Cognito SM Series User manual

Revision Date: 3/2/2022
1
Install Sheet 7267
SKU: 110-0910
Cognito SM Series Ball Joint Upper Control Arm Kit for 2020 GM 2500HD/3500HD 2WD/4WD
WARNING
Please read this entire instruction sheet before
beginning installation. Proper installation of these
components requires a qualified mechanic. Always
wear safety glasses when using power tools, and
take appropriate precautions when working under a
vehicle. If these instructions are not properly
followed you may jeopardize your, and your
passenger’s safety, and severe frame, suspension or
tire damage may also result from improper
installation.
INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS:
Cognito SM Series Ball Joint Upper Control Arm Kit for 2020 GM
2500HD/3500HD 2WD/4WD
SKU: 110-90910
PARTS LIST FOR SKU: 80000
QUANTITY
PART #
DESCRIPTION
1
8689
2020+ GM 8-Lug Upper Control
Arm, Driver
1
6446
1.25in Uniball Cap
2
6879
Pivot Bushing Assembly
1
199-90788
Press-In Ball Joint
(M14 Thread)
1
HARDWARE-
SPIROLOX-2.375
2.375” Spirolox Internal
Retaining Ring
PARTS LIST FOR SKU: 110-90910
QUANTITY
PART #
DESCRIPTION
1
80000
Ball Joint Upper Control Arm
Assembly, Driver
1
80001
Ball Joint Upper Control Arm
Assembly, Passenger
PARTS LIST FOR SKU: 80001
QUANTITY
PART #
DESCRIPTION
1
8690
2020+ GM 8-Lug Upper Control
Arm, Passenger
1
6446
1.25in Uniball Cap
2
6879
Pivot Bushing Assembly
1
199-90788
Press-In Ball Joint
(M14 Thread)
1
HARDWARE-
SPIROLOX-2.375
2.375” Spirolox Internal
Retaining Ring

Revision Date: 3/2/2022
2
Install Sheet 7267
SKU: 110-0910
TECH NOTES
•Read instructions carefully and study the pictures (if included) before attempting installation.
•If this product was purchased as part of a kit each kit, and options to kits, are packaged separately. Therefore
installation procedures are covered in separate instructions. Familiarize yourself with each specific set of
instructions before beginning.
•Check the parts and hardware packages against the parts list to assure that your kit is complete before starting.
INTRODUCTION
The Cognito Ball Joint SM Series Upper Control Arm Kit is a direct replacement for the factory upper control arms
(UCAs). The Cognito UCA kit will add performance due to a modified ball joint angle that eliminates travel limitations
of the ball joint in leveled or lifted applications. The allowable droop travel is also improved with the design of these
arms. Designed and made in the USA.
REQUIREMENTS
•The service perch under the front UCA on the vehicle’s frame will require cutting.
•Proper shocks and shock lengths must be used, or damage to control arms, ball joints, and vehicle will occur.
•With taller than stock wheels and tires, trimming will still be required to the back bottom of the fender well
area and the plastic valance under the front bumper.
•Installation requires a qualified mechanic.
•Follow the OE specifications when replacing or re-installing OE fasteners, retainers, and hardware specified in
the OEM manual.
•Always wear safety glasses when using power tools.
•When a lift is required to perform the installation of these products and always ensure the vehicle is properly
supported before attempting installation or serious injury may occur.

Revision Date: 3/2/2022
3
Install Sheet 7267
SKU: 110-0910
1. Rack the vehicle and lift it off the ground, or if no hoist is available then jack front of truck off the ground and
support properly with jack stands. Remove the front tires and set them as side.
•NEVER WORK ON AN UNSUPPORTED VEHICLE.
2. Check the shock length. Using a shock that is too long will cause the upper ball joint to bind and break.
Therefore, the correct length shock must be used. For this kit, the maximum shock length that can be used is
19.0” from the center of the lower eyelet to the mounting face at the top of the shock as shown in Figure 1
below. If any shock spacers are used with this UCA kit, they must be added to the measurement from Figure 1
and that number must be under 19.4”. If this control arm kit is used with any other parts then specified,
warranty will be void on this arm kit, and damage may occur to arms, ball joints, tie rods, cv axles and possibly
death. This measurement may be taken while the shock is installed on the vehicle and it is lifted by the frame
with the wheels off the ground at the full droop position. Do not remove or unbolt the shock while the torsion
bars are loaded.
Figure 1: Shock Length Check
19.4” Max
Including Spacers

Revision Date: 3/2/2022
4
Install Sheet 7267
SKU: 110-0910
3. Support the lower control arms with a floor jack or stand prior to removing the upper control arms (UCAs).
•NOTE:
These vehicles are equipped with torsion bar springs that will require the jack to remain in place until the
upper control arm is reinstalled.
Failure to support the lower control arm prior to removing the UCAs can result in rapid unloading of the
torsion springs causing the lower control arm and spindle to forcibly snap downwards, possibly damaging
components or causing bodily harm to the user.
If unable to support the lower control arms for this install, then the torsion bars must be unloaded to
safely perform this install. Reference a repair manual for how to properly unload and load the torsion bars
for the specific vehicle being worked on.
4. Remove the factory upper control arms. Loosen the ball joint nut of the upper control arm enough until the nut
can be spun by hand, but do not remove totally. Use a pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the spindle or tap
on the side of the spindle next to the ball joint stud. When the tapered seat of the ball joint breaks loose remove
the ball joint nut, and separate the factory upper control arm from the spindle.
Figure 2: UCA and Spindle Disassembly
TAP HERE

Revision Date: 3/2/2022
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Install Sheet 7267
SKU: 110-0910
5. Remove the factory bolts and eccentric washers that connect the control arm to the frame and retain them for
future use. Place them aside and note the order in which the components were removed, that way they may be
re-installed in the same manner they came off.
6. Remove the wheel speed sensor and brake line bracket that are attached to the spindle.
7. Due to the added droop travel when using the Cognito upper control arms, the service perch under the upper
control arm which is welded to the frame, must be partially cut off. Start by removing the screw for the brake
line bracket attached to the service perch.
Figure 3: Wheel Speed Sensor and Brake Line Bracket Removal
WHEEL SPEED
SENSOR SCREW
BRAKE LINE
BRACKET SCREWS
Figure 4: Upper Brake Line Bracket Removal