Fabtech FTS22179 User manual

Fabtech Motorsports | 4331 Eucalyptus Ave. Chino, CA 91710
Tech Line: 909-597-7800 | Fax: [phone] | Web: www.fabtechmotorsports.com
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
2015-18 FORD F150 4WD
FTS22179 - 6” BASIC SYSTEM
FTS22181 - 6” PERFORMANCE SYSTEM
FT22179i

- PARTS LIST -
2 of 16
FTS22179 COMPONENT BOX 1 - BASIC SYSTEM
1 FT30558BK COIL SPACER (DRIVER)
1 FT30605BK COIL SPACER (PASSENGER)
1 FT30377BK SKID PLATE
2 FT30378 DIFF DROP BRACKET UPPER
1 FT30645 DIFF MOUNT CENTER
1 FT30602 HARDWARE SUBASSEMBLY
1 FT30603 HARDWARE KIT
1 FT30601D or FT30600D SPINDLE (DRIVER)
1 FT30601P or FT30600P SPINDLE (PASSENGER)
FTS22181 COMPONENT BOX 1 - PERF SYSTEM
1 FT30377BK SKID PLATE
2 FT30378 DIFF DROP BRACKET UPPER
1 FT30645 DIFF MOUNT CENTER
1 FT30602 HARDWARE SUBASSEMBLY
1 FT30603 HARDWARE KIT
1 FT30601D or FT30600D SPINDLE (DRIVER)
1 FT30601P or FT30600P SPINDLE (PASSENGER)
FTS22180 COMPONENT BOX 2
1 FT30591 SWAY BAR DROP (DRIVER)
1 FT30590 SWAY BAR DROP (PASSENGER)
1 FT30644BK FRONT CROSSMEMBER
1 FT30673BK REAR CROSSMEMBER
4 FT737U UBOLT
2 FTBK52 LIFT BLOCK W/ BUMPSTOP
FT30602 HARDWARE SUB-ASSEMBLY
2 FT20277 OUTER TIE ROD
1 FT22179I INSTRUCTIONS
2 FT292 ALIGNMENT CAM KIT
2 FT70032 FRONT BRAKE LINE BRACKET
1 FT70033 REAR BRAKE LINE BRACKET
4 FT30604 LOWER BAR PIN SPACER
1 FT30646BK REAR DIFF PLATE
2 FT1020 BUSHING
1 FT181 SLEEVE .625 X .500 X 2.375
1 FT30608 DRIVE SHAFT SPACER
1 FT30610 5/16” X 6” RUBBER HOSE
1 FTAS16 DRIVER WARNING DECAL
1 FTREGCARD REGISTRATION CARD
FT30603 - HARDWARE KIT LOCATION
6 5/16 SAE WASHER G5 ZINC BRAKE LINE
3 5/16-18 STOVER NUT G5 Z1
3 5/16-18 X 1 HEX BOLT G8 ZINC
8 7/16 SAE WASHER G5 ZINC SWAY BAR EXT
4 7/16-14 C-LOCK NUT ZINC
4 7/16-14 X 1-1/4 HEX BOLT G8 ZNC
1 1/2-13 X 1-3/4 HEX BOLT G8 ZINC CENTER DIFF
16 1/2 SAE WASHER G5 ZINC DIFF MOUNT/ SKID
8 1/2-13 C-LOCK NUT ZINC
3 1/2-13 X 1-1/4 HEX BOLT G8 ZNC SKID PLATE
4 1/2-13 X 4” HEX BOLT G8 ZNC DIFF MOUNT
6 7/16-14 C-LOCK NUT ZINC SHOCK EXT
6 7/16 SAE WASHER G5 ZINC
4 1/2-13 X 3-1/2 HEX BOLT G8 ZNC LOWER SHOCK
8 1/2 SAE WASHER G8 ZINC
4 1/2-13 C-LOCK NUT ZINC
3 M10-1.5 X 45MM HEX BOLT CENTER DIFF
3 10MM SPLIT WASHER
3 M10 FLAT WASHER ZINC
8 9/16” SAE WASHER UBOLTS
8 9/16-18 NYLOCK NUT
2 THREAD LOCKING COMPOUND 1 MIL
1 M18-2.5 X 150MM HEX BOLT
1 M18-2.5 C-LOCK NUT
2 M18 SAE WASHER
4 3/8” SAE WASHER
2 3/8-16 X 1” HEX BOLT
2 3/8-16 C-LOCK
K2194 6” BASIC W/ REAR PERFORMANCE SHOCKS
1 FTS22179 COMPONENT BOX 1
1 FTS22180 COMPONENT BOX 2
2 FTS7266 REAR PERFORMANCE SHOCKS
K2195DB 6” PERFORMANCE W/ DIRT LOGIC SHOCKS
1 FTS22179 COMPONENT BOX 1
1 FTS22180 COMPONENT BOX 2
1 FTS221841 2.5” DIRT LOGIC COILOVERS (PAIR)
2 FTS810291 2.25” DIRT LOGIC NON RESI
K2194M 6” BASIC W/ REAR STEALTH SHOCKS
1 FTS22179 COMPONENT BOX 1
1 FTS22180 COMPONENT BOX 2
2 FTS6266 REAR STEALTH SHOCKS

