Aluminum / XFE NNBS Front Suspension Rebuild

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mikez71

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Which lower is that?

I thought all lower arms fit all knuckles?
 

TwistedQJ

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Mevotech CTXMS501184. It’s their aluminum arm with the TTX ball joint. Part number states it fits 14-18 Silverado/Sierras, 15-20 Yukon/tahoe/Esky.
 

mikez71

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Looking at Marky D's post...looks like you may need the steel lower arms (If you go 14-18 parts)

I have been wondering if a complete later model swap will work (knuckles/arms/tie rod ends)
 
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petethepug

petethepug

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Is there a part # on the LCA?

# 25788111 shows it fits all 07-14 full size SUV here …


Reverse checking 2011 Silverado Alum LCA comes back to Mevotech# CMS501003 or vs # CTXMS501184 this …


IMG_2356.jpeg


Does GM have another trick up their sleeve for an aluminum LCA / knuckle combo with a different diameter & pitch for 15-20 trucks?

Here’s Mevotech catalog for a 2010 Tahoe 4WD LT … adjust as needed …

 
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TwistedQJ

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I wonder if I can just replace the ball joints with ones for “Steel arms”.
 
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petethepug

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Michael
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No you can not just for the sole reason that would be entirely too easy compared to all the other hoops GM is making us jump through. :mad:

Moog (Mevotech) has an online Q&A section on their parts compatibility catalog. It’s usually a 24 hr turn around time when respond back.

If you do inquire be sure to include their part #’s and specifically ask if the ball joints between part #ABC and #123 are cross compatible.

If they’re not, what parts are for my 69 Camaro kinda language or you’ll get … sorry, need more info
 

91RS

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I’m not sure if I missed it but did you get this done? What changes did you notice while driving? Does it help with the shudder/hammer feel when hitting a sharp bump that these trucks have? Especially with the 22”?
 
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petethepug

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Timeline is this month. Fingers crossed. The Indi will be doing the radiator, CPS along with the rack and (another) oil pressure sensor.

It’s a huugge pile of parts. Very thankful to be doing this resto on vehicle I hunted down and have 150%, no regrets about restoring vs. a dump & run to a newer vehicle.

I’m not sure if I missed it but did you get this done?
 

91RS

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I ended up buying the aluminum lower control arms made for the GMT-900, new front shocks, new front strut mounts, and the gel filled steering gear bushings made to help with vibration on the K2 trucks. I wanted to do the full aluminum conversion, but my truck is lowered with drop knuckles. All of those are iron, so I would have had to raise the truck back up to go with the stock aluminum knuckles or there was no point. The difference in weight for the stock iron upper control arms and the stamped steel wasn’t much but the lower arms was over 5 lbs. I haven’t been on a trip again yet, but all the parts I replaced seemed to make a big difference. Although the Mag ride shocks aren’t “supposed” to wear out because of how they work, and mine showed zero signs of leakage,
I figured there was absolutely no way they still worked like when they were new with 193k on them. I did the strut mounts while I was there because that’s one of the few pieces that also hadn’t been replaced. I’m actually also thinking about looking for another set of the Escalade V forged wheels for this truck because I know those weigh less than the wheels on it. I hate to have the same wheels on both trucks but they do look great.
 

992dr

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@petethepug Man I'm not sure if this has been covered.
Do the hubs from the 07/14 fit the newer aluminum hubs?
I'm ordering new ones now but put it on hold until it is confirmed they fit the newer aluminum XFE spindles.

Thanks
 
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petethepug

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We narrowed down the terminology to hubs and knuckles. In which case all the hub assemblies on our 1/2 ton SUV are cast iron steel. The hubs are the assemblies with the studs anchored into them.

The knuckles are either aluminum or cast iron. Both versions bolt on to the cast iron steel hubs.

The difference between the alum & iron knucks is the holes where the LCA mount to them. Alum knucks have a larger diameter hole for a the larger ball joint that the Alum LCA have.

Yup, the aluminum and cast iron steel LCA both have different sized ball joints but, both the alum & cast iron UCA have the same size ball joints.
 
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992dr

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I get so confused with some of this terminology haha. And I always forget that it doesn't have spindles.
So, a Timken wheel bearing hub assembly for an 07/14 will bolt to the newer style aluminum knuckles?
 
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petethepug

petethepug

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Correct.

Pretty sure the alum hub has a larger diameter tapered hole because it needs more material to have the same strength as the smaller iron hubs mount hole.

Oh yea, the tie rod end mount hole on the alum knuck is a different size too. It needs a 15-20 specific tie rod end from GM’s electric rack.
 
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petethepug

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Ordered a new OEM radiator, coolant reservoir and two new front hubs. Pretty sure the petcock on the OEM radiator is the source of the leak but at almost 190k on a likely OEM radiator, it’s due.

Found an interesting article on my preferred mfg for bearings, SKF. Turns out GM got together with them to create a better hub assembly for the 06-09 STS-V. They installed 6 lug hubs on a 4 door passenger car for a few years.

The technology bled over to the Escalade and is now known as a hybrid hub. Apparently it’s now used on the Escalade-V. No better time to replace them then when the front end is apart.

IMG_2919.jpeg



RockAuto has em for an unbelievable $139.79 ea.

 

91RS

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The factory radiator does not. If you have one, it’s an aftermarket radiator.
 

992dr

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Ordered a new OEM radiator, coolant reservoir and two new front hubs. Pretty sure the petcock on the OEM radiator is the source of the leak but at almost 190k on a likely OEM radiator, it’s due.

Found an interesting article on my preferred mfg for bearings, SKF. Turns out GM got together with them to create a better hub assembly for the 06-09 STS-V. They installed 6 lug hubs on a 4 door passenger car for a few years.

The technology bled over to the Escalade and is now known as a hybrid hub. Apparently it’s now used on the Escalade-V. No better time to replace them then when the front end is apart.

View attachment 450605


RockAuto has em for an unbelievable $139.79 ea.

Just ordered my hubs :)
 

j91z28d1

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Ordered a new OEM radiator, coolant reservoir and two new front hubs. Pretty sure the petcock on the OEM radiator is the source of the leak but at almost 190k on a likely OEM radiator, it’s due.

Found an interesting article on my preferred mfg for bearings, SKF. Turns out GM got together with them to create a better hub assembly for the 06-09 STS-V. They installed 6 lug hubs on a 4 door passenger car for a few years.

The technology bled over to the Escalade and is now known as a hybrid hub. Apparently it’s now used on the Escalade-V. No better time to replace them then when the front end is apart.

View attachment 450605


RockAuto has em for an unbelievable $139.79 ea.



interesting
 

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