Fab Fours
Safety First
Read this before you touch a wrench — and before you use the gear you install. These reminders do not replace the complete product and vehicle instructions. Follow any professional-installation requirements in your exact product manual.
Find your product-specific installation manual
Search your part number at help.fabfours.com/knowledge to access the full written instructions for your exact bumper, guard, or accessory.
Job safety analysis — do this before every task
01
Identify the hazards
Look at what you're about to do and ask: what could hurt me, someone else, or damage the vehicle? Do this for every new task, not just the first one.
02
Remove or protect
Eliminate the hazard or put a guard in front of it — tie back cables, cover surfaces, clear the area. Don't start until it's handled.
03
Use your judgment
No guide covers every situation. If something feels wrong or unsafe, stop. Take your time. Rushing is how mistakes happen.
Before you order — suspension check
Check before you install
Inspect front coil springs or torsion bars for existing sag or wear
Check ball joints and tie rod ends — replace if marginal before adding nose weight
Verify exact bumper weight on the product page or with Fab Fours support before planning a suspension build
After install — watch for these
Unexpected sag or handling changes — have a qualified installer assess suspension condition and loading before normal use
Headlights point too low — re-aim after any front end height change
Follow vehicle and product requirements for alignment and ADAS inspection/calibration after relevant height changes, sensor disconnection, or relocation
Key rules — always
Legal disclaimer
This product is for off-road use only. All liability for installation and use rests with the owner. Fab Fours, Inc. provides these instructions to assist in safe installation but cannot account for every situation. Use your own good judgment. If unsure about any step, stop and contact support before proceeding.
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Vehicle prep
Before you lift or jack
Set the emergency brake
Always, every time — even on flat surfaces.
Place tire blocks front and rear
Chock wheels on both sides of the axle not being lifted.
Locate manufacturer designated lifting points
Using the wrong point can damage the frame or cause collapse. Check your owner manual.
Set jack stands before working under the vehicle
Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
Remove all jewelry
Rings, watches, and chains can catch on components or conduct electricity.
Put on safety glasses
Required any time you are drilling, cutting, or grinding.
Verify all parts against the packing list before starting
Missing hardware means the vehicle may be immobile until the part arrives. Contact support@fabfours.com before you begin.
Apply painters tape to vehicle surfaces the bumper may contact
Protects painted fenders and lower fascia during the alignment phase.
Electrical & sensors
Electrical & sensor work
Follow vehicle-specific electrical isolation procedures before welding
Weld only when the exact product guide requires it, using a qualified installer. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s complete battery/electronics isolation and fire precautions; battery disconnection alone is not a complete welding procedure.
Photograph sensor positions before removal
Document sensor positions, connectors, and housing orientation. Follow the exact product/vehicle guide for removal, relocation, reconnection, and calibration; do not apply another application’s sensor-swap procedure.
Use the removal method specified for your exact sensor and housing
Protect sensor faces and connectors from damage. Housing-release methods vary; do not force a sensor out or assume every housing releases the same way.
Route all cables away from moving parts and heat
Avoid exhaust, steering linkages, and sharp edges. Secure with zip ties after install.
Insulate all exposed wiring terminals
After wiring lights, tag lights, or trailer plugs — no bare terminals should remain exposed.
Drilling & cutting
Drilling & cutting
Inspect both sides of material before drilling
Know what is behind the panel. Relocate cables, fuel lines, or brake lines before drilling.
Use the correct drill bit size per instructions
Use only the drill size, location, and depth specified in the exact product guide. Dimensions from another bracket, rack, or trailer-plug installation do not establish the correct size for your product. Stop and contact support if the instruction is missing or unclear.
Wear gloves when handling freshly cut steel
Edges are sharp enough to cut through skin immediately. Never handle cut steel bare-handed.
Hardware & fasteners
Hardware & fasteners
Follow the specified thread treatment for each fastener
Use anti-seize, threadlocker, or dry threads only as specified for the exact joint. Lubrication changes the clamping load produced by a torque value; use the matching torque and thread condition in the governing instructions.
Start all fasteners finger-tight before torquing any of them
Hand-start fasteners to avoid cross-threading. Support and align the assembly using the product’s specified mounting procedure, then follow its tightening sequence.
Use a calibrated torque wrench and the exact product specifications
Follow the exact fastener and joint instructions. Do not use an impact gun to snug stainless hardware. A final torque-wrench check cannot undo overtightening that has already occurred.
Do not reuse stripped, fractured, or bent hardware
A compromised fastener can fail under load. Contact support@fabfours.com for replacements.
PPE — baseline reminders
Safety glasses — mandatory any time drilling, cutting, or grinding
Gloves when handling cut steel, heavy components, or winch cable
No jewelry — rings, watches, chains removed before starting
Add task-appropriate face, hearing, respiratory, and welding protection as required. Qualified welders must follow complete fire and vehicle-isolation precautions; this list is not a complete PPE plan.
