4th Gen Metal Tech Offset Rear Lower Links Install

[cmiller]

Here's a step by step install for Metal Tech's Offset Rear Lower Links.

A quick note on the links from Mark at Metal Tech:

1. They are "Offset Links" This is where we have offset the rear bushing shell from the link tube to allow the axle to not bind at full flex with the larger main tube. This in turn also makes an uninterrupted glide path under the truck with the reinforced link. Both the bushing shell AND the mount on the truck cant hang up on the trail.

2. Currie Johnny Joints and custom made Daystar bushings, both with grease zirks

3. Made from 1 3/4" OD .290" Wall DOM Tubing with 100% of the parts cut on a CNC lathe. The threads for the Johnny Joint are cut almost 3" deep for maximum thread engagement.

4. Full powder coating

5. Only kit out there in this price range to include all new Grade 8 mounting hardware

We also have a limited lifetime warranty on the structure, bend one = get a new one.

This install is easy and takes about 1.5-2.0 hours to complete. It can all be done with the truck on the ground, no need to jack it up on stands.

Tools needed:
-Sockets and wrenches in 8mm, 11mm, 12mm, 19mm, 21mm, 22mm
-ratchet strap
-grease and grease gun
-large crescent wrench or pipe wrench
-plastic hammer
-impact gun is nice to have also

First a little prep:

Step 1.
Lay both links out and open up the bags of hardware and bushings. Note that the Johnny Joints mount forward and bushing ends to the rear on the truck so there is in fact a right and left link. The stickers should also be another indication of which side the link mounts by being able to read the sticker from the side of the truck. And the e-brake mounts should face to the outside.

Step 2.
Find the two grease zirk fittings in the new hardware bag and thread them into the holes on the ends of the links using your 8mm wrench, (the ends without the Johnny Joints).

Step 3.
Take the metal spacers out of the bushings and rub your grease all over them and around the bushings both inside and out. Then place them both back in the open ends of the links.

Step 4.
Use your grease gun to fill both ends of each link with grease. Pump it until grease starts to leak out the sides of the bushings and out the side of the Johnny Joints. Wipe off any excess grease then set the links aside.

Step 5.
At the truck now take your ratchet strap and wrap it around the rear axle and anchor it forward to the frame. This is just so when you take the factory link off the rear axle won't move on you and you can use the ratchet strap to line up the holes for the install.

Step 6.
With a 12mm socket or ratchet wrench disconnect the e-brake bracket from the rear link. You will be re-using the factory bracket but not the bolt.

Step 7.
With a 19mm socket remove the front and rear bolts and nuts holding on the factory link. (I recommend using an impact gun on this, they are on there tight). Take the factory link out and over to the new Metal Tech link.

Step 8.
Place the factory link on top of the Metal Tech link for that same side of the truck. Use one of the factory bolts to place through the bushing ends of the link to line them up. Then at the other end of the links (the Johnny Joint end) take your large crescent or pipe wrench and turn the threaded end until the bolt holes match up on both the factory and new links. Now the Metal Tech link is matched in length to the factory link you just removed and ready to install.

Step 9.
Install the Metal Tech link using the new hardware. The new bolt takes a 21mm and the new nut is a 22mm. I recommend using a bit of anti-seize on the bolts to make things nice down the road. Start with the rear bolt first, get it in but not tight yet so you have some wiggle room, (you may need to tap it in using the plastic hammer). Then swing up the link and install the front bolt. Tighten up both ends now. Then use the new hardware to install the e-brake line bracket to the mount on the new link with the 11mm wrench. Double check everything is tight.

Step 10.
Repeat these steps for the other side. Then take it out for a test drive to make sure everything is good to go. :lookout: Now enjoy the extra beef that's under your truck!:gun5:

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

Nice write up. Subscribed for later install help.

 

[cruisermansd]

Great write up! Your going to love them. Are you doing the uppers as well?

 

[cmiller]

Great write up! Your going to love them. Are you doing the uppers as well?

Thanks! I plan on the uppers as well. Next priority is a roof rack.

 

[cruisermansd]

Thanks! I plan on the uppers as well. Next priority is a roof rack.

nice! your going to love it when you have all of the new links installed. I was really surprised at how much the rear flexes with the MT kit.

what rack are you going with?

I see your in Oregon, I am up there like 5 times a year. We will need to get together when I'm up there so we can hit browns camp.

 

[gsrthomas]

Thanks for the install DIY! Maybe I will do this in the future too.

In your build thread. There was a picture of you grinding with an angle grinder or something during the install. What was that needed for?

 

[JustSomeName]

Thanks! I plan on the uppers as well. Next priority is a roof rack.

Did the bushings come with the links or did you have to get them separately?

 

[cmiller]

Bushings with spacers are included with the links as a kit.