Trying to install Metco lower links on 2002 L.
Problems: (1) The bracket is jammed against the exhaust system. (2) There is no way that the traction bar can mount in the yellow area, as the exhaust clamps are in the way. (3) It does not appear possible to insert and tighten the front spring mount bolt (green shaded area), as either the bolt head or nut is inaccessible.


Can anyone offer any assistance? I'm getting damn tired of parts that don't fit.

Thanks in advance.

 

HI Tim first off love your truck and website! I can't help with the exhaust problem..heard about it many times though i think you have to get it re-bent..As for the mounting bolt..i was kinda thrown for a loop for a while too..What i did was get the two bracket bolts in but not tight..Then inserted the spring bolt (head facing outboard) ..Get the bolt in just started through the last part of the hanger then slide the nut down in the space between the bracket plate and the hanger, and get it started on the few threads of the bolt sticking out.. To tighten it you have to slide a wrench down in to the nut you just started......hope this was clear enough for you...

 

What if you removed the clamps and tack welded the tips on.

Oh and another thing.........stop hitting your leaf spring with a hammer

--Joe

 

i don't think those are hammer marks looks like water spots...and the head of the t-bars sticks out way farther than the mounting brcket...so you need to re-work the zaust..

 

They're just rough with exhaust. They work great with stock.

1+2) Yup. weld and rebend.

3) Tricky. I did this: Chopped off a couple of threads from the bolt. Stuck the bolt through with the head inboard. Impact wrenched the hell out of the nut. Marked it to check for loosening. So far, nothing....

Pain in the butt to install on a lowered/modded L, but I can hoenstly say they are great when you get them on.

Coldie

 

Coldie--I read your previous post about your install woes, which gave me some measure of confidence (fellow Hotchkis guy). I cut the U bolts with a HD Dremel cutoff wheel--no biggie. Just tightened the heck out of them with a box-end wrench. No way I'll be able to get a socket in there for a torque wrench.

As to the exhaust issues, what do you mean? I need a clear explanation, please. I don't exactly have access to a welder--and don't %&^$^# think I should have to.

Metco are great guys and they bent over backwards to please me, but the instructions SUCK and these fitment issues are ridiculous--I have a stock exhaust and stock spring hangars. These bars are advertised as being for the Lightning, so they %&^^$ well ought to fit.

 

Re-work details, please.

 

My exhaust is 100% stock.

 

i'm sorry Tim i can't help !! i have an 97F150 with a SPINTECH side exit so it's not a stock L set up..Mine fit fine ..Also there is definately a left and right bracket!! the one that is cut on one side of the bracket gussets is the passenger side one ..i think it's cut to fit the exhaust better....i'll be more than happy to get a digi cam shot for you tomorrow morning ..let me know....edit :some more....i keep looking at your pic and i'm lost on a fix i think you need to do something to the pipes !! i would e-mail Metco !! by the looks even if you get the bar to fit with a little pipe tweaking it will hit with any engine/torque movement..i'll get some pics up tomorrow....

 

Those exhaust clamps are stock?

I haven't had the stock system on in ages, so I don't know how it should fit.

By weld and rebend:

Take it to your local freindly muffler shop (you do have a local friendly muffler shop, right ? )

Just have them remove the clamps, weld the tips on (they actually look like they are welded already, but I can't tell for sure) and bend the exhaust pipe out of the way. Should be less than an hours work, so figure $50 unless you know them, then figure a 6 pack.

I agree about the fitment issues All I can say is it is worth it when you get done.

I'd be happy to help in any way I can. Just let me know what you need.

Coldie

 

The tip clamps can be removed...I had a new set of tips installed under warranty due to pitting. I watched the guy fight them off...He had to use an air hammer. They are tight..the clamp crimps them on real good..I highly doubt they would ever come off
with the clamps removed and left off...you could dimple the pipes were the flat bar of the Metcos interface with them..I just put on Caltracs and while at first it looked to be a problem there is about an 1" gap betwee the pipes and bracket..no noises so far.

It is a pain to wrestle with that stuff layin' on your back wiith the truck up on jackstands and jack. I hammered miine a couple times today and even with temperatures in the 40's it hooked up fanatically compared to without traction aid....on F1's...
I mean it bit and jumped....straight ahead..none of the usual
spinning or side stepping....I am very happy...and I have not played with the preload much..My truck is lowered as well.
The rear just seems tighter..guess the for link effect is why...
I.m sure once you get them sorted out you'll be happy...
good luck....

 

Just a thought..you might try pushing,bending the hanger rods forward somewhat to pull the tips forward....may gain some clearance without going to the muffler shop...

 

I guess I will have to do that. In the picture above, I had jammed the exhaust so far forward that the tips were sticking out of the side. Plus, as shown in the photo below, the bars stick way out of the bracket, so even more clearance is needed than the first photo would suggest.


Will take one hell of a good dimple.

The exhaust clamps also have a piece that is welded on. Check out the green area in the photo below. Looks like it's time to get out the Dremel.



Thanks for the tips (no pun intended).

 

I haven't had an experience with the Metco's but I recall reading something about them coming as over or under the axle setup....could be you neeed the overhead ones..not certain..

 

I traded in the over-the-axle ones--they will not work with more than 2" rear drop.

Rock <- me -> hard place.