, drill a 1/2’’ hole in the cross member under the motor. Next, mount using 1/2”-13×1.5” and washer. SEE FIGURE 10
-
Remove the factory coil springs and lower rubber isolators. SEE FIGURE 11
IF INSTALLING DIRT LOGIC 4.0 COILOVERS REFER TO THE COILOVER CONVERSION INSTRUCTIONS AT THIS TIME.
-
Remove and save the factory rubber bump stop. SEE FIGURE 12. Insert the factory rubber bumpstop into the new Fabtech bump stop bracket (FT44518). Using a 1/4” drill, drill a hole through the factory rubber bumpstop using the new bracket as a guide. Then install the supplied 1/4” X 2-1/2” hardware. Torque to 14 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 13
-
Using a die grinder, grind out the stamped in tabs on the inside of the bump stop housing. SEE FIGURES 14-15
-
Using a 1/2” drill bit, drill out the hole in the factory crossmember inline with the factory bump stop mount. SEE FIGURE 16
-
Slide the bump stop into the factory bump stop mount.
Using a 1/2”-13 x 1-1/4” bolt and the FT44135 (nut tab), bolt the bump stop to the crossmember. Torque the 1/2” bolt to 90 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 17-19
-
Using the outer tab on the bump stop as a drill guide, drill a 5/16” hole all the way through the factory bump stop mount. SEE FIGURE 20
-
Locate a 5/16”-18 x 2-1/2” bolt, nut and washers. Using this bolt, secure the bump stop to the factory bump stop mount and torque to 29 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 21
-
Repeat steps 2-27 on the passenger side.
-
Secure the front diff. Remove the factory driver and passenger side Radius arm. Retain Hardware. SEE FIGURES 22-23
NOTE: SUPPORT THE TRANSFER CASE AT THIS TIME
-
Remove the factory crossmember and skid plate that is mounted between the factory radius arm pockets. Retain Hardware. SEE FIGURES 24-26
-
Trim a 2” radius off the inner front radius arm bracket. SEE FIGURE 27
-
Once the crossmember is out. The inner support sleeve will need to be cut out on both sides. SEE FIGURES 28- 29
-
Locate and cut out the 4-Link templates on the last pages.
-
Starting on the driver side top of the crossmember.
Place the correct template on the crossmember so the edge of the template lines up to the factory edge on the crossmember. Mark for cutting. Do the same with the
Driver side bottom. Follow the mark around the side and connect with the mark on the top. SEE FIGURES 30-31
-
Carefully cut the crossmember where you made the marks. Sand to a smooth edge. FIGURE 32 shows what the driver side should look like when complete.
-
Moving to the passenger side of crossmember. Place the cut out templates on the crossmember and mark for cutting. SEE FIGURES 33-34
-
Carefully cut the crossmember where you made the marks. Sand to a smooth edge. FIGURE 35 shows what the passenger side should look like when complete.
-
Locate the factory driver side crossmember frame mount. On the front side only trim 1/2” off lthe bottom like shown. SEE FIGURES 36-37
-
Locate FT44300BK (4-Link Driver Bracket), starting on the driver side. Install the bracket like shown below using the 5/8”x 1-3/4” hardware and 3/4”x 1-1/4” hardware from Bag 5 in the hardware kit. Leave loose. SEE FIGURES 38-39
-
From Bag 5, Locate the 3/4”-10 X 2” Bolt, 4 washers and nut. NOTE: When installing the 3/4” bolt insert 2 washers between the factory bracket and the new Fabtech 4-link bracket. Leave loose. SEE FIGURE 40
-
Locate FT44324 (Nut Tab) and 7/16” X 1-3/4” bolt and washers. Insert the nut tab through the hole on the frame and install the 7/16” bolt and washers. Torque to 83 ft-lbs.
Torque the hardware installed on the previous steps to the below specifications. SEE FIGURES 41
-
5/8”- 254 ft-lbs
-
3/4”- 450 ft-lbs
-
REPEAT STEPS 39-42 ON PASSENGER SIDE
-
-
Locate FT44318BK (Crossmember Back Plate) and 5/8” Hardware. Install the factory crossmember like shown in FIGURES 42-44 using the FT44318BK bracket, 5/8” hardware and 1 of the factory bolts. Torque to 254 ft-lbs.
-
Using a 17/32” drill bit. Drill 4 total holes, 2 on the driver side and 2 on the passenger sdie through the crossmember using the holes in the brackets as guides. SEE FIGURE 45
-
Starting with the driver side locate FT44223 (nut tab) (2) 1/2-13 X 1-1/2”, washers and (1) 1/2” C-lock nut. NOTE:
The nut tab will be used towards the front of the vehicle. Torque to 90 ft- lbs. SEE FIGURE 46
-
Next for the passenger side locate FT30182 (nut tab) (2) 1/2-13 X 1-1/2”, washers and (1) 1/2” C-lock nut. Toque to 90 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 47
-
Locate and install FT44302 (Outer misalignment spacer) and FT103 (Inner misalignment spacer) onto the new 4-link arms. Install the new arms with the provided 3/4” x 5” bolts and hardware. Re-use the factory hardware for the axle side. Torque to 317 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 48-50
Modify the lower H yoke on the front drive shaft as shown on the last page of these instructions. After complete reassembly of the front drive shaft, reinstall it using the original hardware and torque all fasteners to factory specs.
