1. |
PREPARING THE FRAME |
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· Mark the original
location of the axle centerline on the frame |
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· Remove all of
the old suspension pieces by unbolting the whole crossmember along with
the control arms and spindles attached. |
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· Clean the frame
of any dirt and rust, especially around the bolt holes where the original
front crossmember bolts on and where the spring mounts are to be welded. |
2. |
INSTALLING THE CROSSMEMBER |
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· Position the
crossmember under the frame. Align the bolt holes on the crossmember plate
with the bolt holes on the bottom of the frame. NOTE: Make sure that the
center of the crossmember is aligned with the axle centerline. |
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· Install the
14 nuts and bolts to secure the crossmember to the frame and tighten. |
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· Due to the variation
in frames, some holes needs to be aligned or enlarged with a 3/8" drill. |
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· If you are using
the Total Cost Involved's tubular lower control arms... |
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a.
Drill the lower control arm holes in the crossmember to 5/8". |
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b.
Position the longer steel spacer on the rear side of the crossmember (using
the lower control arm mounting bolts through the crossmember as an alignment
guide) with the reinforcing gusset mounted horizontally toward the engine. |
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c.
Tack weld the spacer and gusset together and to the crossmember. |
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d.
Double check all clearances/measurements and final weld. |
3. |
INSTALLING SPRING
MOUNTS |
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· Position the
spring mounts on the top, outside edges of the frame rails, with its centers
directly over the center of the lower crossmember and axle centerline. |
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· The distance
between the middle of upper control arm adjusting slots should be around
29". Adjust the hats in or out of the frame by trimming or adding shim
where the hat meets the sides of the frame. |
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· To determine
the left and right sides, the spring mounts should sit slightly lower in
the rear to maintain the proper antidive geometry. |
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· Tack both spring
mounts in place, double check your measurements (including diagonally for
squareness). |
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· Mock up the
upper control arm, lower control arm and the spindles, raise or lower the
spindles until the lower control arm is horizontal to the ground and check
the wheel camber. Make sure there is enough adjustment to set the spindle
at O' camber. |
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· Final weld spring
mounts to the frame on both sides. |
4. |
COMPONENTS ASSEMBLY |
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· Install the
lower control arms and strut rods, if applicable, into the crossmember.
Install tubular lower |
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· control arms
with the Short Lower Arm Spacer (part #13) position inside the crossmember.
The shock bolts should face the rear of the car. |
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· Install the
upper control arms, with the serrated side of the cross shaft facing down,
using the special button head bolt, FORD #385713-S-101. |
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· Install the
coil springs and spindles, with the steering arms toward the front side. |
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· Install brake
rotors, calipers and brackets, rack & pinion steering unit, and shock
absorbers. |
5. |
SUSPENSION ALIGNMENT |
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· Set ride height
so the lower control arms are horizontal to the ground and align the wheel
with the following specifications: |
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Camber
at 0º Caster at 1º Toe in at 1/16" |