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129 1101 Flexstasy Bds Four Link Suspension For The Ford Super Duty - pitman Arm Removed - Photo 29495888

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  • The factory track bar bracket is removed, as is the drag link from the pitman arm. The pitman arm is then removed (shown) so the new, longer pitman arm can be installed. Tip: It's important to ensure that all of the factory threadlocking compound is removed from the OE nut and sector shaft so the new threadlocking compound included with the kit will adhere properly.
The factory track bar bracket is removed, as is the drag link from the pitman arm. The pitman arm is then removed (shown) so the new, longer pitman arm can be installed. Tip: It's important to ensure that all of the factory threadlocking compound is removed from the OE nut and sector shaft so the new threadlocking compound included with the kit will adhere properly.
Stock RTI Before RTI After Two versions of the 4-inch four-link kit are available. We installed the version with rear lift blocks, but there is also a system with new leaf-spring packs. BDS also offers 6- and 8-inch-lift four-link kits. The first step is to remove the wheels, the track bar at the frame mount, the brake line brackets from the axle, the sway bar end links, the shocks and steering stabilizer. The factory track bar bracket is removed, as is the drag link from the pitman arm. The pitman arm is then removed (shown) so the new, longer pitman arm can be installed. Tip: It's important to ensure that all of the factory threadlocking compound is removed from the OE nut and sector shaft so the new threadlocking compound included with the kit will adhere properly. Next step: lower the axle and remove the factory coil springs. Here's what the frontend looks like with the springs removed. Included is a new, longer track bar bracket made from 1/4-inch steel, and it mounts in the factory location using the five factory bolts. Here you can also see the new, longer pitman arm installed.
Bumpstop extensions mount between the bumpstop cups and the vehicle's frame to compensate for the added suspension height. The stock radius arms are 1/8-inch thick, and each is held in place with three bolts. Both factory radius arms are removed and discarded. Large polyurethane bushings with metal sleeves mount in the frame-end of each new upper and lower control arm. The ends are also tapped for greaseable zerks, which are included with the kit. In order to fit the new BDS four-link frame mounting brackets, the factory radius arm frame mounts have to be removed. This is the most challenging part of the install because each factory mounting bracket is fastened to the frame with seven rivets. These rivets must be ground, drilled, or chiseled completely out and they're very stubborn. BDS says not to use a torch because the factory undercoating is highly flammable. Further, fuel lines travel inside the driver-side framerail. Here you can see the driver-side framerail with the factory mount removed. The new four-link frame mounting brackets are made from 1/4-inch steel, and they're designed to mount using the factory holes that were previously occupied by the rivets, so there's no drilling required. New hardware is included. Here you can see the driver-side bracket installed. Behind the driver-side framerail is a fuel module and it needs to be spaced away from the frame to make room for the new four-link frame mounting bracket bolts. Pictured here is the fuel module spacer plate that's included for that purpose. Beefy 2-inch-diameter upper and lower control arms mount to the axle and frame brackets using supplied hardware. New 2 1/2-inch sway bar drop brackets are included with the kit, and they mount between the factory sway bar and the frame using the factory hardware. Here's the finished front suspension. There are a few things noteworthy here. The 4-inch-lift coil springs are specific for our diesel-powered application, and the shocks are the optional BDS 9500 Series gas-charged units. Also, note how the new upper control arms are designed with tabs for attaching the ABS wires. Finally, notice that the kit comes with new brake-line brackets and hard brake-line extensions.
The rear of the truck is lifted via 5-inch blocks and they utilize built-in bumpstops. They replace the stock blocks. The instructions direct how to align the center pin in the rear hole of the block to ensure that the axle is moved slightly forward and the wheels are aligned properly in the wheelwells. The kit contains new U-bolts and plates and the owner of this rig chose to upgrade to the BDS 9500 Series gas-charged shocks (the kit comes standard with 5500 Series hydraulic shocks). The 9500s feature a brushed stainless appearance, a 46mm piston, urethane bushings, and Correct Application Valving (CAV), which BDS says is based on extensive shock dyno and ride control research.
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