So what I've learned from yall - go OEM on front suspension!

[kilbooky]

Newish here - and it's my first time getting my front end suspension components replaced. I have a 2016 Suburban LTZ with all the things. Bought in 2022 @104k miles, now @149k. This is what ive learned from like 4 other recent-ish threads:

- Those 3 digit part number things (RPO codes lol) are on a sticker on the inside of my glove box (2018+ think they are on the door)
- Since I have Magnaride, I need to make sure the shocks are Z95 (if I don't want to passive bypass)
- Some of the good aftermarket quickstruts (Arnott, Strutmaster) seem have a much stiffer ride. A few of you went back to OEM and reported significant
- Arnott used to offer Lifetime warranty on suspension components, but now are only 1 or 2 years
- GM/ACdelco now offer limited lifetime warranty on shocks!
- learned about Rockauto!, and that I can get exact parts I need from there!

What I did to warrant this sage knowledge - I like to pop hills with my kids semi-offroad One time after coaching my son's baseball practice I drive him, and friends over a small hill that blew their little minds....and quite possibly my front suspension! The truck still actually rides surprisingly fine, but now there is a....dry rubbing? sound when I drive plus I get the Check Suspension error code. With the engine off I can actually reproduce the rubbing sound by standing on the running board and rocking up and down. I haven't had the time to go under the truck myself.

I live in Maryland. I initially got quote to replace strut assembly and both lower control arm for around $2600 from Tires Plus. Went to GM dealer and they quoted $2700 (1500 parts + 1100 labor) for strut assembly only. Went to my local shop and they quoted $2400 for strut assembly only. Called my aunt's mechanic of over 15 years and he was like, you by the parts, labor for fronts will be around $300. I think I'll go with him

So I have 4 parts in my cart from rockauto
- GM GENUINE 84977478 shocks, 2 at $433
- GM GENUINE 84114505 Lower control arm left, $186
- GM GENUINE 84114506 Lower control arm right $186

That puts me just a bit north of $1200 for those parts. Am I missing anything?

 

[kilbooky]

Oh, and here's a pic of The White Knight:

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

More pics of the truck, please.

You can certainly do this work yourself. Get Liquid Wrench or equivalent on those nuts holding the control arms to the frame well ahead of time.

Once you remove the strut assemblies, take them and the new struts to a local repair shop with a large spring compressor and let them disassemble/replace/reassemble the strut assemblies. This way, you don't have to mess with compressing the springs with light weight tools, and it is much safer for you. Then complete the reinstallation on your truck.

 

[swathdiver]

If yours were mine I'd zero time the suspension, replacing the strut mounts and bushings and all the little pieces that make up the strut too. Would also replace the upper control arms.

Would also inspect the inner and outer tie rods.

Did this to my 2009 at around 160K.

 

[CMoore711]

I second @swathdiver

Add:
*(2) Front Spring Upper Seat - GM (84061243)
*(2) Coil Spring Insulator - GM (20841899)
*(2) Front Upper Strut Mounts
*(2) Front Coil Spring Isolators

*You’ll want to confirm those part #’s

These are smaller parts in the front strut assembly; But all get removed and reinstalled for the same labor you were quoted. So might as well replace with new.

 

[kilbooky]

Huh. Ok appreciate all the feedback thus far. Time is a factor so I probably will have my aunts guy take a look at it. Im tempted though...

Ill tally up the cost of the upper arms, and all the parts @cmore711 mentioned.

Do these parts come with fresh bolts? If not where/ how do you all get new bolts washers etc?

 

[Trey Hardy]

Newish here - and it's my first time getting my front end suspension components replaced. I have a 2016 Suburban LTZ with all the things. Bought in 2022 @104k miles, now @149k. This is what ive learned from like 4 other recent-ish threads:

- Those 3 digit part number things (RPO codes lol) are on a sticker on the inside of my glove box (2018+ think they are on the door)
- Since I have Magnaride, I need to make sure the shocks are Z95 (if I don't want to passive bypass)
- Some of the good aftermarket quickstruts (Arnott, Strutmaster) seem have a much stiffer ride. A few of you went back to OEM and reported significant
- Arnott used to offer Lifetime warranty on suspension components, but now are only 1 or 2 years
- GM/ACdelco now offer limited lifetime warranty on shocks!
- learned about Rockauto!, and that I can get exact parts I need from there!

What I did to warrant this sage knowledge - I like to pop hills with my kids semi-offroad One time after coaching my son's baseball practice I drive him, and friends over a small hill that blew their little minds....and quite possibly my front suspension! The truck still actually rides surprisingly fine, but now there is a....dry rubbing? sound when I drive plus I get the Check Suspension error code. With the engine off I can actually reproduce the rubbing sound by standing on the running board and rocking up and down. I haven't had the time to go under the truck myself.

I live in Maryland. I initially got quote to replace strut assembly and both lower control arm for around $2600 from Tires Plus. Went to GM dealer and they quoted $2700 (1500 parts + 1100 labor) for strut assembly only. Went to my local shop and they quoted $2400 for strut assembly only. Called my aunt's mechanic of over 15 years and he was like, you by the parts, labor for fronts will be around $300. I think I'll go with him

So I have 4 parts in my cart from rockauto
- GM GENUINE 84977478 shocks, 2 at $433
- GM GENUINE 84114505 Lower control arm left, $186
- GM GENUINE 84114506 Lower control arm right $186

That puts me just a bit north of $1200 for those parts. Am I missing anything?

In my opinion when it’s time to replace it you ought as well upgrade as it gives you the excuse too.
I’ve ran these tie rods and ball joints for years along with the wheel bearings and they are great!

KRYPTONITE REPLACEMENT DUST BOOTS

Fitment: All generations on Kryptonite Tie rod ends Replacements also available for all Kryptonite Ball Joints These boots come with a built in grease relief feature. Inner Tie Rods (Kryptonite, Dmax XD) Inner Tie Rods equipped with a Kryptonite Center Link Please be sure to select the correct...

kryptoniteproducts.com

Their upper control arms are good I ended up running fabtech uniballs though because I got them cheaper at the time and allows for a better ride and more travel with the coil overs
Also dirt king makes some nice locking alignment cam plates for our trucks which really keeps your alignment dialed in where it won’t come loose.

https://dirtking.com/collections/silverado