6" Fabtech, Help!
#1
07-13-2011, 09:18 AM
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
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6" Fabtech, Help!
I've ordered a 6" Fabtech for my 2002 Ford F150. Everything seems very straight forward... Except for the torsion bar unloading process... Now, I've been doing a lot of research and I've read a bit about the "Specialized" tool... I don't think that it is necessary because I've also read even more about people using either a gear puller or an oversized C-Clamp... If I use a gear puller, what size should I use? I know i'm not the only one posting this, but I'd really like to get my own answers for this part of the install... If anyone has any USEFULL input, I'd greatly appreciate it, thanks fellas! 
Last edited by SKinny87; 07-13-2011 at 12:26 PM.
#2
07-13-2011, 04:01 PM
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I used a large C-clamp, which I knocked the anvil off, leaving just the ball end, and it fit nicely in the socket in the torsion key, and worked well. The hardest part was knocking the rusty torsion key loose. I just left the opposite ends in the lower control arms and removed/reinstalled them as an assembly. I tried to pound them loose, but there was no way.
On my lift, that was the hardest part of the install. So, if yours goes like mine did, it's all smooth sailing after that.
On my lift, that was the hardest part of the install. So, if yours goes like mine did, it's all smooth sailing after that.
#3
07-13-2011, 05:06 PM
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I used a large C-clamp, which I knocked the anvil off, leaving just the ball end, and it fit nicely in the socket in the torsion key, and worked well. The hardest part was knocking the rusty torsion key loose. I just left the opposite ends in the lower control arms and removed/reinstalled them as an assembly. I tried to pound them loose, but there was no way.
On my lift, that was the hardest part of the install. So, if yours goes like mine did, it's all smooth sailing after that.
On my lift, that was the hardest part of the install. So, if yours goes like mine did, it's all smooth sailing after that.
#4
07-13-2011, 05:55 PM
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I am considering putting the same kit on my 2001 F150 Flareside. I wish I could help you but I suspect that we are a long way apart. I'm in central FL close to Cocoa Beach/satellite Beach. It would be great if you could take some pictures during the process. Definitely take some before pix of your truck so we can compare. My research and the advice from everyone here convinced me that the Fabtech kit was the way to go. Steve M.
#5
07-13-2011, 10:55 PM
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
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I am considering putting the same kit on my 2001 F150 Flareside. I wish I could help you but I suspect that we are a long way apart. I'm in central FL close to Cocoa Beach/satellite Beach. It would be great if you could take some pictures during the process. Definitely take some before pix of your truck so we can compare. My research and the advice from everyone here convinced me that the Fabtech kit was the way to go. Steve M.
