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2wd Coil Removal?

Carcass

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Carcass New Member

Carcass

Posted
Posted

Hi, newbie here...

 

I have a 99 GMC Sierra Classic 1500 4x2 (Old Body Style). I just ordered 1-3/4" coil spring spacers to lift and level the front suspension. Do I need to completely remove the front coils, or just compress them to fit the spacers? Can anyone point me in the direction of where to find out how to do this correctly? Website? Manual? I am tool proficient, but have never played with suspension except for shocks.

 

Also, will I need to align the front-end when done? Any hoses/lines/cables that need to be replaced or re-routed?

 

Anything I missed? Thank you, I appreciate your help in advance.

 

Carcass

mcreyaufmiller Senior Enthusiast

mcreyaufmiller

Posted
Posted
Hi, newbie here...

 

I have a 99 GMC Sierra Classic 1500 4x2 (Old Body Style). I just ordered 1-3/4" coil spring spacers to lift and level the front suspension. Do I need to completely remove the front coils, or just compress them to fit the spacers? Can anyone point me in the direction of where to find out how to do this correctly? Website? Manual? I am tool proficient, but have never played with suspension except for shocks.

 

Also, will I need to align the front-end when done? Any hoses/lines/cables that need to be replaced or re-routed?

 

Anything I missed? Thank you, I appreciate your help in advance.

 

Carcass

 

 

 

Any modification to the front suspension will require a alingment.

  • 3 weeks later...
Carcass New Member

Carcass

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Hi All;

 

I finally did the coil spring removal, to add the 2" urethane spacers on my 1999 GMC 2WD 1/2Ton (Old Body Style). For anyone who wants to tackle this project, here's a few tips:

 

1) Tools: Other than wrenches and sockets, you should have a 2-jaw gear puller (3" reach jaw is good) to remove the outer tie-rod end from the steering knuckle, 1/2" drive torque wrench for the steering knuckle nut and lower control arm pivot bolts, floor jack and another jack to assist in removing and installing the lower control arms. An impact wrench makes removal faster, but do not use to tighten as it could over-torque.

 

2) Give yourself a full day if you work alone, it helps to have a friend to help with re-installing the lower control arms. It took me 6.5 hours alone with two tool-store trips.

 

3) Compress the coil spring as much as possible (no more than 4" MAX) to make it easier to re-install with the spacer.

 

4) You may want to replace the bushings on the anti-sway bar link.

 

5) Put some anti-sieze lube on the bolt threads for everything you remove. This will prevent corrosion and make it easier down the road.

 

6) Do an alignment as soon as possible as the geometry will change.

 

7) After driving for a day, check the torque on the control arm pivot bolts and anti-sway bar link bolts. Check the shock bolts.

 

 

Basically follow the instructions that come with the spacers, but I didn't need to remove the calipers or the Anti-Lock sensor as it suggested.

 

Good Luck,

Carcass :crackup::crackup::crackup:

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