Installation Disclaimer: This blog is intended as a general reference only. It may not include every step, tool, torque specification, or vehicle-specific detail needed for your installation. Always refer to the official installation instructions included with your product for the complete procedure, required tools, torque values, safety information, and fitment details.
Installing the Torklift F2018 front tie downs on your Ford F150 is a straightforward process that significantly enhances your truck's cargo securing capabilities. This guide walks you through each step of the installation to help you complete the job with confidence.
Getting Started: The Fishing Process
The installation begins with fishing the hardware through the frame. Start by feeding the coiled end of the fisher through the appropriate holes in your truck's frame. This initial step sets the foundation for the entire installation.
Once the fisher is in position, attach your hardware to the end of it. Place the 1x2 plate washer inside the frame, then pull the fisher back through. This technique ensures your hardware stays properly positioned within the frame during installation.
Driver Side Installation: Working with Parking Brake Cables
If your Ford F150 is equipped with cable actuated parking brakes, you'll need to take an additional step before proceeding. Remove the bolt that holds the cable bracket to the bottom side of the leaf spring bracket. With the bracket removed, you can now slide the tie down receiver tube between the two parking brake cables.
Here's an important tip: keep the fishers attached until you're ready to thread the nuts onto the bolts. This prevents you from losing hardware inside the frame, which can be frustrating and time-consuming to retrieve.
Assembling the Components
With your bolts in place, follow this assembly sequence:
- Place the spacer plate onto the frame
- Position your tie down onto the frame
- Install the 2x2 center hole washer on the outer bolt toward the front of the truck
The parking brake cables will fit into a designated slot on the tie down. Use the gusset to close the gap where the cables sit. Once all nuts are threaded onto the bolts, torque them down to the proper specifications. Finally, put your parking brake cables back in their proper position.
Passenger Side Installation
The passenger side installation follows the same basic steps as the driver side, with one key difference: you won't need to work around parking brake cables or use the gusset on this side. This makes the passenger side installation slightly simpler and faster to complete.
Final Steps
Once both tie downs are securely installed and all hardware is properly torqued, you're ready to put your new tie downs to use. Simply slide the inserts in with the pin to activate your tie downs and begin securing cargo.
Key Installation Points
| Step | Action | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Setup | Fish coiled end through frame holes | Attach hardware to fisher end |
| Hardware Placement | Insert 1x2 plate washer inside frame | Keep fishers on until ready to thread nuts |
| Driver Side Only | Remove parking brake cable bracket bolt | Slide receiver tube between cables |
| Assembly | Install spacer plate, tie down, and washers | Use gusset on driver side for cable gap |
| Finishing | Torque all nuts to spec | Reinstall parking brake cables |
| Passenger Side | Follow same steps | No cable or gusset work needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove the parking brake cables on both sides?
No. You only need to work with the parking brake cables on the driver side if your truck has cable actuated parking brakes. The passenger side installation doesn't require any cable manipulation.
Why should I keep the fishers attached during installation?
Leaving the fishers on until you're ready to thread the nuts prevents hardware from falling into the frame where it would be difficult to retrieve.
What's the difference between driver side and passenger side installation?
The driver side requires working around parking brake cables and using a gusset to close the gap where cables fit into the tie down slot. The passenger side follows the same basic steps but without the cable and gusset considerations.
Where does the 2x2 center hole washer go?
The 2x2 center hole washer goes on the outer bolt toward the front of the truck.
How do I use the tie downs after installation?
Once installation is complete, slide the inserts in with the pin to use your tie downs for securing cargo.