Re: How to install stock arm coil overs
First of all I wanted to thank MR King and E-rue for both the idea and supplying the needed parts.
Things you need to know/have ahead of time:
-Its not easy, but it is not impossible either
-Removing the torsion bars and torsion bar x-member are NOT easy, especially with a ATR exhaust.
-you will need a seperating fork (for breaking the ball joints from the spindle)
-Angle grinder and/or die grinder
-Regular tools to remove all parts and what-not
Coilover step:
-put the coilovers together following the instructions provided, tighten them down until the spring seats are roughly 2-2.25" from the first thread. (see pic)
you will need to grind away at the stock suspension setup, using the angle grinder or the die grinder..follow mr king's instructions to do so.. each truck is different so the amount you have to grind might change per truck.
After a test drive or two I noticed that the inside of the upper a-arm hit the sping at full compression, so i ended up grinding some material away from that area as well.
I used the stock teflon bushings, I'm not extremely happy with them and I am going to try the polyurethane setup, if it works hopefully it won't squeak as much and will last alot longer.
If your truck sits like this it is WAY to low and is riding on the bump stops.. tighten up the springs alot to raise your truck.
After the 1400+ mile trip to homecoming and back my truck had a few squeaks, i think it is the ball joints, but i'm not 100% sure... what i am positive about is that there is no more rubbing, nothing seemed to be hitting the entire trip and after the trip i decided to raise the truck up another 1/4" or so.
I noticed the biggest improvement is overall handling on the highway and around town, there is ZERO body roll, even with cheapo air shocks in the rear and NO rear sway bar the truck is much stiffer around turns, especially at 110 mph
I gave test rides to a few members and they all seemed impressed, I will leave it up to them to give their opinions.
I pretty much beat the piss out of the suspension while in Michigan and on the way there/home, the coilovers took it without a problem, no body roll, no issues what-so-ever. I took a few turns at very impressive speeds and the truck didn't have any problem making them.
I'd say it is a great step in resolving the known suspension issues with these trucks, keep in mind that the ball joints are still at a poor angle and they will still need to be replaced quite often..
as for the ultimate test, my girlfriend gives the modification a huge thumbs up, she said the ride is softer and much better than the stock setup.:tup:
