Dantheman1540
Full Access Member
It's so nice to pull all the old out and install new! Nice work!
Building the SS(V) TrailHoe
- Thread starter Bill 1960
- Start date
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It's so nice to pull all the old out and install new! Nice work!
The first unplanned replacement. I discovered one of the bushings in the differential carrier had debonded and was floating around. Since the 35” tires will be adding more stress to the front diff mounts I decided to replace both driver and passenger side diff carriers, rather than just the one bushing.
The local dealer had them in stock. Which makes me think it’s a commonly failed part.
The local dealer had them in stock. Which makes me think it’s a commonly failed part.
Today I put the diff back in, along with the new carriers and the lowering brackets that drop the diff 5”. Than the new cross members and longitudinal braces.
From here on the front will be easy, it’s just reassembly and all the parts are new.
From here on the front will be easy, it’s just reassembly and all the parts are new.
This photo illustrates one of the reasons I chose ProComp. As far as I could tell from reading all the installation instructions I could find they’re the only ones to add an extra mounting point to the front differential housing. And do it properly; it’s braced to the new subframe with a polyurethane bushing so it can flex. Which matches how the differential housing is hung from the frame on isolation bushings.
I expect that will help the weak 8.25 front housing withstand the extra torque from large tires.
I expect that will help the weak 8.25 front housing withstand the extra torque from large tires.
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Got the RF done enough today to test fit a wheel and tire. I’d like it better if the tire were less outside the fender, but it’s not gonna happen; only 1/2” clearance now between the tire and the tie rod end.
35/12.5/17 on ProComp 17x8 -6 offset.
Barely clears at the rear of the wheel well, but I’ll be doing a NorCal trim there.
Today was just to verify the choice of wheel and cycle the suspension to check for issues. The brake hose is a little shorter than I like at full droop and lock, so I’ll be getting some stainless for that. The CV’s are okay at max droop and lock, although it’s obvious they don’t have much more left in their range of articulation.
35/12.5/17 on ProComp 17x8 -6 offset.
Barely clears at the rear of the wheel well, but I’ll be doing a NorCal trim there.
Today was just to verify the choice of wheel and cycle the suspension to check for issues. The brake hose is a little shorter than I like at full droop and lock, so I’ll be getting some stainless for that. The CV’s are okay at max droop and lock, although it’s obvious they don’t have much more left in their range of articulation.
Sparksalot
Elite Member
Sun is important to help dry her new wings.
Sparksalot
Elite Member
@Bill 1960 which transmission do you have, the 4L60?
I’m looking at a 2007 SSV going for auction tomorrow.
I’m looking at a 2007 SSV going for auction tomorrow.
@Sparksalot , yeah ‘08 was the last year of the 4 speed I believe.
Sparksalot
Elite Member
I believe it was for the 2wd also.
Back on the road again. Got the seal of approval from the passengers. I’ll take some more pictures when the lighting is better.
Initial impression; while the handling and ride is impacted, it’s not as bad as many lifted vehicles I’ve driven. I’ll need to play around with tire pressures and decide what to do about coilovers. The factory style Monroe struts are riding OK, but they’ll never handle these tires on a washboard trail.
Initial impression; while the handling and ride is impacted, it’s not as bad as many lifted vehicles I’ve driven. I’ll need to play around with tire pressures and decide what to do about coilovers. The factory style Monroe struts are riding OK, but they’ll never handle these tires on a washboard trail.
bigfootchiro
Full Access Member
Where are you located Bill? I'm in Pinellas Park. Nice Hoe!
Dantheman1540
Full Access Member
Dang looks good and super tall with that front bumper cut! Lots of front approach angle
Still not very good lighting conditions, but at least it has the hub covers back on. These are a little weathered so I ordered replacements today. GM wants stupid price for a bit of plastic adornment, so I went against my usual habit and bought imitations from eBay.
I will say IMO 6” of lift or more is not a great look. Too much wheel well above the tire for my taste. I may end up dropping an inch or two from here. Or maybe not, as I DO like the clearance.
@bigfootchiro I'm in SWFL. Nice looking rig in your sig. I'm envious of that 14 bolt.
I will say IMO 6” of lift or more is not a great look. Too much wheel well above the tire for my taste. I may end up dropping an inch or two from here. Or maybe not, as I DO like the clearance.
@bigfootchiro I'm in SWFL. Nice looking rig in your sig. I'm envious of that 14 bolt.
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She went on a diet and became a two-seater today. In preparation for building a deck with storage.
Although I may prioritize rock rails/ steps because climbing in and out is a pain. Literally.
As you can see red Texas dust is still showing up whenever something comes apart.
Although I may prioritize rock rails/ steps because climbing in and out is a pain. Literally.
As you can see red Texas dust is still showing up whenever something comes apart.
I'm a lowered guy......but I like where this going. I have a '19 Rubicon for my off road pleasures....but I agree, driving a lifted Rubicon on the highway for long distance blows donkey ball sack.
I would love to build an SSV trail rig........but my PPV keeps sucking the money from me; I wanna go fast (Ricky Bobby style). Just built the 5.3 and now I'm building a 6.0(L96).
I would love to build an SSV trail rig........but my PPV keeps sucking the money from me; I wanna go fast (Ricky Bobby style). Just built the 5.3 and now I'm building a 6.0(L96).
Sparksalot
Elite Member
Which caps are you after, the standard ones, or the PPV version? I know the PPV caps are$120 each. Between the twins I have three sets of wheels and 2.5 sets of caps.
@Sparksalot mine came with the satin silver standard, just like most low spec trucks of that period. I think the PPV was chrome? I found lots of aftermarket chrome -not the look I want- and plenty of GM OEM satin still available from around $70 to twice that. Crazy money for a few ounces of painted plastic.
I finally found a set of four in satin for $50 on EBay. Fingers crossed they show up as described and not chrome!
I finally found a set of four in satin for $50 on EBay. Fingers crossed they show up as described and not chrome!
bigfootchiro
Full Access Member
Thank you. It's what happens when you decide to grenade your stock 10 bolt rear with all the torque of your big block