-
Locate the factory rear crossmember. Remove and discard the exhaust rubber isolator and bracket from the crossmember. Next, with assistance remove the 6 bolts that aholds the crossmember on the frame and lower the crossmember to the bottom factory holes. NOTE: Only 3 bolts will be used to re-attach the crossmember. SEE FIGURE 51-52
-
Locate the FT44245 Brake line extension, FT44258 nut tab and two 1/4”-20 x 1” bolts. Attach the brake line extension to the axle using one bolt and the nut tab.
Attach the factory brake line bracket to the Fabtech extension. Torque to 10 ft-lbs. Repeat this step on the passenger side. SEE FIGURES 53
REAR SUSPENSION
-
Reconnect the factory sway bar. Torque to 29 ft-lbs.
-
Jack up the rear end of the vehicle and support the frame rails with jack stands and remove wheels and tires. Remove the rear driver and passenger inner fender liners. SEE FIGURE 54
-
Disassemble the rear track bar from the axle side and keep hardware for re-installation. Remove and discard factory sway bar end links and shocks, save lower shock hardware for re-installation. Slowly lower the rear axle and remove and save the rear factory springs and rubber isolators for re-installation. Remove bump stops and hardware from the vehicles frame and keep for reinstallation.
-
Locate the hole on the front side of the rear drivers side axle bump stop pad. Drill out this hole to 7/8”. SEE FIGURES 55-56
-
Next, on the rear side of the same bump stop pad. Remove the factory brake line bracket and relocate it ¾”- left and 1-1/4” down using a 17/64” bit. Drill another 17/64” hole 5/8” below to allow the factory bracket to set in. NOTE: ONLY DRILL THROUGH BUMP STOP PAD, DRILLING TO FAR WILL RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AXEL TUBE. SEE FIGURES 57-58
-
Next, using a ½” bit, drill the old brake line bracket hole to allow for the new track bar support bracket in a future step. SEE FIGURE 59
-
Locate the FT44269BK rear track bar support bracket. TRIMMING MAY BE REQUIRED TO INSTALL THE NEW FT44269BK REAR TRACK BAR SUPPORT BRACKET. SEE FIGURE 60
-
Install the FT44269BK using the factory track bar bolt. Mark holes for drilling on the factory track bar bracket Remove the bolt and drill out the hole on the factory track bar bracket using a ½” drill bit. SEE FIGURES 61-63
-
Install the supplied ½”-13x 2-1/4” bolt, nut, washers and FT606 sleeve as shown below. DO NOT TIGHTEN. SEE FIGURES 64-65
-
Install the factory track bar pivot bolt and hardware along with FT605 Sleeve. Torque to 160 ft-lbs. Next, torque the ½” bolt on the same bracket to 127 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 66-67
-
Locate FT44270 nut tab, ½”-13x 1-1/4” bolt and washer and install into the track bar support bracket through the bump stop pad. Torque to 127 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 68-70
-
Using a 7/16” drill bit, drill through the existing hole on the track bar bracket into the top of the spring perch. SEE FIGURE5 71
-
Locate and install the supplied 7/16”-14x 1-1/4” bolt, washer and FT50184 Track Bar Support Nut Tab. Torque to 83 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 72-73
-
Locate the supplied ¼”-20x 1” bolt, nut, washers and FTCLAMP-LB10 rubber cushioned clamp and install on the rear axle breather tube, mounting it to the hole provided on the new track bar bracket. Torque to 14 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 74
-
Locate the FT44268BK rear bump stop spacer and supplied 7/16”-14x 1-1/4” bolts, nuts, and washers. Install the FT44268BK spacer with the factory bolts that were removed during disassembly. Then, install the factory bump stop onto the spacer bracket with the supplied 7/16” hardware. Torque to 58 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 75
-
Locate and Install (FT44279BK) Fabtech rear spring using the factory rubber isolators as shown. SEE FIGURE 76
-
Locate the supplied 9/16”-18x 3-1/2” bolt, nut and washers and install the rear track bar into the new location. Torque to 184 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 77
-
Locate the FT1599-2-4 (5” zinc sway bar links) and supplied M12-1.75 x 70mm bolts, Nylok nuts and washers. Install the supplied bushings and sleeves. SEE FIGURES 78-79
-
Install the new end links with the supplied M12-1.75 x 70mm bolts, Nylok nuts and washers and torque to 100 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 80-81
-
Locate the rear shocks that were supplied with the kit: Part numbers vary between kits. FTS7188 (Performance), FTS6344 (Stealth) or FTS811041 (Dirt Logic 2.25 Shock)
-
Press the supplied sleeve into the lower bushing and install the rear shocks with the supplied washers and bushings. Next, torque the upper nut to 14 ft-lbs and the lower to 37 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURES 82-83
-
Re-Install both frant and rear inner fender liners.
-
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.
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.
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 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
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References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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