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 front frame mounted tie downs on your truck doesn't have to be complicated. This guide walks you through the installation process using a Ford Superduty as an example, one of the most common applications you'll encounter.
The Challenge: Working Around the Gas Tank
The main obstacle when installing front frame mounted tie downs on many trucks is getting the bolt positioned correctly around the gas tank. Torklift includes a bolt fisher in your kit specifically to solve this problem.
Preparing Your Bolt Fisher
Before you begin the installation, take a moment to prepare your bolt fisher properly.
Bend a hook in the end of the bolt fisher. This simple step prevents a frustrating situation. If you accidentally lose your bolt inside the frame, the hook ensures you won't also lose your bolt fisher while trying to retrieve it.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Step 1: Position the Bolt Fisher
Run your bolt fisher through the mounting hole you need, then guide it down through the bottom of the frame. This creates a pathway for your bolt assembly.
Step 2: Assemble the Bolt and Washers
Prepare your bolt assembly in the correct order:
- Star washer
- Flat washer
- Star washer
Place this assembly onto your bolt fisher.
Step 3: Slide the Washers
Before pulling the bolt fisher through the frame, slide your washers up onto the wire. This positioning is critical for smooth installation.
Step 4: Clear the Fuel Lines and Wires
Take a long screwdriver and insert it into the square hole in the frame. Use it to pry all fuel lines and wires out of the way as you pull the bolt fisher through. This prevents damage to these components and ensures a clean path for your hardware.
Step 5: Pull Through the Assembly
Let your bolt and washers go through first as you pull the bolt fisher. The washers should lead the way through the frame opening.
Step 6: Secure the Tie Down
Now comes the securing process:
First nut: Take a nut without any washers and thread it onto the bolt. Use your tie down to hold your frame bolts in place so they don't fall back into the frame.
Second nut: Use one nut on the top to hold the tie down in place while you get your other fastener secured.
This two-step approach keeps everything positioned correctly while you complete the installation.
Why This Method Works
The bolt fisher technique eliminates the guesswork and frustration of blind installations. By creating a guided path for your hardware, you can navigate around obstacles like gas tanks and fuel lines with confidence.
The temporary securing method using the first nut ensures your carefully positioned bolts don't slip back into the frame, saving you from having to start over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bolt fisher and why do I need one?
A bolt fisher is a specialized tool included in your Torklift kit that helps guide bolts through tight spaces in your truck's frame, particularly around obstacles like gas tanks.
Why should I bend a hook in the bolt fisher?
Bending a hook in the end prevents you from losing the bolt fisher inside the frame if you accidentally drop the bolt during installation.
What is the correct washer order for the bolt assembly?
The correct order is star washer, flat washer, star washer on the bolt before threading it onto the bolt fisher.
Do I need to worry about fuel lines during installation?
Yes. Use a long screwdriver inserted into the square frame hole to carefully pry fuel lines and wires out of the way as you pull the bolt through.
Why use a nut without washers first?
Using a nut without washers initially, along with the tie down, holds the frame bolts in place and prevents them from falling back into the frame while you secure the remaining hardware.
What vehicles is this installation method designed for?
This guide demonstrates installation on a Ford Superduty, which is a common application for Torklift front frame mounted tie downs.