Hell Bent Steel 1996-2004 Toyota Tacoma 2WD,4WD 2.5 Leveling User Manual

HELL BENT STEEL, INC - INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS - www.hellbentsteel.com

2” and 2.5” FRONT LEVELING SYSTEM FOR THE 6-LUG SUSPENSION

TOYOTA TACOMA 1996-2004 - PN:410-200-001 & 410-250-001

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Please read before beginning installation. OEM Manual should be
used as a reference.
It is highly recommended that a certified mechanic perform this
installation.
Read and understand all the instructions before beginning
installation.
Use Locktite® on all bolts associated with this installation.

Torque Specifications (ft-lbs):
Strut Mount/Assembly Upper Nuts (3 nuts) …….….………….. 47
Shock Absorber-to-Lower Control Arm Nut/Bolt …………… 101
Lower Ball Joint Mounting bolt ………………………………...43
Sway Bar-to-Upper Link Nut..…………… ……..…..…… ……. 22
Sway Bar-to-Lower Link Nut..………………..……..…………. 51
Sway Bar Bushing Bracket Bolt ………………………..……….19
Tie Rod End-to-Steering Knuckle ballstud nut …………….….. 53
Strut Bar-to-Frame nut/bolt …………………………………….221
Strut Bar-to Lower Control Arm ……………………………… 111
Wheel Lug Nuts …………………………………………………83

*If you desire to return the vehicle to stock, make sure to save
all the stock components.

WARNING: IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
THAT A CERTIFIED MECHANIC PERFORM
THIS INSTALLATION.

IMPORTANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION:

This vehicle’s reaction and handling characteristics may differ from
that of standard cars and/or trucks. Modifications to improve off
road performance may raise the vehicle’s intended center of gravity.
Extreme caution must be utilized when encountering driving
conditions that may cause vehicle imbalance or loss of control.
DRIVE SAFELY! Avoid abrupt maneuvers, such as sharp turns,

hich could cause a roll over, resulting in serious injury or death. w

It is the customer’s responsibility to make sure a re-torque is
performed on all hardware associated with this suspension system
after the first 100 miles. It is also the customer’s responsibility to do
a complete re-torque after every 1000 miles or after every off road

se. u

After the original installation, it is recommended to have the
alignment checked by a certified alignment technician that is
experienced with lifted vehicles. Also the alignment should be
checked every 6 months to ensure proper tracking, proper wear on
tires and front-end components. The responsibility for abuse,
improper installation, or improper suspension maintenance is solely
that of the customer.

NOTICE:

It is the responsibility of the customer or the mechanic to wear safety
glasses at all times when working with air tools.
Please follow all the instructions carefully.

Before installation begins, drive the vehicle and inspect it to make sure
that there are not any uncommon sounds or frame damage.

Front End Installation:

1. To begin

installation, block the
rear tires of the
vehicle so that the
vehicle is stable and
can’t roll backwards.
Safely lift the front of
the vehicle and
support the frame
with jack stands.
Place jack stands on
both the driver and
the passenger sides of
the vehicle. Next
remove the wheels
from both sides.

3. Next remove the strut’s lower mounting bolt with a 19 mm
socket and wrench.

NOTE: Once the nut is removed, it may be necessary to use a
punch and hammer to free the bolt.

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4.

Remove the nuts from the three upper strut mounting bolts
with a 14 mm ratchet. Be sure to support the strut assembly as
the nuts are removed to prevent it from falling.

5. Remove the strut
assembly from the
vehicle and mount it in
a bench vise. Install the
Hell Bent Steel strut
extension on the top of
the strut assembly.

** Caution: Use the
factory nuts with the
factory studs**

6. Run down nuts snug with end wrench. Torque to OEM
specs.

NOTE: Because of the shape of the Hell Bent Steel spacer the
strut will be rotated 180° when reinstalled.

7.

Place strut
back into the
upper strut
mount. Tighten
provided nuts
snug with a
14mm wrench
or ratchet (after
install, you will
torque to OEM
specs).

8. Use a pry bar to position the lower control arm and
the strut mount, and then reinstall the mounting bolt.
Torque to OEM specs. HINT: It may be helpful to use a
pry bar to press down on the steering knuckle for
reinstalling the mounting bolt.

9. Place a jack under the lower
control arm. Raise the lower
control arm to reattach the lower
ball joint bolts. Torque the ball
joint nuts to OEM specs.

10. Repeat Steps 2 through 9 on
the opposite side of the vehicle.

11. Reattach the wheels. Torque to OEM specs.

12. Lower vehicle to the ground and torque strut mounts to
OEM specs.

13. Align the vehicle back to OEM specs. A certified

alignment technician that is experienced with lifted vehicles is
recommended to perform the alignment.

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