1st Gen 2" Fabtech Shackle Lift Install

I recently installed the 2” Fabtech shackles. While I was working on the lift, I got confused and needed some guidance. Instinctively I went to TacomaWorld for info. I looked around and it seems there is no thread for this install. Confounded, I went on YouTube. I didn’t think there would be a video, and I was correct. I eventually risked it for the biscuit and went for it. Turns out I did it correctly. I have learned a load from TacomaWorld, and thought I would return the favor in some way and create a thread for those who might be confused, or not.

First off, you should still read the instructions that come provided in the kit. The instructions should be your first go-to for questions. Still, during some steps, there were some details left out that I wanted to know. At least that I wanted to know, and that's why I wrote this.

*If there is anything that you did that is more efficient than what I did, please respond with what you did.*

1. I took off the wheels and put one jack stand on the passenger side axle housing, and the other on the frame right after the door. It seemed to work pretty well. Whenever you jack up a car, MAKE SURE YOU GIVE THE VEHICLE A FIRM SHAKE. You don’t want the truck to come down while you are under it. Better for it to fall on the ground than on you.
   
   
2. Take the shocks off. YOU WILL NEED LONGER SHOCKS AFTER THIS INSTALL. Next, take the bolts off the stock shackle. Breaker bars are a good investment if you are going to work on old cars. The top bolt will most likely be hard to get out (this is what took the most time for me). A combination of hammering (with a 5 lb. sledge), twisting with a plumber’s wrench, and bolt loosening spray worked.
   
   
3. The leaf spring will come up and hit the top of the shackle mount. I found something small-ish to put in between the leaf spring and the mount. This will help install the aftermarket bushing later on.
   
   
4. Take out the bottom bushing. KEEP THE TOP BUSHING. I used a drill bit to drill through the old rubber. I did this all around the bushing to break the rubber up. Also, do not switch the drill into reverse when you pull the bit out. Keep it going forward, so the bit can take as much rubber out as possible. Eventually, your side of the bushing will start to come out. Do the same for the other side.
   
   
5. Once you take out both sides of the bushing, you will need to take out the outer metal sleeve. I found that taking a reciprocating saw with the CORRECT blade works very well. You’ll want to see through one side of the sleeve, then the opposite side. Lastly, I took a handheld hacksaw and sawed the lip to free the metal sleeve. I took a large flathead screwdriver and hammered both sides out from the inside, then pried the lip away from the leaf spring.
   
   
6. Install the new bushings. Grease will help with the installation. Hammering a flathead into the rear eye might help squeeze in the bushings.
   
   
7. Put the new shackle on. I jacked up the bumper to get the truck higher off the ground. I had a buddy help me, and I stood on the leaf while he put the shackle into position.
   
   
8. Twist the nut onto the bolts. DO NOT TIGHTEN FULLY UNTIL THE TRUCK IS ON THE GROUND.
   
   
9. Repeat on the other side. Put the new shocks on. Put the tires back on. Put the truck on the ground and torque shackle nuts to spec.

*I did not relocate the exhaust. I was too tired and just wanted to get the truck on the ground. I will write in what I did to relocate it, once I do it. If anyone has done it, please tell me what you did.*

If there is anything anyone wants to add, just let me know. Hope this helps someone.


^The hacksawed outer metal sleeve.

 

I would just suggest using a torch to get the bolts hot and broken free. Otherwise a nice guide. Thanks!