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How-To: Level Towing Mirrors.

8.1HD/ALLISON

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8.1HD/ALLISON Senior Enthusiast

8.1HD/ALLISON

Posted
Posted

So I finally got my towing mirrors in for my 2004 HD after waiting about 3 weeks due to a shipping backorder. I got them installed and like many other people have complained, they had a pretty good lean to them. I did a little research and decided to "level them." He is a quick write up with pictures. I did not take any pictures of removing the door panel, as I had done that already before I thought about taking pics.

 

Here is a before level picture. See how the mirrors leans uphill?

mirrors009.jpg

 

 

Step 1

Remove the plastic trim covering the pivot on the mirror. From the front of the truck you want to push down a little and towards the rear to release it.

 

Step 2

Remove the 4 screws that hold the mirror pivot to the base.

mirrors010.jpg

Step 3

Take the mirror hinge clamp off. Go to the local hardware store and get some washers to shim the top bolts out. I went to Home Depot and found stainless washers, lockwashers and longer screws for $5. The stock screws were long enough, but I wanted to ensure I had full length of threads holding. Mine were m5x.80 threads. Also my mirrors are aftermarket made by Koolvue. I believe the stock GM mirrors have phillips screws. Either one works the same.

 

Step 4

Install the longer screws through the top holes in the clamp and I added 4 washers between the clamp and the base. They were pretty thin washers. mirrors013.jpg

 

Step 5

I cut a small piece of rubber hose and put it behind the top mirror pivot "saddle" to take up the slack created by dropping the top of the mirror outwards. mirrors011.jpg

 

Step 6

Install the mirror, clamp, and screws and tighten back down. You may need a helper for this part. It is hard to hold everything and start the screws. mirrors014.jpg

 

Step 7

Check the fit of the plastic trim piece that covers the pivot. By tilting the pivot it will rub a little on top. Check the fit and trim with a dremel tool or air grinder and carbide bit to fit. Snap back together and have a cold one!

Before

mirrors015.jpg

 

After mirrors017.jpg

 

Here is a picture of before and after leveling.

mirrors009.jpg

 

mirrors019.jpg

 

mirrors023.jpg

 

Hope this helps anyone wanting to do this mod. Its just a quick write up, as my camera work isn't the best.

  • 1 month later...
dodge123 Enthusiast

dodge123

Posted
Posted

Great post. What do those mirrors cost? I have the telescoping ones on mine. The passengers side does not extend without some help.

8.1HD/ALLISON Senior Enthusiast

8.1HD/ALLISON

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Great post. What do those mirrors cost? I have the telescoping ones on mine. The passengers side does not extend without some help.

 

 

I found a new aftermartket set online for about $300.

  • 5 years later...
ChevroletTough Enthusiast

ChevroletTough

Posted
Posted

Thanks for this post. I just got mine from ebay ($100). Heated/turn signal power mirror (manual telescoping). I was able to get mine leveled too, but what a PITA. I did not put any rubber hose behind as there was 1 bolt on each side that would not come off. Hopefully they won't shake up and down???

 

gallery_75180_4139_1520705.jpg

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