Tools — confirm against your exact manual
Calibrated torque wrench with a suitable range for the specified fasteners
Sockets and extensions in the sizes listed in your exact guide
Box-end wrenches in the sizes listed in your exact guide
Allen wrench / hex key set
Drill and exact bit sizes only where drilling is required by your guide
Torx bits only in the sizes specified for your application
Trim-removal tools specified for the vehicle and product
Painter’s tape and any thread-treatment products expressly specified in your guide
Torque specifications
Hand-start fasteners, support and align the assembly, then use a calibrated torque wrench in the sequence specified by the exact product guide. Follow any OEM specifications for reused vehicle hardware.
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Right after install — before first drive
Post-install checks
All fasteners torqued to spec with a calibrated torque wrench
Use the exact product/OEM torque values and specified thread conditions. Contact support before proceeding if a required specification is missing.
All lights tested — signals, fog, reverse, tag
Walk around with a helper inside cycling each function.
Complete required ADAS inspection, calibration, and verification
Follow vehicle-manufacturer and exact-product procedures for affected sensors and cameras, including required diagnostics and calibration after disconnection or relocation. Have a qualified technician complete required work before normal road use. A parking-sensor check or informal ACC road test does not replace calibration.
Bumper-to-body gap is even on both sides
Use the exact product’s support, clearance, alignment, and tightening procedures. Do not loosen an unsupported assembly.
All wiring zip-tied away from heat, exhaust, and moving parts
Check near the fan, steering components, and exhaust routing.
Complete the winch’s prescribed first-use preparation and function checks
Follow the complete operator manual, including loaded rope preparation where required. Never engage or disengage the clutch while the rope is under tension, the winch is loaded, or the drum is moving.
Check front end ride height for unexpected sag
Have unexpected ride-height or handling changes assessed by a qualified installer. Check vehicle/axle limits and follow vehicle-specific suspension and alignment requirements; do not assume a leveling kit resolves added load.
Ongoing maintenance
Ongoing
Inspect fasteners at the intervals specified in your exact guide
Follow the product’s initial and ongoing inspection schedule. Check tightness and specified torque using the approved method; a single check does not prevent future loosening.
Inspect after significant trail use and follow the prescribed fastener checks
Look for loose or damaged hardware, movement, and other damage. Follow the exact guide’s tightening and replacement requirements before further use.
Replace stripped, fractured, or bent hardware immediately
Never re-use damaged bolts or nuts. A compromised fastener can fail under load.
Touch up chips and scratches promptly
Clean and dry affected areas promptly. Contact Fab Fours support for touch-up materials and preparation approved for your exact finish; powder-coated and bare-steel products may require different treatment.
Rinse underside and hardware after salt exposure
Coastal environments, winter road salt, and snow brine accelerate corrosion at mount points.
Fully dry all surfaces after washing
Water trapped behind mounts or in sensor grommets accelerates frame and hardware corrosion.
Follow vehicle-specific steering and suspension maintenance requirements
Have a qualified technician assess added accessory weight and component condition. Follow vehicle-specific inspection intervals and investigate new sag, unusual tire wear, or handling changes promptly.
Inspect winch rope or cable for fraying, kinks, and wear
Synthetic: check for abrasion near the fairlead. Steel cable: check for broken strands and kinks — both are grounds for immediate replacement.
Plan before you go
Trip prep checklist
Check weather and trail conditions before you leave — rain, snow, or flooding can turn a manageable trail dangerous fast
Tell someone your route and expected return time, and carry a backup paper map if you're going remote
Do a basic once-over before you pull out — tire pressure and tread, fluid levels, battery terminals
Carry offline GPS or a satellite messenger if you'll be out of cell range — don't rely on phone signal alone
Working with a spotter
Use a spotter for technical climbs, descents, or any obstacle where you can't see your own front tires
Agree on hand signals before you start — stop, back up, turn the wheel, how far to move
Take direction from one spotter only — multiple people calling instructions at once is how mistakes happen
Stop and ask if a signal isn't clear — never guess and keep moving
Recovery points & D-rings
D-ring / shackle rules
Verify the approved recovery method, load limits, and pull direction for the exact vehicle, bumper, recovery point, and connectors. If approval or a required rating is unavailable, contact the manufacturer before use.
Use only recovery points expressly approved for the intended recovery method. A welded tab, bolt-on mount, or frame-mounted tow hook is not automatically approved for every load or kinetic recovery.
Use compatible rated shackles and verify their manufacturer markings and instructions. The removable shackle and the bumper’s recovery mount are separate components; one component’s rating does not establish the other’s.
Before loading, install and secure the correct shackle pin and retention system according to its manufacturer. Never adjust a pin or add retaining wire while the rigging is under tension.
Avoid side-loading. Follow the exact shackle and recovery-point instructions for permitted pull directions; do not infer angular recovery approval from a general shackle rating.
Inspect shackles and D-rings for deformation or cracks before every recovery
Wire cable vs synthetic rope
Steel cable
More abrasion resistant — better for rocky terrain
Stores more energy — snaps back with lethal force if it parts. Always use a line dampener.
