1. Tools needed

a. Gather tools needed for the job:

• Breaker Bar
• Socket Wrench
• 14MM Wrench
• 15MM Wrench
• 19MM Wrench
• 22MM Wrench
• 5MM Allen Socket
• 12MM Socket
• 14MM Socket
• 15MM Socket
• 19MM Socket
• 22MM Socket
• 24MM Socket
• Pliers
• Diagonal Cutters
• Sledge Hammer
• Torque Wrench

2. Raise the vehicle and prepare for installation

a. Safely support the vehicle by the frame and remove the wheels.

3. Remove brake line bracket to spindle

a. Remove the bracket attaching the brake line to the spindle.

4. Remove brake line bracket to the frame

a. Remove the bracket attaching the brake line to the frame.

5. Remove ABS line from the upper control arm

a. Remove the ABS line from the upper control arm. Note: An aftermarket upper control arm is used in this image. The removal of this line will differ slightly depending on the upper control arm.

6. Detach sway bar

a. Detach the sway bar at the lower control arm. Note: An aftermarket lower control arm is used in the image. The removal of the sway bar will differ slightly depending on the lower control arm.

7. Separate upper control arm from spindle

a. Loosen the upper ball joint nut and separate the upper control arm from the spindle.

8. Remove tie rod end

a. Remove the nut on the outer tie rod end and separate from the spindle.

9. Remove shock

a. Remove the upper shock hardware.

b. Remove the lower shock hardware.

c. Remove the shock from the vehicle.

10. Remove frame plug

a. Remove the factory frame plug in front of the coil bucket. *A plastic splash shield separate from the plug may also need to be removed for reservoir clearance.

11. Insert installation

a. Install the reservoir bracket mounting insert. Ensure the rounded ear faces the front of the vehicle.

b. Note: The insert will need to be placed in with the rounded ear first. It can then be flipped out to comfortably sit in the frame. A bolt can be used to assist in the installation.

12. Install reservoir bracket

a. Install the reservoir bracket. Torque the bolts to 19 ft-lbs.

13. Install the Dirt King shocks

a. Note: Aftermarket upper control arms are recommended to allow for the additional down travel that the coilovers provide.

b. Insert the Dirt King shock into the coil bucket.

c. Apply threadlocker to the upper shock hardware and torque bolts to 35 ft-lbs.

d. Apply threadlocker to the lower shock hardware and torque bolt to 133 ft-lbs.

14. Reinstall tie rod end

a. Insert the tie rod end into the spindle and torque the nut to 89 ft-lbs. Ensure a cotter pin is installed.

15. Attach upper control arm to spindle

a. Realign the upper ball joint with the spindle and torque the nut to your corresponding upper control arm torque specifications. DK-817993 = 81 ft-lbs.

16. Install sway bar end link to lower control arm

a. Install sway bar end link hardware and torque to 103 ft-lbs.

b. Note: This bolt should be torqued when the vehicle is at ride height.

17. Attach brake line to frame

a. Attach the brake line bracket to the frame and torque to 21 ft-lbs.

18. Attach brake line to spindle

a. Attach brake line to spindle and torque to 21 ft-lbs.

19. Attach ABS line to the upper control arm

a. Reattach the ABS line to the upper control arm. Process will vary depending on upper control arm.

20. Locate reservoir

a. Insert reservoir into the reservoir clamps. Torque bolts to 12 ft-lbs.

b. Verify hose clearance. If not satisfactory, the reservoir can be rotated within the clamps. Rotate reservoir if needed and re-torque bolts.

21. Review your work and repeat steps on the other side of the vehicle

a. Inspect all components to ensure they are properly installed, while making sure that all lines are routed properly.

b. Reinstall the wheels and torque the lug nuts to your wheel manufacturer’s specifications.

c. Have the vehicle aligned at a certified shop. If equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), ensure recalibration is performed.

22. DCA Series User Guide

Discover the full potential of your Dirt King shocks with this detailed guide. We’ll cover everything you need to know about the Dual Compression Adjusters (DCA), preload settings, and the impact of these adjustments on your vehicle’s handling, ride quality, and off-road performance.