Angel on my shoulder... Les Schwab (Fabtech 3") Lift Fail!!

[Tonka Bronka]

They’re awesome if you can get past the slobber and the stubbornness.

You learn to live with the drool, the stubbornness can be corrected to a point but training must start early and be consistent. They are definitely independent thinkers which also makes them incredible guard dogs with the power to back it up.

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[760 bronco]

You learn to live with the drool, the stubbornness can be corrected to a point but training must start early and be consistent. They are definitely independent thinkers which also makes them incredible guard dogs with the power to back it up.

I thought we were still giving the OP marriage tips until the end of your post, I realized you were talking about your avatar….

 

[Tonka Bronka]

I thought we were still giving the OP marriage tips until the end of your post, I realized you were talking about your avatar….

LOL!

 

[gryphon1231]

I get it that you need to check bolts and what not after a major install as a safety precaution BUT has any one checked their bolts from the factory? I bet most do not check the factory torque values.

I bet this is just a faulty install from the get go.

Chances are the bolts weren't torqued to spec when the lift was installed.

 

[gryphon1231]

No offense , but why would you go to Les Schwab to have a lift installed on your 4WD vehicle. Might as well have gone to Pep Boys. Why not use a reputable shop that specializes in 4WD vehicles? I know I am being a Monday morning QB but just wondering. I do hope this gets resolved quickly and I am glad you and your family are OK.

I'm still trying to figure out why you would add a 3 inch lift to a Wild Trak and still run stock wheels and tires.

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

So what happened here with Les Schaub? Did they step up and do the repairs?

After seeing this thread I have removed my Fabtec UCAs and will send them back.

Totally unhappy with the uniball joints available angle. And they hit the springs in full droop. AND they rub on my tires.

I feel the OEM ones are far superior.
And SAFER as well.

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

Also my new thought is that when binding on the spring like this in full droop, the forces are applied to that upper bolt in ways that were NOT intended. So it is possible that the bolt stretched during an impact with the spring....have a look at my pictures for details. Also have the "tech " look at thes points closely for bind-marks! If they are there then it is likely NOT les scwaggs fault at all. And the manufacturer INSTEAD.

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

Any others want to weigh in on my hypothesis?

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

Here's the other side of the same joint...you can see it makes contact in both compression and extension. (Showing this because my truck has shaved bumps and altered compression travel, so since this is happening in both directions I'm certain it's the manufacturer design.)

 

[BlueBronco]

Also my new thought is that when binding on the spring like this in full droop, the forces are applied to that upper bolt in ways that were NOT intended

Interesting, my Fabtech uca's don't touch the spring in full droop. My front end mods include those uca's, Dirt logic coilovers and 37's. Maybe yours do because of your other mods??

Edit. Also note the grease pen mark that was applied after proper torque applied. Gives the end user a quick visual reference if things are coming loose. Also, I have not checked torque on these bolts since they were installed 4k miles ago. However, I will probably check them when I rotate the tires next just to be on the safe side.

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

Interesting, my Fabtech uca's don't touch the spring in full droop. My front end mods include those uca's, Dirt logic coilovers and 37's. Maybe yours do because of your other mods??

Try turning the wheel a bit in either direction...

Could also be the diameter of the springs are a hair different?

 

[BlueBronco]

Try turning the wheel a bit in either direction...

Could also be the diameter of the springs are a hair different?

Passenger tire, full droop, full lock right.

Passenger tire, full droop, full lock left.

In each instance I could place my hand between the uca knuckle and spring. No contact anywhere between uca and spring at any point lock to lock. Spring diameter is 4.5".

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

Interesting, my Fabtech uca's don't touch the spring in full droop. My front end mods include those uca's, Dirt logic coilovers and 37's. Maybe yours do because of your other mods??

Edit. Also note the grease pen mark that was applied after proper torque applied. Gives the end user a quick visual reference if things are coming loose. Also, I have not checked torque on these bolts since they were installed 4k miles ago. However, I will probably check them when I rotate the tires next just to be on the safe side.

Yeah mines likely touching because of the 2" spacers lift... keeps the down-travel the same as OEM when lifted. Otherwise when you lift it with ride height adjustment on the coilovers you actually loose downtravel compared to OEM SAS. (Unless the coilovers are actually longer)

 

[Roll Sound]

Any others want to weigh in on my hypothesis?

It adds up. It's a possibility it was loose, or broke, both potential horrors.

 

[PCDan]

Mistake #1 - Fabtech
Mistake #2 - letting a tire shop install a lift.

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