Battery disconnect? electric steering disconnect?

[Pale Rider]

Hello Folks, been awhile, boating season is over here, except for another sbc engine build. Gives me a bit of time to focus on the Silverado.

A few questions for you good people: 

I am installing a set of loaded front struts, and new upper control arms:

 

Why would I need to disconnect the battery for this install? Why would I need to disconnect all 3 connectors for the electric steering rack?

Now what exactly happens later when you disconnect the battery on these new vehicles? Will I lose my radio settings or need a code to turn it back on. 

Ive done many suspension upgrades on other vehicles, just not a newer 2019 Silverado LT.

Thank you in advance!

[chem_man]

I would just pull the appropriate fuses.  That way you don't lose any memory stuff or settings.  If you wind up needing to disconnect the battery, I suggest you use a Keep Alive Memory (KAM) device that plugs into the OBDII port.  I have one of these:

 

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-and-specialty-tools/memory-settings-saver/p/schumacher-obdll-memory-saver-cable/429081_0_0

 

Good Luck!

[Naughty Donkey Performance]

You don't lose anything when disconnecting the battery.

In some cases disconnecting the connectors is just to give you some more slack in them when dropping the control arms etc when you are pulling the old struts out.

Make sure you get the brake wear sensor bracket and brake lines loose as well I believe all of the brackets are 10mm.

Both sides of the truck need to be lifted off the ground at the same time for this swap just in case you did not know.

It is also a good idea to get the alignment checked at a reputable shop as the geometry of the suspension will have changed to some degree when changing it from stock especially if you are adding lift as I presume you are doing.

Be safe and have fun, if you need any help feel free to ask for pointers.

Cheers

 

Edited October 28, 2022 by Naughty Donkey Performance
Addl info

[Pale Rider]

Thank you Naughty Donkey. yes, alignment afterwards. release all other connections for slack. The steering rack tho had me questioning it. RC says it does something to the steering rack when disconnecting the tie rod ends. I`ve never heard that before. I`ll update when I`m finished. Thanks! 

[Pale Rider]

going to be a delay on the install, heavy work load currently, and NO shop locally will install this for me because I bought the parts... wow... 

[SPASierra]

2 hours ago, Pale Rider said:

going to be a delay on the install, heavy work load currently, and NO shop locally will install this for me because I bought the parts... wow... 

I live in SE PA, and every shop around me is the same way.  It's such a PITA.

[Gangly]

I installed new springs and shocks on my front suspension and never disconnected the battery for anything.  Removing the UCA doesn't require it either as far as I know, so I am not sure why its requested during the install process.  During the install process you WILL remove the tie rod from the knuckle, but it bolts directly back up with no adjustments so I am uncertain of what that has to do with anything either.  A suspension install on this vehicle is very straight forward and easy to do with no adjustments necessary other than an alignment (or GM programming if you feel the need for it, which an overwhelming majority don't).

[Gangly]

On 10/25/2022 at 11:24 AM, Pale Rider said:

Hello Folks, been awhile, boating season is over here, except for another sbc engine build. Gives me a bit of time to focus on the Silverado.

A few questions for you good people: 

I am installing a set of loaded front struts, and new upper control arms:

 

Why would I need to disconnect the battery for this install? Why would I need to disconnect all 3 connectors for the electric steering rack?

Now what exactly happens later when you disconnect the battery on these new vehicles? Will I lose my radio settings or need a code to turn it back on. 

Ive done many suspension upgrades on other vehicles, just not a newer 2019 Silverado LT.

Thank you in advance!

You can do the install yourself in an afternoon.  Its a very simple and straightforward install that can be completed with a jack, a deep socket set, and a torque wrench.

Edited November 7, 2022 by Gangly

[Naughty Donkey Performance]

12 hours ago, Gangly said:

You can do the install yourself in an afternoon.  Its a very simple and straightforward install that can be completed with a jack, a deep socket set, and a torque wrench.

I agree and then you will know it is done properly, most "mechanics" these days are not professionals if you do find one they are very valuable and very busy.

A jack, 2 safety stands, an allen wrench set, a deep socket set, aforementioned 10mm, torque wrench and a few hours and you are good to go and saving hundreds.

Edited November 8, 2022 by Naughty Donkey Performance