INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. Jack up
the rear end of the vehicle and support the frame rails with
jack stands. Supporting the rear differential remove and
discard the rear shocks. NEVER WORK UNDER AN
UNSUPPORTED VEHICLE!
2. Remove the u-bolts from truck and discard. Lower the axle
down slowly. Use care not to over extend the brake hose.
3. Locate the E-Brake cable mount on the driver side spring
perch. Remove the bolt attaching the e-brake cable to the
mount and discard the hardware.
4. Remove the complete leaf spring packs from the truck and
discard. Save the factory hardware. If your truck is
equipped with a factory over load leaf on top of the
factory leaf spring pack you will NOT be able to reuse it
with this replacement leaf pack.
7. Install Fabtech shock part number FTS7266 (not included)
with the factory hardware and torque bolts to 65lbs.
5. Locate the new FTS281 rear leaf springs and install into the
factory position using factory hardware. You will use the
supplied u-bolts and the factory shackle and hanger
hardware. Position the new supplied 2” block on the axle
with the factory block on top of it. Torque u-bolts to 180 ft.
lbs and leave the shackle and hanger bolts loose at this
time. SEE PHOTO BELOW
8. Locate FT20073 Angle Carrier Drop Spacer, supplied
7/16” hardware, and FTS419. Remove the two bolts
securing the drive shaft carrier bearing to the frame cross
member. SUPPORT THE DRIVE SHAFT WITH A
JACK OR A STRAP, DO NOT LET IT HANG
WITHOUT SUPPORT Attach the FT20073 to the
crossmember (with wide angle of bracket to rear) using the
7/16” bolt, split, and flat washers. Use the supplied thread-
locking compound and torque to 50 lbs. Place 1 ½” of
shims from the FTS419 kit in between the carrier bearing
and the FT20073 drop spacer. Place a lock washer,
followed by a flat washer on each bolt and insert them
through the carrier bearing and shims, into the drop bracket
with the Nylock nut. Use the supplied thread-locking
compound and torque to 50 lbs. NOTE: This is a starting
point for the shims from the FTS419 kit, Adjustment can be
made as needed to reduce driveline vibration. SEE
PHOTO BELOW
6. Locate FT30166 and attach the e-brake cable to it using the
supplied 5/16” bolt, nut, and washer. Using the original
hardware attach the new bracket to the spring perch. SEE
PHOTO IN NEXT COLUMN.
View from front looking toward the rear
9. Install tires and wheels and torque lug nuts to wheel
manufacturer’s specifications.
Factory Block
Frame section
FT30166 Sleeve
New 2” block
FT20073
FTS419
