Installation guide

2017+ Traction Bar Install

Install time 2hr
Tools needed
Drill Bit:
  • 27/64 Drill Bit
Socket:
  • 15/16 Socket
  • 3/4 Socket
Tap:
  • 1/2-13 Tap
Wrench:
  • 1-7/8 Wrench
  • 15/16 Wrench
  • 7/8 Wrench
  • 13/16 Wrench
  1. 1 Prepare Vehicle for Installation

    Park on level ground at ride height: wheels on and the truck on its own weight. A drive-on lift, ramps, or stands under the axle tubes all keep the suspension loaded. Don’t support it by the frame.

  2. 2 TB Axle Bracket
    Liquid error (sections/installation-guide line 142): invalid url input
    Tools:
    • 15/16 Wrench

    Work one side at a time with the truck on its own weight. Remove the four U-bolt nuts and washers and lower the factory U-bolt plate from under the axle. Place the TSO axle bracket under the axle so that it is aligned as seen in the photo, with the traction bar mount facing forward. Make sure the U-bolts pass through the bracket and the bracket sits flush against the axle. Reinstall the washers and nuts and run them down evenly by hand.

  3. 3 Super Duty Driver Side TB Frame Bracket
    Liquid error (sections/installation-guide line 142): invalid url input
    Tools:
    • 7/8 Wrench
    • 13/16 Wrench
    • 1/2-13 Tap
    • 27/64 Drill Bit
    • 15/16 Socket
    • 15/16 Wrench
    • Torque Wrench

    Locate the frame bracket. Place the frame bracket against the bottom of the frame so that the rear hole in the bracket lines up with the front skid plate hole, as seen in the photo. Thread the factory bolt through the bracket into the factory threaded insert and snug it.

    Drill the remaining frame holes. Use the bracket as the template and mark through its remaining holes. Drill and tap 27/64" → 1/2"-13

    Bolt the frame bracket to the frame. Torque the provided bolts to 80 ft·lb.

    Install the traction bar. Bolt the front of the bar between the frame bracket ears, then the rear of the bar to the axle bracket. Snug only.

    Measure eye-to-eye. Measure from the center of the front bolt to the center of the rear bolt and record it.

  4. 4 Super Duty Passenger Side TB Frame Bracket
    Tools:
    • 13/16 Wrench
    • 7/8 Wrench
    • 1/2-13 Tap
    • 27/64 Drill Bit
    • 15/16 Wrench
    • 15/16 Socket

    Set the bar length. Adjust the passenger bar to the driver-side eye-to-eye measurement and tighten the jam nut.

    Assemble on the truck. Bolt the rear of the bar to the axle bracket, then bolt the frame bracket to the front of the bar. Snug only.

    Swing the bar to the frame. Swing the bar up until the frame bracket sits flat against the bottom of the frame. Mark through the bracket holes.

    Drill and mount the frame bracket. Use the same drill/tap as the driver side, and torque to 80 ft·lb.

  5. 5 TB Install Final Check
    Tools:
    • 13/16 Wrench
    • 7/8 Wrench
    • 7/8 Socket
    • 3/4 Socket
    • 15/16 Socket
    • 15/16 Wrench
    • Torque Wrench
    • 1-7/8 Wrench

    Go back over every fastener on both sides with a torque wrench and confirm each one is at spec. Check them with the truck at ride height. Re-check all hardware after 50–100 miles, and re-torque the U-bolts after 250 miles.

    U-bolt nuts (cross pattern, 4 stages)48 → 96 → 148 → 195 ft·lb

    Frame bracket to frame, including factory bolt 80 ft·lb

    Traction bar to axle bracket 115 ft·lb

    Traction bar to frame bracket 120 ft·lb

    Tighten jam nut 1/8"-1/4" past seated, then mark with a witness mark. Re-check after 100 miles.