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Measure back from the center of the lower hole in the new front mounting bracket to the center of the new shackle bushing mount. Adjust the bracket so the measurement is 44-3/8”. Once the bracket is placed properly, clamp it to the frame.
Using the bracket as a template, mark the center of the two mounting holes with a center punch.

Drill ½ “holes through all mounting points. The holes must go all the way through the frame.

Caution: Take care to drill the holes as straight and level as possible to ensure that there are no axle alignment problems. You also want to check the back of the frame before you drill to verify that there are no fuel lines or any wiring that may be in the way or at risk of damage during drilling. (The best way to drill the holes is to start with a small bit and work your way up to the ½”hole instead of trying to do it with just a couple bits try with a half a dozen. It saves on your bits and makes the job quicker and easier).

Drill the outside of the two holes with a ¾” drill bit. Note: Only drill through the outside wall of the frame rail.

Install the 0.750” x 2.430” long sleeves in the two large outside holes in the mounting bracket. Caution: DO NOT let the sleeves fall into the frame rail.

Install a ½” x 4” bolt, two SAE washers, and a lock nut in each of the mounting holes and sleeves. DO NOT TIGHTEN. Torque the ½” hardware to 60 ft-lbs.

SHACKLE/SPRING INSTALLATION

Install two new bushings and a ¾” x 3-3/8” sleeve into the new shackle mounting brackets. Install the grease fittings.
Loosely install the new offset shackle plates to the new rear mounting brackets with ½” x 4-1/2” bolt, nut, and SAE washers. The shackles should offset toward each other.

Locate the large diameter end of the spring. This is the end that was originally behind the axle and has a 9/16” ID sleeve. Place this end of the spring in the new front hanger bracket with a 9/16” x 4-1/2 bolt, nut and washers. Note: The spring is now turned 180 degrees from its original position. If the spring is equipped with a caster shim, it must be turned 180 degrees on the spring.
Swing the spring up to the shackles and attach using a ½” x 4” bolt, nuts and SAE washers. DO NOT TIGHTEN.
Loosely attach the spring to the axle with the u-bolts. The passenger’s side may need to be loosened in order to position the axle on the spring center pin. BDS strongly recommends replacing used spring u-bolts.

Repeat the installation process for the opposite side of the vehicle.
With the installation on both sides complete, snug the u-bolt hardware so that the axle is seated properly on the springs. Final u-bolt torque should be set with the weight of the vehicle on the springs.

Install shocks to axle using the OE hardware.

Install wheels, remove jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.
With the vehicle on the ground, bounce the front suspension to settle the shackles into position.
Torque the shackle and pivot bolts. Torque the 9/16” front pivot bolt to 65 ft-lbs. Torque the ½” shackle bolts to 40 ft-lbs.
Check all fasteners after 100 miles and after any off-road use.

Now we're ready to hit the trails again, see you out there!!