10. A support also attaches...
10. A support also attaches between the crossmembers to add strength.
11. Since the whole suspension...
11. Since the whole suspension has basically been moved downward, the bumpstops must also be relocated. This new mount accomplishes that, and allows the factory bumpstops to be retained.
12. The Fabtech suspension...
12. The Fabtech suspension also includes these new tubular upper A-arms. A nice feature of the new arms is that unlike the stock arms, they use replaceable ball joints.
13. Other key components of...
13. Other key components of the Fabtech kit are these one-piece-cast drop-down steering knuckles.
14. With the knuckles in position,...
14. With the knuckles in position, the hub assembly, rotor, and brake caliper can be reinstalled.
15. To further lend strength...
15. To further lend strength to the front suspension, these impact struts are installed.
16. This drop-down bracket...
16. This drop-down bracket is used to lower the torsion bars for proper alignment with the relocated stock lower control arms.
17. The owner of this truck...
17. The owner of this truck also chose to install the optional dual-shock hoop system. With it in place, you have the option of running three shocks by also using the stock mounts.
18. An exhaust modification...
18. An exhaust modification is necessary to clear the front driveshaft. Here you can see where a small section was added to the exhaust to lower it a bit.
19. Lifting the back of the...
19. Lifting the back of the HD is a lot simpler than lifting the front, as a 4-inch block and 2-inch add-a-leaf are used to supply lift. A bumpstop extension is also used to keep the springs from over-flexing.
20. The owner of this truck...
20. The owner of this truck opted to install a set of Fabtech's traction bars to help reduce wheelhop.
The Tire And Wheel Combo ...
The Tire And Wheel Combo
Since this particular truck was going to see plenty of pavement along with dirt, the folks at Fabtech chose 37x12.50R17 BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KOs for their big Crew Cab HD. Wheel selection came in the form of super-strong forged one-piece Thunder II wheels from APP in the 17x9 flavor.
The Results
On the street, the Fabtech-equipped HD rode quite firmly, but this was more due to the triple-shock setup, which definitely was overkill for the pavement. The Fabtech suspension uses the stock torsion bars, so a close-to-factory ride should be possible using just a single shock. If this was our truck, that's what we'd do.
On the trail, having 8 inches of lift and 37-inch tires really helped the approach and departure angles of the big Crew Cab HD. The ride was still quite firm though, as the triple shocks were just too much except for the biggest of impacts. We think a single shock on each front wheel would be a better deal.