2012 Denali Front & Rear Suspension

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swathdiver

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@swathdiver @Joseph Garcia @Doubeleive - YES I OWE MR. SWATHDIVER A COLD BEER AND I'M STILL RACKING MY HEAD.

Check out the the attached:

1.) Parts list from RockAuto (Took a Stab at it with some hiccups I'm sure)

2.) Spoke with the dealer this AM - "STEALERSHIP" with a HIGH QUOTE that I narrowed down to the Necessities hoping I can salvage some parts.


Any input from you gents is much appreciated - I'm ready to pull the trigger but damn sure got to get it right!!

Ok, all the parts/part numbers look right to me. I don't see the jounce bumpers listed, you need them too, especially up front. Mine were wore out and falling apart. You are lucky to be able to get all the parts from one vendor!

My coil springs damaged the insulators over the years and re-using them would probably have left me looking for squeaks. They were wore through in some places. The cone shaped one that goes in the strut assembly was almost gone, it was falling apart.

I could have re-used my alignment cams but used the new ones. We did not need to use the alignment guide pins or the lower control arm bolts.

My truck looked like it was sagging up front and was sagging while towing. The new front coils picked up the front end only about 5/16 of an inch and a little more in the rear but the back doesn't sag while towing now.

Get a 36mm crows foot wrench to do the inner tie rod. We used a 1/2 drive type and a BIG adjustable pliers that opened up to 40 mm. Problem with the latter was that it only worked on one side as the other side it was clocked differently. The crow's foot ought to be small enough no matter the position.

I bought a nice set of Knipex pliers (1099i220) to set those clamps on the boots. The boots also come with clamps. Better than tie straps which can leak. The OE boots are also noticeably better in quality over the ACDelco, I bought them both just to see.

How are you going to assemble the front struts? I was going to purchase the KTool 70372 but read it might be too small and was looking to save a few dollars as prices were rising on this project daily! Instead, I purchased the OEM Tools 27036 and it too was too small for our coils. I had to grind down the chrome pins about 1/2 way to get the springs secured in place. Man that thing scares me! Still does seeing it get all twisted and bent, just waiting for it to blow up in my face! It never did but don't think I'll use it ever again. Next time I'll buy the OTC Clamshell type, like the KTool.

On my build page called "Useless Information" you'll find a write up about doing all this work and the tools and torque specs. They all won't be the same for yours, especially the strut nut but you can use it as a guide to double check yours.

FYI: That lower control arm part number 45D2471/19313224 and 45D2472/19313221 are ACDelco Professional parts, the exact same part as Moog CK620956 and CK620955.

We replaced the panhard rod, aka track bar, because it was rusty and the bushings were beginning to crack. We'll eventually replace the other 4 control arms when I swap out differentials. Last time I looked, the bushings were fine.

The two mounts that hold my front differential will need replacing soon. We took out the front differential to replace the engine oil cooler and transmission oil cooler lines and discovered that. Those will get replaced when we re-gear unless it becomes necessary sooner.

After all this done and it comes to the alignment, I suggest not settling for just getting the settings in the green. I demanded specific numbers and after talking with the technician and coming to an agreement, got a great alignment. This was entrusted to my local GM dealership.

Our alignment settings are tire specific. I do not assume the alignment guys know this or bother to look it up.

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@swathdiver - You're the man and very thorough (I'm this way to a fault). I'm having a mechanic install everything and here's what I purchased so far:
Mainly Rock Auto and the other is GM PARTS GIANT: I'm not sure I bought all the hardware but I'm sure it's the least of my worries. The camber kit and OEM rear compressor were debatable over an aftermarket but went OEM. Please advise on anything as I can modify the order: Also, I found some old pics....it's a little rusty under there.

Basically I only purchased the shocks in the rear and the compressor.

The front I went all in as proposed. Note: right now it's EXTREMELY noisy under there and as you can see in the pics rusty.

I have other issues to address, so saving money should be of concern but by no means will I want to sacrifice quality.

Advise away!!!!

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Geotrash

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@swathdiver - You're the man and very thorough (I'm this way to a fault). I'm having a mechanic install everything and here's what I purchased so far:
Mainly Rock Auto and the other is GM PARTS GIANT: I'm not sure I bought all the hardware but I'm sure it's the least of my worries. The camber kit and OEM rear compressor were debatable over an aftermarket but went OEM. Please advise on anything as I can modify the order: Also, I found some old pics....it's a little rusty under there...
View attachment 369648

View attachment 369649
I have the Dorman compressor in my 2007 and it's been great. Way cheaper too.
 

swathdiver

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@swathdiver - You're the man and very thorough (I'm this way to a fault). I'm having a mechanic install everything and here's what I purchased so far:
Mainly Rock Auto and the other is GM PARTS GIANT: I'm not sure I bought all the hardware but I'm sure it's the least of my worries. The camber kit and OEM rear compressor were debatable over an aftermarket but went OEM. Please advise on anything as I can modify the order: Also, I found some old pics....it's a little rusty under there.

Basically I only purchased the shocks in the rear and the compressor.

