Kit Components

Installation

1. Install Ball Joints and Grease Fittings

   Install the upper ball joints and grease fittings into the upper control arms. The lower ball joints are installed at the factory, so only the grease fittings need to be installed on the lower arms.

2. Grease the Control Arms

   Lube all fittings. Make sure grease flows through the predrilled grease holes, grease fittings and twin sleeves, and that the arms pivot smoothly.

   Note: If a fitting will not accept grease, correct it before the arms go on the truck. It is much harder to fix once installed.

3. Trim the Upper Spring Tower (If Needed)

   The driver's side upper spring tower may need to be trimmed to make spring installation easier. Only 1/4" of extra clearance is needed.

   Note: Remove only what is necessary and deburr and paint any trimmed edges to prevent rust.

4. Install the Control Arms and Coil Springs

   Install the control arms and coil springs.

   Critical: Use extreme caution when compressing coil springs. Make sure everyone is out of the way and clear of the spring before and during compression. Never place hands or any body part between the coils or in the spring's path.

5. Install the Shock and Remove the Jack

   With the coil spring compressed and in position, install the shock. Once the shock is installed, you will be able to remove the jack.

6. Position the Tie Rod Sleeves

   Rotate the tie rod sleeves so the clamp bolt heads point away from the bump stops. Confirm there is no contact between the bolts and the bump stops.

   Note: Turn the steering fully lock to lock and cycle the suspension to confirm clearance through the full range of travel.

Applications

Installation

1. Bolt In the Ball Joint

   CA2555U & 2599UXL

   Bolt the ball joint to the control arm as shown on the printed sheet and tighten to 60 ft-lbs.

2. Install the Grease Fittings

   All models

   Install the grease fittings into the predrilled twin tube sleeves and, if equipped, the ball joint.

3. Pre-Grease the Twin Sleeves and Ball Joint

   All models

   Pre-grease the twin sleeves to confirm the predrilled holes are clear and grease flows smoothly.

   If the ball joint is greaseable, grease it now. If it is maintenance-free (no grease fitting), no action is needed.

   Note: If a sleeve will not accept grease, correct it before the arm goes on the truck.

4. Deburr the Upper Ball Joint Taper

   2016–2018 steel knuckle only

   Steel knuckles on these years have a small burr on the upper ball joint taper. Remove it with a file or die grinder, then test fit the upper ball joint to make sure there is no interference.

   Critical: The ball joint stud must seat fully in the taper. A stud that doesn't seat fully can loosen in service and lead to ball joint separation and loss of steering control. Remove only the burr and do not enlarge the taper.

5. Install the Control Arms

   All models

   Install the upper control arms on the vehicle.

6. Secure the Brake Line

   CA2515U & CA2519U: Install the brake line bracket on the control arm and route the brake line through it.

   CA2555U & 2599UXL: Secure the brake line to the control arm with the zip ties provided.

   Critical: Turn the steering fully lock to lock and cycle the suspension to confirm the brake line is not stretched, pinched or rubbing at any point. A damaged brake line can cause brake failure.

7. Align the Vehicle

   All models

   Have the vehicle aligned to factory specifications.

Parts List

Installation

1. Raise and Support the Truck

   Park the truck on a flat, level surface and chock the rear wheels. Loosen the front lug nuts, raise the front with a floor jack and support the frame with jack stands. Remove the front wheels.

   Critical: Always use jack stands. Never rely on a jack alone.

2. Remove the Shock, Tie Rod End and Sway Bar Links

   Remove the front shock. Remove the cotter pin and nut from the tie rod end, then remove the tie rod end from the spindle. Loosen and remove the sway bar end links (if equipped).

3. Loosen the Lower Ball Joint

   Working on one side at a time, place a floor jack under the lower control arm. Remove the cotter pin and loosen the lower ball joint nut. Tap the spindle to break the taper loose, then remove the nut.

   Critical: The floor jack must be supporting the lower control arm before the ball joint is separated. The coil spring is holding the arm under load.

4. Remove the Stock Coil Spring

   Slowly lower the floor jack until the ball joint comes out of the spindle. Swing the spindle out of the way, then continue lowering the jack slowly until the stock coil spring can be removed.

   Note: Be careful not to tear the rubber pad (if equipped). It gets reused on the new spring.

