We're working to restore these instructions from our previous website. Please bear with us. If you need immediate assistance, contact sales@artecindustries.com.

 

THIS PART REQUIRES WELDING AND GENERALFABRICATION SKILLS. ONLY COMPETENT WELDERS SHOULD ATTEMPT TO INSTALL THIS PART.

 

Tools Required :

Safety Glasses, Gloves, , Socket Set, Wrenches, Wheelchocks,  Cutting Tool of your choice(Sawzall, Grinder, plasma, cutting torch) Lug wrench, Wheel Lock Key (If youhave wheel locks the guys at the tire shop probably lost the wheel lock keyWelder/ Welding PPE,

 

Step 1:

Inventory that you have all of the parts for your order If you are missingparts or have incorrect parts contact Artec Industries Immediately @(855)-278-3299  M-F from 8am-5pm MST. Ifit is after those hours please Email Sales@Artecindustries.com

 

Step 2:

Place wheel chocks at the front wheels of the vehicle.  Break free lug nuts on rear wheels (Do not fully loosen or remove lug nuts yet.)

 

 Step 3:

With the vehicle sitting on the ground, Measure your rideheight at the frame and height of the centerline of the axle, Also takemeasurement of your wheel base.

(Make a note of this for later.)

 

 Step 4:

Jack up the rear of the vehicle and set the axle on Jackstands, Remove the rear wheels from the vehicle,  With the wheels removed Jack the vehicle upagain. Securely place tall jack stands under the frame in front of the LCA orLeaf spring mounts at the previously measurement of ride height. Place a 2ndsent of jack stands under the rear axle.

 

Step 5:

Remove the existing rear axle from the vehicle. If you arestretching wheelbase back  far enough foraxle to interfere with fuel tank you will also want to Remove the fuel tank andset it in a well ventilated area away from where you will be working andwelding.

 

 Step 6:

Prep axle the truss will be welded onto by removing allmounts and paint/ rust.  Once the axle isprepped. Slide new axle under the vehicle and place on jack stands at themeasurement of what the centerline height was at ride height also make sure itis set to the wheelbase you will be using.

 

 Step 7:

Using another jack stand or block of wood set under thepinion on the axle set the desired pinion angle of your build to ensure it doesnot get changed . Now place the truss on top of the axle so it is level withthe ground and not tilted forward or backward (If yourtruss is angled it can cause upper arm mounts or the truss to twist off underload)  You may need to trim somematerial off of the truss to allow it to sit level depending on your wheelbaseand pinion angle.

 

 Step 8:

With the truss set level on top of the axle tack weld Thetruss ends to the axle tubes.

 

 Step 9:

With the truss tacked into place Pull the rear axle fromunder the vehicle to allow more space for welding.   Once the axle is pulled from under thevehicle.  Heat the axle to about 400degrees Start to weld the  truss to theaxle  .When welding, Start on one side ofthe axle, Weld a small amount, Then move on to the opposite side of the axle toallow each side to cool. This will help prevent warping. Grind and clean therosette welds on the axle. If your truss has a bridge you may need to Trim thebridge depending on your pinion angle and weld it to the truss.  (Optional) Stitchweld the axle tubes to the ends of the casting for added axle strength and toprevent the axle tubes from twisting. If you have any Control armmounts, Shock mounts, Coil over tabs, Track bar mounts that need to be weldedon to the axle  you will need to placethe axle under the vehicle on jack stands at ride height and desired wheelbasean weld them on at this time in their proper location for your specificbuild.  Once all of the welding iscomplete you will  wrap the axle in awelding blanket to slowly cool overnight.

 

 Step 10:

Clean the Truss and axle of any machining oils and Prep forpaint or powder coat.

 

 Step 11:

Install the axle back under the vehicle and place on jackstands.  If you removed your fuel tankyou can reinstall it at this point.  Install the wheels on the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts (Do not torque them down yet.)   Lift the vehicle and remove all ofthe jack stands and set the vehicle on the ground.  with the vehicle on the ground check all ofthe bolts and lug nuts are torqued to proper specs. we recommend drawing a lineon the nut and bolt heads and where they are mounted for quick reference whenchecking for tightness after 50 miles .

 

 Checkall bolts for tightness after 50 miles .