Help with reviving suspension

[91RS]

Yeah, I had to bend two or three of them on mine.

 

[jmil1974]

OMG, please do not use any KYB - especially the lower end. Absolute shit. Bilstein 4600s are the ticket for most people. Improvement in control, comfort, and longevity. Add sway bars at the same time (Hotchkis, Nolathane) and you will be shocked at how they transform your drive and ride. I prefer the stiffer Nolathane HDs but will likely go with the Hotchkis since the kit comes with a bunch of extra wear parts. Bilstein 4600s are HUGE value and the sways will make a huge difference...seriously, you will be shocked.

 

[jmil1974]

So.... i was installing my Hellwig sway bars today. The front sway bar was a breeze to install, but the rear one is giving me trouble. It looks like the U bracket mounting holes do not line up (they're farther apart than the body's mounting holes). I've read a few threads that installating was a breeze, yet i dont know if i have to order new mounting brackets that fit my 11 Suburban rwd. Has anyone encountered this problem?

Update: I just slightly bent the brackets just enough to line up the mounting points. It got too cold, so had to call it a day. I'll deal with end links tomorrow.

There is a shim/spacer for the Hellwig rears. Did you get it/use it?

 

[Pyramid_Head]

Yes! I did! And i'm also starting the dismanteling process in the front. I just found out that i got the wrong front springs. They sent me moog part #81248 for the front springs instead of 81250.... ‍

 

[PatDTN]

Funny I went through the same things with RA listing the wrong springs for me Tahoe. When I tried to compress the springs I couldn't get them short enough. That's when I put old and new side by side and saw new were taller (probably okay) but thicker by a lot. I gave up and am still running the old springs with 240k miles.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Yes! I did! And i'm also starting the dismanteling process in the front. I just found out that i got the wrong front springs. They sent me moog part #81248 for the front springs instead of 81250.... ‍

That's unfortunate, as GM no longer makes the OEM 81250 part, and Moog supplied a direct replacement for that part number. I purchased that Moog replacement part last year from Rock Auto, and they shipped me the correct Moog springs.

 

[Pyramid_Head]

They are a tad longer. Not by much. I was able to compress them enough to have the strut nut in a few threads, but not enough. It's going to be one stiff ride if i decide to keep them in.

 

[Pyramid_Head]

Pic of the assembly... maybe i should have gotten the 5100s

 

[Pyramid_Head]

This was as far as i was able to go. About 3 threads sticking out before it said no more. What do you think?

 

[Pyramid_Head]

Just had the time to finish the full suspension overhaul. I just took it to an alignment shop, and let me tell ya, it rides amazing! Even the old lady was impressed! Those Hellwig sway bars work wonders, and the Bilstein 4600s keep it very well under control! The heavy duty springs lifted the truck up by 3 inches all around, so it looks great. Best $2k+ i've ever spent! Thank you guys for the input! My hands are so sore and beaten up, i cant even make a fist anymore. Haha!

 

[Rocket Man]

Just had the time to finish the full suspension overhaul. I just took it to an alignment shop, and let me tell ya, it rides amazing! Even the old lady was impressed! Those Hellwig sway bars work wonders, and the Bilstein 4600s keep it very well under control! The heavy duty springs lifted the truck up by 3 inches all around, so it looks great. Best $2k+ i've ever spent! Thank you guys for the input! My hands are so sore and beaten up, i cant even make a fist anymore. Haha!

Pics?

 

[Pyramid_Head]

I don't have much time right now, plus, the truck needs a shower. I'll try to take some tomorrow.

 

[S1W99]

That's unfortunate, as GM no longer makes the OEM 81250 part, and Moog supplied a direct replacement for that part number. I purchased that Moog replacement part last year from Rock Auto, and they shipped me the correct Moog springs.

How did the springs ride after you put them in?

 

[swathdiver]

Pic of the assembly... maybe i should have gotten the 5100s

Those spring compressors scare me and you didn't even have the safety pins engaged! I had to grind the pins down to make them fit around the coils.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

How did the springs ride after you put them in?

I've had no issues with the Moog springs, and I believe that they ride really well. No harshness at all.

 

[Pyramid_Head]

Sorry for the late reply. Too much drama in my life now, but the ride is amazing! Night and day difference from the old suspension, plus it is now much more tamed and controlled! I highly recommend it if you have $2k to invest in a suspension that will last you another 100k miles! I'm going to wash my truck tomorrow and post some pics. It sits significantly higher, and i can now slide underneath for oil changes without jacking it up! Maybe if i buy a wider wheel/tire combo it'll grip better, but i'm okay with the stock LT wheels for now. Thanks again everyone for helping me determine the best ride for me. By the way: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Sorry for the late reply. Too much drama in my life now, but the ride is amazing! Night a day difference from the old suspension, plus it is now much more tamed and controlled! I highly recommend it if you have $2k to invest in a suspension that will last you another 100k miles! I'm going to wash my truck tomorrow and post some pics. It sits significantly higher, and i can now slide underneath for oil changes without jacking it up! Maybe if i buy a wider wheel/tire combo it'll grip better, but i'm okay with the stock LT wheels for now. Thanks again everyone for helping me determine the best ride for me. By the way: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

Did you go with the Hellwig swaybars?

 

[Pyramid_Head]

Pics of my truck and gramps (my father in-law). I live in a desert, so it's not as clean as i want it to be.

 

[Pyramid_Head]

Did you go with the Hellwig swaybars?

Yes! Both front and back, plus installed the adapters up front so it wont hit the transmission lines. $800 for both, but well worth it!

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Yes! Both front and back, plus installed the adapters up front so it wont hit the transmission lines. $800 for both, but well worth it!

Nice! No more body rolls for your truck.