The front I went all in as proposed. Note: right now it's EXTREMELY noisy under there and as you can see in the pics rusty.

I have other issues to address, so saving money should be of concern but by no means will I want to sacrifice quality.

Advise away!!!!

View attachment 369648

View attachment 369649
Looks better than mine underneath!

Replace the rear bump stops too, your back ones are falling apart too.

I neglected to mention as I didn't do it and forget, that we're supposed to replace the nuts for the ball joints, the tie rod end and CV Axle.

The factory spindle nut for the CV Axle is 35mm and if you use a Dorman replacement, they are 36mm. I don't have the part numbers handy.

I've replaced the spindle nuts a bunch of times, the first time they go on, you have to use a ratchet as they are tight enough to not allow you to thread them by hand. I re-used one once while waiting for parts, then it was stretched enough to go on by hand. Replaced it soon after. Guess I should get off my duff and order the nuts for the ball joints and tie rod ends! 1500 miles to go before the wheels come off for a tire rotation.

I learned something new today Joe! @Joseph Garcia Didn't know the Dorman compressor is lacking with regards to the Tech-2. My truck has the basic suspension so none of those options are visible on mine.
 

Geotrash

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Looks better than mine underneath!

Replace the rear bump stops too, your back ones are falling apart too.

I neglected to mention as I didn't do it and forget, that we're supposed to replace the nuts for the ball joints, the tie rod end and CV Axle.

The factory spindle nut for the CV Axle is 35mm and if you use a Dorman replacement, they are 36mm. I don't have the part numbers handy.

I've replaced the spindle nuts a bunch of times, the first time they go on, you have to use a ratchet as they are tight enough to not allow you to thread them by hand. I re-used one once while waiting for parts, then it was stretched enough to go on by hand. Replaced it soon after. Guess I should get off my duff and order the nuts for the ball joints and tie rod ends! 1500 miles to go before the wheels come off for a tire rotation.

I learned something new today Joe! @Joseph Garcia Didn't know the Dorman compressor is lacking with regards to the Tech-2. My truck has the basic suspension so none of those options are visible on mine.
Yep, Joseph is right. We discovered this together in a private message thread with the Tech2 connected to both my 2012 (OEM compressor) and my 2007 (Dorman compressor). Sure enough, the Dorman lacks some of the info and command functions, but it does work perfectly in its functioning otherwise as a compressor for the suspension.
 
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Looks better than mine underneath!

Replace the rear bump stops too, your back ones are falling apart too.

I neglected to mention as I didn't do it and forget, that we're supposed to replace the nuts for the ball joints, the tie rod end and CV Axle.

The factory spindle nut for the CV Axle is 35mm and if you use a Dorman replacement, they are 36mm. I don't have the part numbers handy.

I've replaced the spindle nuts a bunch of times, the first time they go on, you have to use a ratchet as they are tight enough to not allow you to thread them by hand. I re-used one once while waiting for parts, then it was stretched enough to go on by hand. Replaced it soon after. Guess I should get off my duff and order the nuts for the ball joints and tie rod ends! 1500 miles to go before the wheels come off for a tire rotation.

I learned something new today Joe! @Joseph Garcia Didn't know the Dorman compressor is lacking with regards to the Tech-2. My truck has the basic suspension so none of those options are visible on mine.
-The Rear Bumper Stop is on Backorder (the dealer had told me that as well as indicative in my cross referencing)

Are you referring to your original sheet:

"SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM NUT, FRONT, LOWER" (NO PART NUMBER) qty 4

"SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM WASHER, FRONT, LOWER" (NO PART NUMBER) qty 4

It looks like the ball joints, tie rod ends, etc come with nuts; however, the ball joints are pressed into the arms already on the parts I've ordered

Can the hardware be bought at the automotive store?

I'm seeing kits but I'm pretty confused and/or cross eyed to ensure I'm properly identifying what goes with what regarding nuts, washers, etc...

I'm sure these answers are somewhere but they're hidden!!!

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swathdiver

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-The Rear Bumper Stop is on Backorder (the dealer had told me that as well as indicative in my cross referencing)

Are you referring to your original sheet:

"SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM NUT, FRONT, LOWER" (NO PART NUMBER) qty 4

"SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM WASHER, FRONT, LOWER" (NO PART NUMBER) qty 4

It looks like the ball joints, tie rod ends, etc come with nuts; however, the ball joints are pressed into the arms already on the parts I've ordered

Can the hardware be bought at the automotive store?

No, those are for the long bolts for the lower control arms, not the ball joints. None of them come with the nuts. The tie rod end comes with a new jam nut but not the nut that secures it to the knuckle.

I reckon they can be bought there or at a hardware store selling Grade 8 or higher. I looked once or twice without success.
 
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No, those are for the long bolts for the lower control arms, not the ball joints. None of them come with the nuts. The tie rod end comes with a new jam nut but not the nut that secures it to the knuckle.

I reckon they can be bought there or at a hardware store selling Grade 8 or higher. I looked once or twice without success.
Thank you sir- I've got some items trickling through Amazon now. I'll get it figured out one way or another.

Thanks for your patience and knowledge!!!
 

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