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2004+ Ford F-150 - Leveling Kit Installation - Off-Road Magazine

2004 Ford F 150 Torque Wrench Nuts
With our trusty torque wrench... 
   
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2004 Ford F 150 Torque Wrench Nuts
With our trusty torque wrench we tightened the factory nuts to 45 lb-ft. The quality aluminum used in these spacers prevents distortion and deflection, which in turn keeps the alignment in place on even the harshest terrain.
2004 Ford F 150 Install Complete Shock
Next we installed the completed... 
   
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2004 Ford F 150 Install Complete Shock
Next we installed the completed shock assembly. As you may have noticed, Skyjacker's top-mount design does not require any special tools, a coil spring compressor, or disassembly of the strut for installation like the polyurethane spacer kits do. Polyurethane spacer kits install a spacer "between" the coil spring and the top of the strut. This preloads the spring, which does increase the firmness of the ride.
2004 Ford F 150 Install Spacer Studs
We lined up the spacer studs... 
   
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2004 Ford F 150 Install Spacer Studs
We lined up the spacer studs and put in the upper end first. We attached the studs to the frame mount with the supplied 7/16-inch SAE washers and 7/16-inch fine-thread nylon-insert locking nuts.
2004 Ford F 150 Install Lower Mount
With the top of the shock... 
   
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2004 Ford F 150 Install Lower Mount
With the top of the shock assembly in place, we installed the shock's lower mount on the lower A-arm. The Ford torque spec on this retaining bolt and nut is 351 lb-ft.
2004 Ford F 150 Upper A Arm Knuckle
We then reattached the upper... 
   
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2004 Ford F 150 Upper A Arm Knuckle
We then reattached the upper A-arm ball joint to the knuckle, using a floor jack to raise the lower A-arm to bring these closer together.
2004 Ford F 150 Outter Tie Rod
The outer tie rod was connected... 
   
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2004 Ford F 150 Outter Tie Rod
The outer tie rod was connected next. We switched sides on the vehicle in this photo. The tie rod is toward the front of the vehicle.
2004 Ford F 150 Tighten Uper Shock Mount
At this point we went back... 
   
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2004 Ford F 150 Tighten Uper Shock Mount
At this point we went back and fully tightened the upper shock mount, tightening the three 7/16-inch nylon nuts to 50 lb-ft.
2004 Ford F 150 Reattach Sway Bar
We reattached the sway-bar... 
   
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2004 Ford F 150 Reattach Sway Bar
We reattached the sway-bar end links after installing both the driver- and passenger-side shock assemblies.
2004 Ford F 150 Install Tires
After installing the tires... 
   
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2004 Ford F 150 Install Tires
After installing the tires and wheels and performing a front-end alignment, it was time to enjoy the fruits of our labor!
2004 Ford F 150 Fruits Of Labor
Skyjacker
(318) 388-0816

www.skyjacker.com

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Ford F150 Research
Ford F150 Read the latest reviews of the new F150, including multi-vehicle comparisons, long-term tests, first rides or detailed new-car road tests. The F150 has comparable fuel economy to other vehicles in its class. It has had 1 vehicle recall, which can give you an idea about its reliability. Other similar vehicles are the Jeep Wrangler and the Dodge Dakota.
2004 Ford F 150 Left Front View 2004 Ford F 150 Left Side View After
2004 Ford F 150 Left Side View 2004 Ford F 150 Leveling Spacers

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