Hell Bent Steel 2006-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 / 4WD 2.5 Leveling Kit - Manual

120-000-1001
06/10
HELL BENT STEEL, INC - INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
FRONT LEVELING SYSTEM FOR DODGE RAM 1500 2008.5-2010 4X4
P/N : 120-200-001, 120-250-001, 125-200-001, & 125-250-001
These instructions are available with larger color photos on our website at www.hellbentsteel.com
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please read before beginning installation. OEM Manual should be used
as a reference.
It is highly recommended that a certified mechanic perform this
installation.
Read and understand all the instructions before beginning
installation.
Use Locktite® on all bolts associated with this installation.
Torque Specifications:
Shock Absorber-to-Lower Arm Nut and Bolt………….………….…..….. 155 ft-lbs
Stabilizer Bar-to-Link Nut ……..…………………………………………….……. 75 ft-lbs
Tie-Rod End Nut ……….……………………………………………………………. 45 ft-lbs
Upper Ball Joint Nut …………………..……………………………..……………… 50 ft-lbs
Upper Strut Mounting Nuts ……………………………………………………….. 45 ft-lbs
Wheel Lug Nut ………………………………………………………….……… 120-150 ft-lbs
If you desire to return the vehicle to stock, make sure to save all the
stock components.
WARNING: IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT A
CERTIFIED MECHANIC PERFORM
THIS INSTALLATION.
IMPORTANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION:
This vehicle’s reaction and handling characteristics may differ from that
of standard cars and/or trucks. Modifications to improve off road
performance may raise the vehicle’s intended center of gravity.
Extreme caution must be utilized when encountering driving conditions
that may cause vehicle imbalance or loss of control. DRIVE SAFELY!
Avoid abrupt maneuvers, such as sharp turns, which could cause a roll
over, resulting in serious injury or death.
It is the customer’s responsibility to make sure a re-torque is
performed on all hardware associated with this suspension system
after the first 100 miles. It is also the customer’s responsibility to do a
complete re-torque after every 1000 miles or after every off road use.
After the original installation, it is recommended to have the alignment
checked by a certified alignment technician that is experienced with
lifted vehicles. Also the alignment should be checked every 6 months
to ensure proper tracking, proper wear on tires and front-end
components. The responsibility for abuse, improper installation, or
improper suspension maintenance is solely that of the customer.
NOTICE:
It is the responsibility of the customer or the mechanic to wear safety
glasses at all times when working with air tools.
BEFORE BEGINNING, Please read all of the instructions
carefully. Before installation begins, drive the vehicle and inspect it
to make sure that there are not any uncommon sounds or frame
damage.
Front End Installation:
1. To begin installation, block the rear
tires of the vehicle so that the vehicle is
stable and can’t roll backwards. Safely lift
the front of the vehicle so that the front
wheels are off the ground. Support the
frame with jack stands. Place jack stands
on both the driver
and the passenger sides of the vehicle.
Next remove the wheels from both sides.
2. Break loose the 3 upper strut
mount nuts with a 15-mm wrench
or socket. Remove the back two
nuts completely. Loosen but do
not remove the front nut.
3. Remove the lower sway bar
link from the bottom of the
control arm with an 18 mm
deep socket. Disconnect the
tie rod end nut with a 21 mm
socket. Using a ball peen
hammer or impact tool, hit the
steering knuckle (not the tie
rod) until the tie rod pops out.
If you use a tie rod pickle fork,
be careful not to cut the tie rod
boot. A severed tie rod boot will allow dirt and moisture to damage the
tie rod end.
4. Remove the upper
ball joint nut with a 21
mm
socket. Use a
hammer to strike
the side of the
steering knuckle
until the upper control
arm pops out.
5. Support the knuckle with a
bungee cord or safety wire so
not to overextend the CV axel
or stretch the brake hydraulic
hose.
6. Next remove the struts
lower bolt. Using a 24 mm
wrench, hold the nut and
remove the bolt with a 21 mm
socket. Now remove the third
nut from the upper strut
mount.
7. Pulling outward on the strut
assembly, you should be able
to clear the upper strut tower
and remove the strut
assembly.