Fabtech Suspension Part Names: A Complete Guide

Fabtech is a well-known brand in the off-road suspension world, offering lift kits and components for trucks and SUVs. Whether you're planning a DIY install or just want to understand what's under your vehicle, knowing the names and roles of each suspension part is essential. This guide breaks down the standard Fabtech suspension part names, sorted by system, so you can identify components and understand how they work together.

Front Suspension Components

Upper and Lower Control Arms

Fabtech uses heavy-duty tubular steel control arms to replace factory arms on lifted vehicles. The upper control arm (UCA) connects the top of the spindle to the frame, while the lower control arm (LCA) links the bottom. In Fabtech kits, these arms are often longer than stock to correct geometry after lifting. They include ball joints at the spindle end and bushings at the frame end.

Coilover Springs and Shocks

Many Fabtech front lift kits use coilover assemblies that combine a spring and shock absorber into one unit. The coil spring supports the vehicle's weight and provides ride height, while the shock controls rebound and compression damping. Fabtech offers both standard and adjustable coilovers, with names like "Dirt Logic" or "Performance" series. The spring rate and shock valving are matched to the lift height and intended use (e.g., desert racing vs. daily driving).

Spindles and Knuckles

On some Fabtech lift systems, the front knuckle or spindle is replaced or modified to raise the ride height without changing the suspension geometry too drastically. These parts connect the control arms to the wheel hub and house the wheel bearings. Fabtech spindles are CNC-machined from high-strength steel or aluminum, depending on the kit.

Sway Bar Links and Bushings

When you lift a vehicle, the factory sway bar links become too short. Fabtech includes extended sway bar links to reconnect the sway bar to the control arms. These links are usually polyurethane or rubber bushings to reduce noise and allow articulation without binding. The sway bar itself may also be relocated with drop brackets to maintain proper roll stiffness.

Track Bar or Panhard Bar

On solid-axle front suspensions (common on older trucks and some heavy-duty models), a track bar centers the axle under the frame. Fabtech replacement track bars are adjustable to correct axle alignment after lifting. They feature a long rod with polyurethane bushings and a threaded adjuster for fine-tuning.

Rear Suspension Components

Leaf Springs or Coil Springs

Fabtech rear lift kits typically use add-a-leaf or replacement leaf springs for leaf‑spring rear ends (common on trucks) or new coil springs for coil‑spring setups (late‑model Rams, some SUVs). The part names include "lift block" (a spacer between axle and spring) or "add-a-leaf" (an extra leaf added to the existing pack). For coil‑spring vehicles, Fabtech uses taller progressive‑rate coils to maintain ride quality.

Rear Shocks

Rear shocks are separate from the springs in most Fabtech kits. Common names include "reservoir shocks" (with external oil reservoir for cooling), "smooth body shocks", and "adjustable shocks". The shock length and valving match the lift height. Fabtech often pairs different shock series with different kit levels—for example, their "Premium N3" shocks for budget builds and "Dirt Logic" reservoirs for extreme off-roading.

U‑Bolts and Plates

U‑bolts are the hardware that clamps the leaf springs to the axle housing. Fabtech includes longer U‑bolts in lift kits to accommodate the added lift blocks or new springs. They also provide new spring plates (the metal brackets that hold the U‑bolts and locate the axle) that are often thicker than stock to withstand off-road loads.

Bump Stops and Droop Stops

Bump stops limit upward suspension travel (compression), while droop stops (or limit straps) prevent over‑extension. Fabtech uses rubber or polyurethane bump stops that fit into cups welded to the frame or axle. Limit straps are made of high‑strength nylon with clevis ends.

Rear Sway Bar (if equipped)

Some trucks have rear sway bars. Fabtech may include a sway bar relocation bracket or an adjustable end link to maintain proper sway bar geometry after lifting.

Steering & Braking Components

Pitman Arm and Idler Arm

For lifted vehicles with a steering linkage, the pitman arm (attached to the steering gearbox) and idler arm (on the passenger side) may need to be dropped or replaced. Fabtech offers drop pitman arms and idler arms to correct steering angles. These are typically forged steel with Polyurethane bushings.

Drag Link and Tie Rods

Fabtech tie rod ends and drag links are heavy-duty replacements that can handle the larger tires and increased leverage from a lift. Some kits include a steering stabilizer (damper) mount and a new stabilizer shock. The stabilizer reduces bump steer and vibration.

Brake Line Brackets

Lifting a vehicle extends the suspension travel, which can overstretch factory brake lines. Fabtech includes brake line relocation brackets that drop the mounting point on the frame or axle. For extreme lifts, they may also supply extended stainless steel braided brake lines.

Hardware & Accessories

Bolts, Nuts, and Washers

Every Fabtech kit comes with a hardware pack containing grade 8 or higher bolts, lock nuts, and washers specifically sized for each mounting point. Part numbers are listed in the instructions, so you can order replacements from Fabtech or hardware retailers.

Bushings and Sleeves

Bushings are used in control arms, track bars, and sway bar links. Fabtech uses either polyurethane (hard, durable, more vibration) or rubber (softer, quieter, less durable). Sleeves are the metal inserts that the bolts pass through inside the bushing.

Coil Spring Isolators and Retainers

Isolators are rubber or plastic pads that sit between the coil spring and the frame or axle to prevent metal‑on‑metal contact. Retainers are clips or cups that keep the coil spring seated during full droop.

Choosing the Right Fabtech Lift Kit

When selecting a Fabtech suspension kit, pay close attention to the included parts list. Cheaper kits may omit adjustable track bars, upgraded tie rods, or reservoir shocks—all of which affect ride quality and safety. If you plan to off-road hard, opt for a system that includes aftermarket upper control arms (UCAs) to correct camber and protect your ball joints. For daily driving with occasional trails, a basic leveling kit with new springs and shocks will suffice.

Always verify that all hardware is present before starting an install. Missing a single U‑bolt or bushing can delay the project. If you find yourself diagnosing a problem after installation, refer back to the part names in this guide—often a loose sway bar link or an incorrectly adjusted track bar is the cause. Knowing the names helps you communicate with mechanics or Fabtech customer support.

Final recommendation: Start by determining your lift height and primary use (rock crawling, desert, or street). Then read the kit description to see which components are included—especially the brand and type of shocks and whether control arms or track bars are included. A complete Fabtech kit with all necessary brackets and hardware will save you the headache of sourcing missing parts later.