FRONT PIVOT BRACKET INSTALLATION

5. Support the axle with a jack so there is no weight resting on the springs. Remove the shackle to frame and shackle to spring bolts (this is an instance where my front was already torn apart so follow the instructions accordingly to remove your parts).

6. Lower the axle away from the front frame shackle brackets and support the axle with jack stands (you will also notice in the pics that I have strapped the Jeep down to fully secure it on the trailer to make certain it would not move, SAFETY FIRST!!)

7. Remove the OE shackle bushings and sleeves from the frame and discard.

8. Install the frame spacer bushings in the front frame shackle bracket so the flange is on the outside of the frame (since my brackets are torn off I used the spacer still as support for the framework but it doesn’t fit into OE place since mine are gone).

9. Remove the front lower bumper mounting bolts from the frame and retain.

10. Install the front shackle reversal bracket assembly on the vehicle and loosely fasten using the stock bumper bolts. 

11. Line up the holes in the bracket and frame spacer bushings. Fasten each side of the assembly with a ½” X 4” bolt, lock nut and two, ½” SAE washers. DO NOT TIGHTEN.

12. Install a 7/16” X 1” bolt, lock nut, and two 7/16” USS washers through the back of each bracket into the stock frame bracket. DO NOT TIGHTEN. (This is where I mentioned earlier that my stock mounts were torn off, #8 of these instructions).

13. Tighten all mounting hardware. Tighten ½:” hardware to 60ft-lbs (or whatever the instructions per shackle reversal kits manufacturers’ specs require) and 7/16” hardware to 50ft-lbs. Tighten OE hardware to manufacturer’s specifications.

 

REAR PIVOT BRACKET REMOVAL

The following steps should be performed on one side of the vehicle at a time, refer to manufacturer’s directions.

14. With the axle securely supported on jack stands, remove the driver’s side spring hanger bolt.

15. Remove the driver’s side spring u-bolts and remove the spring from the vehicle (the pictures here will be a little different from the instructions since I don’t have u-bolts on my Jeep, but you’ll get the general just of what’s being instructed to do). 

Caution: An abrasive cut-off wheel should be used to remove the rear OE pivot brackets from the frame. Care should be taken not to cut and/or damage the frame rails. GRIND ONLY THE WELDS. 

16. Remove the driver’s side OE pivot bracket (or whichever side you happened to start with, again…. Do one side at a time) from the frame. Use a grinder to dress the frame and remove any sharp edges. (My springs were stuck in the pivot mounts so I just left them in and cut out the pivot bracket and removed the seized bolts after the fact, best to go by the directions when possible, this time due to the hard twisting I put the springs through the bolts just wouldn’t come out). 

17. Coat all exposed metal with rust inhibiting paint or rubberized undercoating to prevent rust after the remaining welds have been ground down and the metal has cooled.

 

 

Caution: Measurements should be taken as accurately as possible to ensure proper axle alignment. 

18. Measure from the center of the lower hole in the new front mounting bracket back on the frame rail 44-3/8”. Mark the frame at this point for reference.

19. Place the new driver’s side mounting bracket on the frame rail. The large holes go toward the outside of the vehicle and the long end of the bracket goes toward the front. Adjust the bracket so that it is tight against the frame and the bushing hole is roughly lined up with the mark on the frame. (I have shown the bushing being installed here as well to get those in and help with aligning it up as close as possible with the mark made earlier).