Suspension overhaul recommendations

[xjsc16x]

I did all the steering parts when I bought my truck. Pitman/idler arms, inner and outer tie rods. Ball joints looked halfway acceptable so left them as is. Took my truck from a mess all over the highway to nice and tight. Cheap alignment means it pulls slightly to the right so I'll have to get another one eventually.

What's everyone's suggestions for shocks? I can foresee needing new ones soon as the New England rust has not been kind to them.

-Justin

 

[HiHoeSilver]

I did all the steering parts when I bought my truck. Pitman/idler arms, inner and outer tie rods. Ball joints looked halfway acceptable so left them as is. Took my truck from a mess all over the highway to nice and tight. Cheap alignment means it pulls slightly to the right so I'll have to get another one eventually.

What's everyone's suggestions for shocks? I can foresee needing new ones soon as the New England rust has not been kind to them.

-Justin

Are you planning on lifting /lowering ?

 

[xjsc16x]

Are you planning on lifting /lowering ?

Possibly. I was thinking about spring spacers in the rear for maybe an inch, or possibly just lift coils if they're cheap enough. And keys to bring the front up to match. Are shock extenders alright to use so I can use a stock size shock? Most cheapo kits come with them.

-Justin

 

[xjsc16x]

Possibly. I was thinking about spring spacers in the rear for maybe an inch, or possibly just lift coils if they're cheap enough. And keys to bring the front up to match. Are shock extenders alright to use so I can use a stock size shock? Most cheapo kits come with them.

-Justin

https://www.amazon.com/MotoFab-Lift...8751&sr=8-16&keywords=00+chevy+tahoe+lift+kit

^ this is pretty much what I'm looking at. Cheap yet effective.

I could either get that and find some shocks to match, or if I'm feeling blasphemous I could possibly consider a RC 273N2 kit...

 

[HiHoeSilver]

The most popular choice on the forum is Bilstein. 4600 if staying stock or lower. 5100 for stock or higher. The 5100 is adjustable 0-3 (or maybe 2.5)" of lift. It has 3 (I think) perch points to choose from. If you're not already z71, you can put the z71 springs in the rear and get anywhere from 0.5-1.5" of lift just from those. Results vary a bit.

 

[xjsc16x]

The most popular choice on the forum is Bilstein. 4600 if staying stock or lower. 5100 for stock or higher. The 5100 is adjustable 0-3 (or maybe 2.5)" of lift. It has 3 (I think) perch points to choose from. If you're not already z71, you can put the z71 springs in the rear and get anywhere from 0.5-1.5" of lift just from those. Results vary a bit.

It's an LT. Will look at Z71 springs, thanks.

 

[xjsc16x]

It's an LT. Will look at Z71 springs, thanks.

Brand new Bilsteins, Moog Z71 replacement springs, insulators, and a generic 2" torsion key is ~$400 combined. I know what I'm saving for!

On that note, I know for a fact that my camber adjuster plates are rusted clean shut and will need to replace them. Are there any "aftermarket" plates that will give a little more adjustment or are oem-like replacements fine for the amount of lift I'll have?

-Justin

 

[Merc1973]

Brand new Bilsteins, Moog Z71 replacement springs, insulators, and a generic 2" torsion key is ~$400 combined. I know what I'm saving for!

On that note, I know for a fact that my camber adjuster plates are rusted clean shut and will need to replace them. Are there any "aftermarket" plates that will give a little more adjustment or are oem-like replacements fine for the amount of lift I'll have?

-Justin

RockAuto

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Brand new Bilsteins, Moog Z71 replacement springs, insulators, and a generic 2" torsion key is ~$400 combined. I know what I'm saving for!

On that note, I know for a fact that my camber adjuster plates are rusted clean shut and will need to replace them. Are there any "aftermarket" plates that will give a little more adjustment or are oem-like replacements fine for the amount of lift I'll have?

-Justin

@Tonyrodz, is this what you got?

 

[Tonyrodz]

@Tonyrodz, is this what you got?

Yup, got some aftermarket plates. Bought them for my spindles, but went with keys instead. They're still in the bag.