FTS Lift Kit Help

[jimmyf8]

Hi all.

Just got this 2.5inch FTS lift kit for my 3 door Escudo.

http://www.fts4x4.com/en/products/?meth ... il&aid=219

I have never fitted anything like this before but I'm keen to give it a go.

Before I get into it what do I need in the way of tools and is there a specific way that it needs to be done or is it pretty self explanatory when you get into it?

Thanks for the help in advance

[Dirtydog]

a good jack and a couple of jack stands would help ya alot, and of corse ya standard sockets/spanners.

maybe a bit some spring compressors would be good too, just incase.

[Chairmen]

Yes too all the above,

An too save time on installing the rear spring's jack the opposite side wheel up into wheel arch too the side your fitting your spring too. Make life easier this way

[crzyfl]

I found it easiest to install front springs by disconnecting struts, and hubs from the wishbones. Take the front wheels off, and support the vehicle by putting axle stands under the chassis rails. Put a big jack under the wishbones to let the tension out of the springs, take the old springs out, put the new ones in, then jack the wishbones up, and bolt the hubs and struts back on. The back is simple compared to the front. I struggled doing it various other dodgy ways, before trying the above.

Back, I found easiest to sit the chassis on axle stands again with the wheels off. The axle is at full droop. Unbolt the rear shocks, and replace the springs and shocks, one side at a time. You will need to tension the spring by jacking up the axle to get the shock bolted up. Add to that jacking up the other side from that which you are working on, and the back is easy. Should be able to do it with a couple of scanners, jack stands and a big jack.

I bought spring compressors, but found them unnecessary doing the job the above way.

[jimmyf8]

Awesome! That is real helpful cheers!

Getting into it tomorrow hopefully.

I was wondering about a spring compressor but I will try your way first

[lneil]

So how did you get on with the fitting? And how do you like the kit regarding quality etc?

[jimmyf8]

Unfortunately I ran out of time to get it fitted myself due to needing it as a daily at the moment. Got a mate to do it for a cashy. He said it went in all good. As soon as it was in it gave 4 inch of lift. Has probably settled a bit though.

Love the kit though. No problem with camber in the front either. Drives sweet!

Here is a couple of pics with the kit in and a 2 inch body lift.

[Engibear]

Looks mean!!!

[crzyfl]

Nice,
How did you lift the bumpers back to the body?

[lincooln]

The FTS kit has no body lift, so bumpers do not get affected

[BlakeJ]

Here is a couple of pics with the kit in and a 2 inch body lift

I think this was what he was getting at mate

[lincooln]

haha, my bad, didn't see that, as you were

[crzyfl]

Looks good,
Which way up were the rear control arms fitted?
Any need for 5 door handbrake cables?
What is limiting the front and rear articulation out of interest. I have ended up with a lot of the components of that kit, together with some spring spacers, body lift, and control arms. Interested to see how the geometry is with the kit as intended. How are the front cv angles? Mine are pretty severe. Plan is to see how they go on my auto box.

[jimmyf8]

Looks good,
Which way up were the rear control arms fitted?
Any need for 5 door handbrake cables?
What is limiting the front and rear articulation out of interest. I have ended up with a lot of the components of that kit, together with some spring spacers, body lift, and control arms. Interested to see how the geometry is with the kit as intended. How are the front cv angles? Mine are pretty severe. Plan is to see how they go on my auto box.

I made a bracket out of an old oven tray to raise the front bumper.

I believe the rear control arms weren't changed.

The TC and GB shifters had to be modified because with the 2 inch body lift and the 1 inch TC drop mount it had the effect of a 3 inch body lift on the shifters.

Haven't had any problem with the handbrake since the kit was installed and its just the standards one.

[jimmyf8]

[crzyfl]

Nice brackets. I also moved my bumper up and out when I added body lift. The handbrake cables are needed if they limit the articulation at full droop. I thought the control arms came with the kit. Thanks for the photos, looks good. I'm interested in the TC bracket, and seeing how it changes the front diff angle