For technical assistance call: 909-597-7800 or e-mail: [email protected]
Read this before you begin installation-
Check all parts to the parts list above before beginning installation. If any parts are missing contact Fabtech at 909-597-7800
and a replacement part will be sent to you immediately.
Read all instructions thoroughly from start to finish before beginning the installation. If these instructions are not properly
followed severe frame, driveline and / or suspension damage may occur.
Check your local city and state laws prior to the installation of this system for legality. Do not install if not legal in your area.
Prior to the installation of this suspension system perform a front end alignment and record. Do not install this system if the
vehicle alignment is not within factory specifications. Check for frame and suspension damage prior to installation.
The installation of this suspension system should be performed by two professional mechanics.
Use the provided thread locking compound on all hardware.
Do not combine this suspension system with any other lift device or parts.
This suspension must be installed with Fabtech shock absorbers.
WARNING- Installation of this system will alter the center of gravity of the vehicle and may increase roll over as compared
to stock.
On EcoBoost 3.5L and 2.7L models, discard all air shields.
OEM Wheels and tires cannot be used after the installation of this kit. Larger tires cannot be installed on the OEM wheels.
Verify differential fluid is at manufacture’s recommended level prior to kit installation. Installation of the kit will reposition the
differential and the fill plug hole may be in a different position. (For example, if the manufacture recommends 3 quarts of fluid,
make sure the diff has 3 quarts of fluid). Check your specific manual for correct amount of fluid.
Recommend Tires and Wheels:
Use 35/13.50R18 tires w/ 18x9 wheels w/ 5” BS w/ minor trimming
Use 35/13.50R20 tires w/ 20x9 wheels w/ 5” BS w/ minor trimming
Use 285/55R22 tires w/ 22x9.5 wheels w/ 5” BS w/ minor trimming
- PRE-INSTALLATION NOTES -
3 of 16
Prior to installing this kit, with the vehicle on level
ground. Measure the height of your vehicle. This
measurement can be recorded from the center
of the wheel, straight up to the top of the inner
fender lip. Record the measurements below.
LF:______________________
RF:_______________________
LR:______________________
RR:_______________________
Required Tools (Not Included)
Floor Jack Jack Stands Torque Wrench
Assorted Metric and S.A.E sockets, and Allen wrenches
Die Grinder w/Cut-off Wheel Torque Wrench
1-1/2” Barrel Sand Wheel 1/2” Barrel Sand Wheel
- TOOL LIST -

- INSTRUCTIONS -
FRONT SUSPENSION
1. Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. Jack
up the front end of the truck and support the frame
rails with jack stands. NEVER WORK UNDER AN
UNSUPPORTED VEHICLE! Remove the front tires.
2. Remove and discard the factory splash guard under the
differential.
3. Locate the sway bar end links and disconnect from the
factory lower control arms, save the hardware. Locate
the sway bar frame mounts and disconnect them from
the frame. Remove the sway bar from the truck. Save the
hardware and sway bar.
4. Working from the driver side of the vehicle disconnect
the brake line and ABS line from the factory knuckle. SEE
FIGURE 1
5. Disconnect the tie rod ends from the steering knuckle
by striking the knuckle to dislodge the tie rod end. SEE
FIGURE 2
6. Remove factory Tie Rod end and discard. SEE FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3 - STEP 6
FIGURE 2 - STEP 5
7. Remove the brake caliper and place it next to the frame.
Do not overstretch the brake hose when doing so. Retain
the hardware for reinstallation. Remove the brake rotor
and save. Disconnect the vacuum lines attached to the
rear of the hub assembly. Allow the vacuum lines to hang
freely. Remove the electronic stability control (ESC) sensor
from the top of the hub. Cover the sensor to keep it free
from dirt and debris. SEE FIGURE 4
8. Carefully remove the dust cap covering the hub assembly
nut. Remove the C.V. bearing nut and save the nut and
dust cap. Remove the dust shield and save for re-
installation. SEE FIGURE 5
4 of 16
FIGURE 1 - STEP 4
FIGURE 4 - STEP 7
FIGURE 5 - STEP 8

