- Tools needed:
- 19mm Wrench and Socket
- 10mm Socket
- ½" Socket
- 9/16" Wrench
- Breaker Bar or Impact Wrench
- Inspect your kit to ensure you have all necessary parts:
- S Shaped Bracket
- L Shaped Bracket
- 2 U-bolts and 4 nuts
- Shock and boot
- 4 Rubber Shock Bushings
- 2 Shock Nuts
- 2 Bolts, Nuts, and Lock Washers
- Installation:
- Begin by lifting the front of the truck up on ramps or jackstands (not absolutely necessary, but it makes it easier to get under the truck to work)
- Chock the rear wheels and set the E brake.
- Remove the front skidplate using a 10mm socket.
- Set the 6 bolts and the skidplate aside.
- Loosen and remove the 2 rear bolts on the steering box found on the driver side of the frame using a 19mm wrench and breaker bar or impact wrench.
- Using the longer supplied bolts, secure the S shaped bracket on the inside of the frame.
- Tighten bolts securing the S-shaped bracket in place. (locktite recommended)
- Install the L shaped bracket on the piston end of the shock . Install the shock washer, the bushing, then the L shaped bracket, the second rubber bushing, and the outer washer.
- Secure with the provided nut using a 9/16" wrench. Squeeze the bushings down with the nut until compressed to about half their original thickness.
- Install a washer and another bushing on the fixed end of the shock and insert into the hole on the bottom of the S shaped bracket. Then install the other bushing, washer, and nut and tighten down in the same manner as the other end.
- Loop the U-bolts over the centerlink and into the holes on the L shaped bracket. The bolt ends will be pointing toward the front of the truck and at a downward angle. Hand tighten so you can still move it.
- Tip: On VG33 V6 models, ensure there is adequate clearance between the shock and the oil filter. If it's too close, rotate the L shaped bracket on the U-bolts downward until adequate clearance is obtained. You'll want about 1.5-2 inches between the shock and the oil filter.)
- Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right (passenger side on Left Hand Drive models).
- Extend the shock all the way, then compress back about ¾" Now tighten your U-bolts down. Ensure you tighten them evenly.
- Now turn the steering wheel all the way left (slowly) while someone watches underneath to ensure the L shaped bracket does not interfere with the frame and that the shock is within its working range from lock to lock.
- Reinstall the skidplate and you're done!