Trailmaster 4"lift

[joshscj]

Hello all, I'm totally new here but I have a couple questions....

I've just started installing a new Trailmaster lift kit on my 86. I had to have new u-bolts made locally since the ones that came with the kit were for a smaller axle. My first question is about the new u-bolts, the place that made them gave me big fat flat washers to go on them but the curvature of the bracket won't allow me to use them. Is that going to be a problem? The stock bolts didn't have washers on front or rear. I was thinking of putting them on the back half of the bolts and leaving the front half with out. What do you all think?

My second question is about the sway bar links. The new links that this kit comes with are curved. They offset about an inch from one side to the other. The stock link is straight. I'm not sure what the purpose of the off set is. Also I don't know if I should install them flaring out going down or up? What is the proper way. The bar and the lower mounts are the same width....

Remember I'm new here and this is the first lift I've ever attempted doing my self. Thanks in advance.

 

[Torxhead]

To make a better fit try installing a thinner set of flat washers. As for the sway bar, you might try not even installing it, since the high arch of the springs and their stiffness do a fairly good job without one. For further and more accurate info, try contacting the manufacturer. I have always had good results going that route.

 

[joshscj]

Thanks for the reply. I'm not so worried about the thickness of the washers. The width is what worries me. The curve in the bracket keeps the washer from seating flush (being wider than the nut).

I did call the manufacture on the sway bar link. the guy told me that they should flare out down from the bar to the axle. Not sure what the purpose is though.