9. Remove the upper and lower ball joint nuts. Disconnect
the upper and lower ball joints from the steering knuckle
by striking the knuckle with a large hammer next to each
ball joint on the knuckle to dislodge the ball joints. Use
care not to hit the ball joints when removing. Retain
hardware and remove the knuckle with the hub. Use extra
care not to over extend the C.V. axle shaft when removing
the knuckle. SEE FIGURES 6-7
10. Locate the lower shock mount bar pin nuts and remove.
Loosen and remove the control arm at the crossmembers
and save for re-installation. SEE FIGURES 8-9
11. Locate the three upper coilover nuts and remove. Save
the hardware. Remove the shock assembly from the
vehicle and mark “Driver” for assembly to install later with
Fabtech shock extensions. NOTE: If installing Dirt Logic
coilovers the factory coilover and hardware will not be
re-used. SEE FIGURE 10
12. Repeat steps 4 through 11 on the passenger side of the
truck.
13. Remove the factory rear crossmember from the vehicle
and discard. NOTE: Due to variances in vehicles, the
bolt attaching the crossmember and the frame on the
drivers side may need to be cut off. SEE FIGURE 11-12
5 of 16
FIGURE 6 - STEP 9
FIGURE 7 - STEP 9
FIGURE 8 - STEP 10
FIGURE 9 - STEP 10
FIGURE 10 - STEP 11
FIGURE 11 - STEP 13

16. Locate the driver side rear lower control arm pocket. Mark
the frame 1-3/8’’ from the control arm pivot hole and 90
degrees to the bottom of the pocket where the cross
member was mounted. Using a die grinder, cut all the
way around the pocket. Discard removed portion of the
pocket. SEE FIGURES 15-16
17. Still working on the driver side rear lower control arm
pocket, locate the tab on the pocket towards the rear of
the vehicle. You will need to cut and sand a radius in the
rear side of the pocket in order to clear the differential
housing. SEE FIGURE 17
14. Remove the front drive shaft bolts where they attach to
the front differential. Support the end of the driveshaft
before removing the front differential. SEE FIGURE 13
15. Supporting the differential, remove the 3 differential mount
bolts and save for re-installation. Remove the differential
from the vehicle. SEE FIGURE 14
6 of 16
FIGURE 13 - STEP 14
FIGURE 12 - STEP 13
FIGURE 14 - STEP 15
FIGURE 16 - STEP 16
FIGURE 15 - STEP 16
FIGURE 17 - STEP 17
2.15”
1”

18. Locate the front tab on the same mount. You will need
to sand a 1/2” on the inside to clear the differential. SEE
FIGURE 18
19. Locate the two Fabtech upper differential mounts
(FT30378). These upper differential mounts will be placed
into the factory upper differential mounts using the factory
upper differential mount hardware. Leave the hardware
loose in preparation for the differential installation. Open
end towards the inside.
SEE FIGURES 19
20. Locate the factory front differential and install into the
Fabtech upper differential mounts using two ½’’-13 x 4’’
hex cap bolts, washers and lock nuts. Leave all hardware
loose in preparation of the installation of the remaining
differential mounts. SEE FIGURE 20
21. Locate the Fabtech rear crossmember (FT30673BK)
and rear diff plate (FT30646BK). Install the rear diff plate
(FT30646BK) on the (FT30673BK) rear crossmember
using the 3/8” hardware. Leave loose. Next, mount the
crossmember using the 18mm hardware and 1/2-13 x
4” bolt and hardware. Leave all hardware loose. NOTE:
It may be necessary to jack up the rear of the diff to
install the 18mm and 1/2” hardware. SEE FIGURES
21-23
7 of 16
FIGURE 18 - STEP 18
FIGURE 19 - STEP 19
FIGURE 20 - STEP 20
FIGURE 21 - STEP 21
FIGURE 22 - STEP 21

