Do they wear out? IDK. My truck has almost 300k and they still work just fine.
But if they are bent, then that's a problem. Sounds like they took the truck rock climbing.
The Z85 towing package was some wiring harness and other stuff, nothing suspension related that I can recall. Just stick with the GVWR of 8600 lb (2500 Suburban, I think 2wd or 4x4 may not matter, IDK on that?). Also, compare part numbers with the Avalanche 2500 and pickup trucks that are 2500 or 2500HD. Those were GVWR of 8600 lb and 9200 lb, respectively. I've never wondered if they are dimensionally the same as the Suburbans. But if they are the same parts, then that will help widen chances of finding replacements. I'd be hitting the wrecking yards.
The z85 in the VIN decoder is described as “chassis increased capacity” the Z82 is the trailer hitch/wiring. Also says it has the 9900lb brakes which i noticed some of the rock auto parts descriptions for this truck mentioned as an option. Anyway, it looks like i need 6gk and 7gk torsion bars which are rare as hens teeth apparently.
thanks fer all the info gentlemen, i am replacing everything on this truck that could break as i’m converting it to a camper and taking it to alaska this summer.
Completed so far
-knock sensors
-valve civer gaskets
-fuel filter
-water pump
-upper lower rad hoses, all
new heater hoses with new metal Dorman upgraded quick connect fittings (
-alternator
-spark plugs, wires(iridium new old stock acdelco)
-power steering pump (psc duramax version bolted right up)
-steering gear (blue top rebuilt my original)
-hydro boost (replaced with 2011 dyramax model, bolted right up)
-power steering cooler, all power steering pressure and return lines (edelman “elite” )
-replaced both front wheel hub/bearing assemblies even tho only one was going bad. Used mevotec “upgraded” as genuine GM are like 400 bucks now!
-inner/outer tie rods, idler arm, pitman arm all dorman “heavy duty” supposedly upgraded.
-upper control arms, shocks, torsion keys (all part of rough county 3” lift)
-lower control arm bushings (major pita) actually called a shop “can you remive/replace lower control arms bushings?” “sure bring’em in”
I bring them in “we cant do these, wont fit our press, might take us several hours at 175/hour” New GM ones are 600 a piece!!
replaced rear hatch window (infamous glued on hinge failure, junkyard 63 bucks) fits perfect, hope it holds) new one is 600-900 bucks!
-though the truck never had one, i added the bilstein 5100 steering stabilizer as the frame and OEM center link had the mounting provisions for it. Not sure how it will affect handling….
left to do:
-master cylinder
-new rotors
-stainless brake hoses
-new calipers
-oil pan gasket
-replace factory block heater
-replace
engine oil cooler gasket.
-trans cooler lines
-mushimoto 40k style cooler
-255-85-16 34” tires
The only parts that were really warn on this 130k mile grocery getter were the drinker’s side front hub bearings, the bump stops, one trans line cooler, the power steering pump and or the gear, or maybe it was just one of the lines were leaking. I just fired the parts cannon and replaced everything.
-