Hell Bent Steel 2006-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 / 4WD 2.5 Leveling Kit - Manual (Page 2)

120-000-1001
06/10
***PLEASE NOTICE***
In March of 2008 Dodge made a change to the strut of the Dodge Ram
1500 4X4 strut cap. Dodge decided to omit a 1/8” plate that was there in
the earlier models. See photos below.
Shown in Figures 1 and 2, is the 2006-Feb 2008 strut cap design.
FIG 1 FIG 2
Figure 3 shows the post March 2008 strut cap.
FIG 3
**Notice the absence of the plate over the rubber bushing.**
If your truck was manufactured after 2008 you should have received plates
with your kit. Please notice this upon install. If your truck does NOT have
the plate attached, use the 1/8” thick plate provided with the HBS spacers.
Place the plate on the strut cap BEFORE you fasten the spacer to the cap
as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6. This must be done in order to secure
the rubber bushing in the strut cap.
FIG 4 FIG 5
FIG 6
*** If you have a 2006-2007 and your truck does NOT have the
plate attached, do NOT install the kit and please contact us at the
number above so that we can send you the plates needed***
8. Place the Hell Bent Steel
strut extension on the top of
the strut, hold the part up to
start the factory nuts onto the
factory studs.
* NOTE: Use the factory
nuts with the factory
studs*
9. Run down the factory nuts
snug with 15 mm end wrench.
Torque to OEM specs.
10. Place strut back into upper
strut mount. Tighten provided
nuts snug with wrench or
ratchet (after install, you will
torque to OEM specs).
Because of the shape of the HBS spacer, you will need
to rotate the strut assembly 180º
11. Use a pry bar and/or floor jack to position the lower control arm
and the strut assembly to reinstall the lower mounting bolt. Torque to
OEM specs.
12. Place a jack under
the lower control arm.
Raise the lower control
arm to reattach the ball
joint. A pry bar may be
used to hold the upper
control arm into
position. Torque the
ball joint nut to OEM
specs. Reattach the tie
rod end and torque to
OEM specs.
13. Repeat procedure on opposite side.
14. Reattach the sway bar. Torque to OEM specs.
15. Reattach the front wheels. Torque to OEM specs
16. Lower vehicle to ground and torque strut mounts to OEM specs.
17. HAVE THE VEHICLE ALIGNED. A certified alignment technician
that is experienced with lifted vehicles is recommended to perform the
alignment. Realignment is necessary to allow the suspension to settle to
its desired ride height (the wheels will be toed-in which will cause
excessive wear on your tires and the nose will sit higher than it should.)
**Adjust your head lights if necessary.**
PLEASE NOTE:
The 1-3/8" thick spacer gives you a total lift of 2.5". This is
due to the fact that when you extend the strut by 1-3/8" the
strut will be rotated to a slightly steeper angle. It is the
combination of extending the strut and the change in angle
that gives the total lift. For the same reason, the spacer in
the 2" kit measures 1-1/4".
If you have any questions please call our Tech Support toll
free at 1.877.731.7911
These instructions are available
in full color on our website www.hellbentsteel.com