25. Install a ½” -13 x 4” bolt, washers and nut through the
tabs on the rear crossmember and the bushing on the
center bracket. Leave loose at this time. SEE FIGURE 28
22. Locate the center differential bracket (FT30645). Install
two of the Fabtech (FT1020) bushings and one sleeve
(FT181) into the barrel on the differential bracket.
SEE FIGURE 24
23. On the front axle tube, remove the rear and lower bolts
to allow for the new center differential bracket to be
mounted.
24. Mount the differential bracket to the center of the
differential using three M10-1.5 x 45mm bolts, lock
washers, and at washers. Mount the front tab on the diff
to the center bracket using one ½”-13 x 2” bolt, nut and
washers. Leave loose at this time. SEE FIGURES 25-27
8 of 16
FIGURE 23 - STEP 21
FIGURE 25 - STEP 24
FIGURE 26 - STEP 24
FIGURE 28 - STEP 25
FIGURE 24 - STEP 23
FIGURE 27 - STEP 24
18MM BOLT
1/2” X 4” BOLT

26. Torque the M10-1.5 x 45mm bolts to 35 ft-lbs. Torque the
½”-13 x 2” bolt to 90 ft-lbs.
27. When reinstalling the front drive shaft. Install FT30608
(Driveshaft spacer) with the factory hardware and torque
to 35 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 29
28. Locate upper differential brackets and torque the factory
upper bolts to 90 ft-lbs and lower ½’’ bolts 127 ft-lbs.
Locate the center diff mount on the cross member and
torque the ½”-13 x 4” bolt to 90 ft-lbs.
29. Install the supplied 6” hose to the factory differential vent
tube and back on to the differential. SEE FIGURE 30
30. Locate the Fabtech front crossmember (FT30644BK).
Install the front crossmember into the factory front control
arm pockets using the factory hardware. Make sure the
skid plate tab on the crossmember is facing the Fabtech
rear crossmember. Leave the hardware loose at this time.
SEE FIGURE 31
31. Locate the Fabtech skid plate (FT30377BK). The skid
plate will span the distance between the front and rear
crossmembers directly under the front differential. Attach
the end of the skid plate with the single hole to the tab on
the back side of the front crossmember using one ½’’- 13
x 1-1/4” bolt, washers and a C-lock nut. Leave loose at
this time. Lift up the back side of the skid plate and install
it to the rear crossmember using two ½’’- 13 x 1-1/4”
bolts, washers and a C-lock nut. Torque only the 2 rear
bolts at this time to 127 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 32
9 of 16
FIGURE 30 - STEP 29
FIGURE 31 - STEP 30
FIGURE 32 - STEP 31
FIGURE 29 - STEP 27
FT30608

32. Locate the Alignment cam kit (FT292). Locate the
factory control arms. Install the lower control arms into
the Fabtech crossmembers using the hardware in the
cam kit (FT292). Torque the cam bolts at 200 ft-lbs after
alignment. Torque crossmember bolts to 240 ft-lbs. SEE
FIGURE 33
33. If installing Dirt Logic coilovers (FTS221841) do so at
this time, using the instructions provided in the shock
box. Once finished, you may skip to STEP 39.
If using the factory coilover continue to STEP 34.
34. Locate the FT30558BK (Driver) and FT30605BK (Pass)
shock spacers.
35. Locate the factory coilovers. Using a press, press the
factory studs out of the bar pins. SEE FIGURE 34
36. Install the Driver side spacer on the driver side coilover
using the factory hardware and torque to 35 ft-lbs. Repeat
on the passenger side. SEE FIGURE 38
37. Install the coil over into the frame bucket using the
supplied 7/16” hardware. Torque 59 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE
36
38. Rotate the lower control arm up and mount to the lower
coilover bar pin using the supplied 1/2” hardware.
NOTE: Install the lower bar pin spacers under the bar pin
(FT30604). Torque to 127 ft-lbs. SEE FIGURE 37
10 of 16
FIGURE 33 - STEP 32
FIGURE 34 - STEP 35
FIGURE 35 - STEP 39
FIGURE 36 - STEP 42
FIGURE 37 - STEP 38