5. Install the New Coil Spring

   Place the rubber pad (if equipped) on the same end of the new spring. Set the new spring into the lower control arm, holding the top of the spring straight. Slowly raise the lower control arm with the floor jack until the ball joint lines up with the spindle hole and the spring is seated in both the upper and lower mounts.

   Note: The spring may need to be turned while raising the floor jack to seat it properly.

6. Reconnect the Ball Joint and Tie Rod End

   Install and tighten the ball joint nut. Install the tie rod end into the spindle and tighten its nut. Install new cotter pins in both the ball joint and the tie rod end.

   Critical: Always use new cotter pins. Never reuse old ones.

7. Reinstall the Sway Bar Link and Install the New Shock

   Attach the sway bar end link to the lower control arm and install the new front shock.

8. Repeat on the Other Side

   Repeat steps 3 through 7 on the other side of the vehicle.

9. Install the Wheels

   Install the wheels and torque the lug nuts to factory specification.

10. Test Drive and Align

    Take the vehicle for a test drive, then have the front end aligned at a qualified alignment shop.

Parts List

Relocating (Flipping) the Rear Axle

1. Remove the Leaf Springs

   With the frame on jack stands and the rear axle supported, remove the front and rear spring eye bolts and remove the springs from the truck. Keep the bolts, because they are reused to reinstall the springs.

   Critical: The rear axle must be supported by a jack or stands before the spring eye bolts are removed. The axle is extremely heavy and will drop once the springs are disconnected.

2. Reinstall the Springs Under the Axle

   Reinstall the leaf springs under the axle using the original spring eye bolts.

3. Install the Axle Locators

   Place the new axle locator bracket on top of each spring with the off-center hole toward the front of the vehicle. This centers the rear axle and pulls the drive shaft back slightly from the transmission.

4. Lower the Axle and Set Pinion Angle

   Lower the rear axle into the new axle supports. Rotate the axle to the desired pinion angle.

5. Install the U-Bolts and Spring Plates

   Install the new U-bolts and 5-hole spring plates on the bottom of the springs. Tighten the U-bolts in a cross pattern.

   Note: Do not overtighten the U-bolts. Overtightening can bend the spring plates.

6. Install the Upper Axle Plates

   Place the new upper axle plates on top of the axle with the pin facing down. Install the 5/8" x 3-1/2" bolt in the forward position and the 5/8" x 4" bolt in the rear, with one flat washer on top of the upper plate and one on the bottom of the axle locator.

Installing the Frame Supports

1. Mark the Frame

   Frame supports are installed after the axle is relocated. Raise the axle and mark its center on the frame. Use this mark to center the frame support.

   The frame supports mount with the long side forward. Make a template, or use one of the brackets, to mark the frame for notching.

2. Notch the Frame

   Move any wires or brake lines out of the way, then notch the frame with a Sawzall, cutting wheel or plasma cutter.

   Critical: Do not use a torch to notch the frame. Always move wiring, brake lines and fuel lines clear of the cut area before cutting, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

3. Install the Frame Supports and Bump Stops

   Drill and bolt each frame support to the frame, then install the bump stops on the frame supports.

Installing the Shock Extenders

1. Mount the Shock Extenders

   Mount the new shock extenders to the original lower shock mounts. The new shock installs out and down from the original mount, with the wide end of the extender mounted to the original mount.

   Line up each extender with the original shock holes and attach it with two 1/2" x 1" bolts in the original holes, nuts on the inside.

2. Drill and Secure the Extenders

   Using the shock extender as a template, drill a 3/8" hole through the original mount. Secure with a 3/8" x 1" bolt, washer and nut.

3. Install the New Shocks

   Install the new shocks to the shock extenders with the 1/2" x 13 x 2.75" bolts and tighten.

Final Checks

1. Test Drive

   Take the truck for a test drive and check for driveline vibration.

2. Install the Carrier Bearing Shims (If Needed)

   FK1025-X with 2-piece drive shafts

   If driveline vibration occurs, raise the carrier bearing and install the shims between the bearing and the cross member. Attach with the new bolts.

3. Adjust Pinion Angle and Record Ride Height

   Adjust the pinion angle as necessary. Measure the completed ride height and compare it to your measurements from before the installation.