Broken strands = replace immediately — frayed wire penetrates gloves and skin
Synthetic rope
Generally stores less energy than steel, but can still recoil and propel attached hardware if the system fails. Keep everyone clear of the line and rigging.
Use the fairlead approved for the exact rope, winch, and application. Do not assume every roller or hawse fairlead is compatible; follow the manufacturer’s requirements.
Vulnerable to abrasion over sharp rocks — inspect regularly near the fairlead
Recovery straps (kinetic / snatch straps)
Kinetic/snatch straps stretch during vehicle-to-vehicle recovery. Use only the complete recovery procedure approved by the strap and vehicle manufacturers; agree on signals and keep people clear of both vehicles and all rigging.
Attach only to recovery points expressly approved for kinetic recovery on both vehicles. Never attach to a tow ball, axle, suspension component, or winch hook; frame mounting alone does not establish kinetic-use approval.
Select the strap using its manufacturer’s vehicle-weight and sizing instructions. Distinguish minimum breaking strength (MBS) from working load limit (WLL); these are not interchangeable ratings.
Do not use a kinetic/snatch strap as a fixed-anchor winching strap. Use an approved tree protector or anchor attachment for the intended winching operation.
Don't wrap a kinetic strap around the bumper, and don't substitute a standard non-stretching tow strap for it — they behave very differently under load
Winch safety — do's and don'ts
Always do
Wear heavy leather gloves when handling slack winch rope. Never touch the rope or hook under load, under tension, during operation, or while someone else is at the controls. Use the supplied hook strap when spooling and keep hands clear of the hook and fairlead.
Place a suitable winch-line damper as directed by the operator manual before loading the rigging; a damper does not make it safe to stand near a loaded line.
For WARN truck/SUV winches covered by the linked guide, keep at least 5 wraps of steel cable on the drum. Follow your exact operator manual; the drum attachment is not designed to hold the load.
For WARN truck/SUV winches covered by the linked guide, keep at least 10 wraps of synthetic rope on the drum. Follow any different requirements in your exact operator manual.
Seat the load in the throat (center) of the hook — never apply load to the hook tip or latch
Follow the winding direction on the drum label and in the exact operator manual. The linked WARN truck/SUV guide specifies winding onto the bottom (mount side) of the drum.
Use approved rigging diagrams for direction changes or double-line pulls. A redirect alone does not double pulling power; mechanical advantage depends on the complete rigging arrangement and its rated components.
Use a tree saver strap — never wrap your winch line directly around a tree
Keep bystanders clear of the rope, load, vehicles, anchors, and rigging. Establish the exclusion area for the complete rigging layout using the operator manual; behind a vehicle is not automatically a safe location.
Allow the winch to cool between long pulls — overheating burns out the motor
Never do
Never engage or disengage the clutch while the winch is under load, the rope is under tension, or the drum is moving — this causes mechanical damage and is a serious injury hazard
Never use a winch as a hoist or to suspend a load — it is not designed for static hanging loads
Never use a winch to lift or move a person under any circumstances
Never leave the remote control plugged in during freespooling, rigging, servicing, or when the winch is not in use — always disconnect and store it dry
Never stand near or step over a tensioned winch line — ever
Never drive over your winch line
Never improvise hook, strap, or shackle connections. Follow the exact hardware instructions and manufacturer diagrams; seat approved loads in the hook throat, never on its tip or latch.
Never winch at a steep angle without a snatch block redirect
Never run synthetic rope over sharp or jagged rocks
Never use a kinetic snatch strap as a substitute for a winch line
Never tow with the winch or winch rope, use vehicle motion to shock-load the rope, or use the winch to secure a load
Never use a winch rated below your vehicle GVWR
Never winch without a dampener in place — steel cable or synthetic rope
Hi-Lift jack safety
Using a Hi-Lift safely
Use only lifting points and attachments expressly approved for the exact bumper, vehicle, jack, load, and direction. Ask Fab Fours for the applicable approval before using a bumper point; steel construction or a jack-mount label alone does not establish suitability.
Place the base on solid, flat ground — use a base plate in soft terrain to prevent sinking
Chock the wheels and set the brake before lifting
Keep your face and body away from the handle path — the jack can kick back violently
Never work under a vehicle supported only by a Hi-Lift — use jack stands
Common Hi-Lift mistakes
Using a plastic bumper as a jack point or unprepared surface — the jack slips and the vehicle drops
Moving the reversing latch before securing the handle upright against the steel standard with its clip. Keep your body out of the handle path, hold the handle with both hands while lifting/lowering, and follow the complete manual.
Using a Hi-Lift on soft sand or mud without a base plate
Standing in line with the vehicle while jacking — if it rolls you have nowhere to go
Skipping wheel chocks — even on what looks like flat ground
Legal disclaimer
This product is for off-road use only. All liability for installation and use rests with the owner. Recovery and winching operations involve forces that can cause serious injury or death if equipment fails or is improperly used. Always verify load ratings, inspect equipment before use, and follow the specific instructions provided with your winch and recovery gear.