Lowered Nnbs 07 Awd Seirra Denali ~1.25"

[kutu]

I finally removed the blocks between the rear axle and springs on my AWD 07 SD. I used new shorter u-bolts and didn't cut the bump stops -I will keep an eye on them to see if I need to. The truck is still about an inch high in the stern. The job took me over 2 hours using an impact wrench.

 

I think the truck looks better and I am hoping for some improvement to the ride (maybe it will help with the axle wrap?).

 

It really makes you wonder why GM put the blocks there in the first place?

[Jameson]

Can we get some pictures posted?

[pchrist]

would love to see some before and after on it.

 

I am thinking about leveling my 07 nbs silverado but not sure whether to go with the front or the rear. Money is a little tight so i think the rear would be the cheapest. Just not sure how it would look though.

[kutu]

I neglected to take any pictures. To see how it would look, I measured the distance from the wheel well opening to a ridge on the tire, then I put weight in the bed until the truck dropped 1.25 inches (the block thickness).

That way I could tell how I liked my truck. I used new obs 2wd u-bolts so the total cost was about $40. I think that the old longer u-bolts would work but I didn't want all the extra length (also, the old service manual said to never reuse u-bolts).

 

I put the truck on jack stands under the frame in front of the spring hanger and removed both tires. With the jack under pumkin, I was able to move the axle up and down to remove the blocks and position the pin for proper alignment. One thing I did wrong was to replace one tire before I did the other side. I had to take the tire back off so that the other sides pin would line up more easily. I put the u-bolt nuts at 100 ft lbs; being careful to keep the thread exposure as equal as possible.

[hubbycap]

I too would be interested in hearing of ride changes. Even though the nbs is one of the lowest (height) trucks offered, the bed is still a couple of inches high for my needs. I work out of my truck and need to retreive items from the side of the bed, most new trucks are rediculously high and disregard the needs of those that didn't buy their trucks to wax on Saturdays. If the lowering also enhances the ride, all the better.

[pchrist]

How much weight did you have to put in to lower???

 

40 for ubolts is better than 65 for lift and another 60 for alignment!!!!! just didn't know how it would look. Would be more convienent to get in than have to hop up more to get in!!!

[kutu]

How much weight did you have to put in to lower???

 

40 for ubolts is better than 65 for lift and another 60 for alignment!!!!! just didn't know how it would look. Would be more convienent to get in than have to hop up more to get in!!!

 

 

It must have been around 400 lbs. I started with some scuba weights, then a large container filled with water

[pchrist]

That is a lot of weight!!!!

 

If you could get a pick that would really be great. I would love to see it!!!!

[kutu]

Here's a photo.

[s-ten]

Looks good I think that is how they should sit.

[slomo007]

Does anyone know if it provides any mileage benefit? I hate the thought of lowering a truck though. I can understand why if you need it for work purposes, however.

[03blackz71]

looks good. I might do that next summer to mine. That is when I will get some 20's for the truck.

[pchrist]

I think it looks really good!!!

 

I might try it and see how it looks. Worst case scenario not out much to put it back to stock!!!!

[pchrist]

would you happen to have a pic of the part you took out? Or know the ubolt size that i would need???

 

Thanks

Pete

[kutu]

would you happen to have a pic of the part you took out? Or know the ubolt size that i would need???

 

Thanks

Pete

 

The part is the block between the axle and the spring; afetr you remove the u-bolts and drop the axle about 1/2 it just comes right out. I ordered 4 u-bolts for a 1999-2006 GM 1/2 ton 2wd truck. The new u-bolts are about 6 1/2 inches long, 2 1/2 inches wide. ( I didn't messure the bolt diameter, but I think it is 1/2 inch - I do know that the nut is 13/16).

 

While I had the truck on jack stands I also replacement the overlaod leaf spring bump stops with some very slightly thicker and slightly softer ones from Energy Suspension.

 

After driving about 100 miles; I think that it has improved the ride.