Finally got that busted bolt out! Or rather, I paid some professionals to do it for me! They replaced two of the swaybar bushing bolts and installed my new bracket and used a blind nut again on top. I'm going to replace that with a Heli-coil. Another bolt should be replaced so I'll order one up.
I also wanted an alignment done but they told me that I needed new ball joints on both sides. Gee, I just checked the left lower with a dial indicator and it was good. Wondering how they checked mine, I reviewed the dash cam footage while it was in the shop, and they did indeed jack up each side and press down on the wheels with a long cheater bar. Once home, I looked at them more closely and the rubber is cracking though they are not leaking yet.
So if anyone was wondering, that explains my post about Ball Joint and Control Arm life. 152K and I'm a little past due!
Also noticed that the alignment cams still have the plastic inserts from the factory, the truck has never had it caster or camber adjusted. The outer tie rods do not appear original.
The transfer case rear output seal is leaking and needs to be replaced. The rear differential's pinion seal is starting to sweat. Also noticed that the engine oil cooler block above the oil filter is leaking. The 10 mm wrench tightened each bolt only slightly, I've got to get that changed, no more waiting James!
Have only fueled up 4 times since October, the truck has not been driven much. Battery charge just now was 54% and 11.54 volts. It was in the 30s a few weeks ago and barely kicked over. Time for a new battery or time for a long run on the highway to charge it up? Battery is 40 months old now, 40K miles and almost 1500 hours. Cadillac has a coupon for a 48PG for $180 installed. If they'll do the 48HPG I'm game.
Transmission. Had its first fluid exchange done at 117K miles with 31% or so showing on the Transmission Oil Life Monitor. Doing a little math, it was very likely never done before, about 1700 miles per percent. Now she's at 78% and it's been 34,240 miles which is about 1556 miles per percent. Makes sense, the previous owner lived in a more rural area than me. So now I have another choice to make, do another fluid exchange or drop the pan and change half or all at 36K? I shall send off an oil sample (transmission) soon for examination. Should I decide when the results come back?
If we're going to replace the controls arms, we're going to replace the struts, shocks and springs too. All GM OE, not even AC Delco if I can help it. Costs more but should make it to 300K miles.
Oh, installed the transfer case shield with bolts purchased from a member on here. Cleaned them up, painted them red. Even though I read that they were self-tapping, I insisted on threading the holes with my tap. Dumb idea, that one hole is not as tight as the others and they didn't need much torque to tighten up, 15 ft lbs. Have to get the other shield.
Wanted to pull the front tow "hooks" out and paint them red. Bolts are not easily accessed like the Suburban or Tahoe. Have to remove that hard plastic and pull away wheel liner to get a wrench or socket in there. Another day.
Almost thought we had enough rain-free weather in the forecast to do the mirrors with the Gruven gears. Close but not yet. Been waiting over two years!
If we go through all this suspension work and level the truck, by then it will be time for tires. If I do go up in size, I am thinking about a 20 x 8 wheel with 275-65-20s, a 34" tire. Not too wide to require trimming or getting stuck in the mud. KO2s again but those red Grabber letters are cool. Most wheels are an inch wider. Not for me.
