2" fusion level kit install
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2" level kit install...notes
Did it in the driveway lastnight...not too bad. A couple observations:
1. Ignore the instructions that tell you to disconnect the sway bar nut underneath the control arm. It's got this ridiculous free spinning shaft with a pathetic hex shape, which will only strip itself out with the amount of force required to remove the nut. Disconnect the upper nut/washer/bushing instead. I now have to grind down the end of the shaft so vice grips will (hopefully) grip it enough to retighten the nut.
2. Ignore any instructions that tell you to disconnect the tie rod end. I got it in and out no problem. Maybe this is necessary if doing 2.5 or 3 inch kit...not sure.
By the way, I'm wondering if I still need an alignment since i didnt' mess with the tire rod. Some kits say to align it after, some say it's unnecessary.
3. Remove the ball joint nut completely and strap the spindle, or just thread it back on barely enough to catch it once it pops, or you'll have to jam it back up in order to provide enough resistance so the shaft doesn't free spin. Either way you'll have to do it when reinstalling. I used a c-clamp...a little awkward but it worked.
4. I measured beforehand and the front was 2" lower. Now the front is higher than the back by ~1/2"...not sure why. I may have to go with a 2.5" block in the rear instead of the stock 2".
I've only driven it around the neighborhood, so I can't speak to the ride quality yet. I'll update...
1. Ignore the instructions that tell you to disconnect the sway bar nut underneath the control arm. It's got this ridiculous free spinning shaft with a pathetic hex shape, which will only strip itself out with the amount of force required to remove the nut. Disconnect the upper nut/washer/bushing instead. I now have to grind down the end of the shaft so vice grips will (hopefully) grip it enough to retighten the nut.
2. Ignore any instructions that tell you to disconnect the tie rod end. I got it in and out no problem. Maybe this is necessary if doing 2.5 or 3 inch kit...not sure.
By the way, I'm wondering if I still need an alignment since i didnt' mess with the tire rod. Some kits say to align it after, some say it's unnecessary.
3. Remove the ball joint nut completely and strap the spindle, or just thread it back on barely enough to catch it once it pops, or you'll have to jam it back up in order to provide enough resistance so the shaft doesn't free spin. Either way you'll have to do it when reinstalling. I used a c-clamp...a little awkward but it worked.
4. I measured beforehand and the front was 2" lower. Now the front is higher than the back by ~1/2"...not sure why. I may have to go with a 2.5" block in the rear instead of the stock 2".
I've only driven it around the neighborhood, so I can't speak to the ride quality yet. I'll update...
Last edited by AUForester; Feb 9, 2009 at 01:54 PM.
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I see the confusion now...the brand of the level kit was "Fusion", from 1source or something like that. Got it off Ebay for $80. Put it on my 06 fxscab.
Had a chance to drive it a little more and it seems that the toe is off a bit. Can't tell about the other angles until it's on the rack. I can't tell any difference in the ride quality, but the steering feels different (mainly when steering sharply at low speed, like pulling into a space). I'm guessing that's due to the sharper angle of the tie rod or the change in overall geometry. Maybe center of gravity has something to do with it too. Of course I haven't had a chance yet to tighten up the drivers side sway bar since boogering up the shaft. I guess I'll break out the grinder to get a better surface for the vice grip to hold. So there's still one variable to get rid of before knowing exactly what it'll feel like.
Had a chance to drive it a little more and it seems that the toe is off a bit. Can't tell about the other angles until it's on the rack. I can't tell any difference in the ride quality, but the steering feels different (mainly when steering sharply at low speed, like pulling into a space). I'm guessing that's due to the sharper angle of the tie rod or the change in overall geometry. Maybe center of gravity has something to do with it too. Of course I haven't had a chance yet to tighten up the drivers side sway bar since boogering up the shaft. I guess I'll break out the grinder to get a better surface for the vice grip to hold. So there's still one variable to get rid of before knowing exactly what it'll feel like.
Last edited by AUForester; Feb 8, 2009 at 10:00 PM.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: The Barbary Coast
hahahaha
A lifted Ford Fusion. Too bad it wasn't true.
I say that we should find someone with a Fusion, lift it, and squeeze some 24" rims under there. Gangsta donk!
