Rocket61 Build Thread (07 V6 4WD)

[Rocket61]

Hey guys - Finally pulled the trigger on new suspension. Here's what I have coming. Will post some pics when I get it all installed.

Front
Bilstein 5100s
OME 885 coils
Desert Products uni-ball UCAs w/ polyurethane bushings
Revtek diff drop
30mm polyurethane sway bar bushings
New top-plates and coil isolators
1/4″ Aluminum top plate spacer (drivers side)

Rear
Icon V2s
OME 895 coils
19mm polyurethane sway bar and end-link bushings

Other
1.25'' Spidertrax (all 4)

STOCK measurements
Front
Drivers Side: 17.75
Pass Side: 18.5
Top of front bumper: 30

Rear
Drivers Side: 19.75
Pass Side: 20.25
Bottom of Hitch: 15.25

 

[birdmann]

Nice, can't wait to see it.

 

[Rocket61]

Preview of what's going on this weekend.

 

[robaroni]

Xmas!

Preview of what's going on this weekend.

THAT LOOKS LIKE THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER! :rockon:

 

[cloudrunner]

Nice. I have been contemplating a similar setup. Be sure to take some before and after photos.

 

[Rocket61]

Here are some pics of the stock suspension with 140k miles on it. You can see how bad it's sagging by how close the bump stops are to the axle in the back and the angle the front sagging struts are setting the CVs at. I was under there today spraying all the nuts and bolts with penetrating spray. Fingers crossed that 7 salty Canadian winters haven't seized anything under there. :canada:

 

[t-man]

Here are some pics of the stock suspension with 140k miles on it. You can see how bad it's sagging by how close the bump stops are to the axle in the back and the angle the front sagging struts are setting the CVs at. I was under there today spraying all the nuts and bolts with penetrating spray. Fingers crossed that 7 salty Canadian winters haven't seized anything under there. :canada:

Ugh, I feel ya there. Mine was looking the same, cleaner but sagging really bad. I actually gained 3.5 inches after putting in my Bilstein's. Crazy I know, but my X-REAS was completely shot. Had leaked it's guts out all over before I got to it. :roadkill:

 

[Rocket61]

Ugh, I feel ya there. Mine was looking the same, cleaner but sagging really bad. I actually gained 3.5 inches after putting in my Bilstein's. Crazy I know, but my X-REAS was completely shot. Had leaked it's guts out all over before I got to it. :roadkill:

Yep, my rig doesn't have XREAS, just completely shot struts!

 

[Rocket61]

Hey guys I wanted to double check that I have everything in the right order for the front strut/top plate. There doesn't seem to be much thread left up there to put the top nut on...

Also, should I put on the black boot that covers the top of the shock or leave it off?

 

[Rocket61]

I'm also considering setting the front billies at .85 with the 885s to get the rig levelled at around 23.5 or 234''. Thoughts?

 

[Mytoy4]

Great start! Looking forward to seeing it all together.

 

[gaterose]

I believe the bushings will compress quite a bit once you get weight on it and the nut started. I usually use the jack (under the LCA) to compress the new coils and that also pushes the stud up far enough to bolt everything together. I think the rear is even worse and can be a real PITA to get all the bushings and washers AND the nut started.

Also if those aren't new top hats, make sure there isn't a bushing inside on the backside. Every one I've taken off has had to have that bushing pried out with a screwdriver.

I think the boot is kind of a personal opinion deal, it can keep some dirt and moisture out but can also hold in what dirt and moisture that does get in. Not sure if they salt the roads or what where you leave but it might be good to keep that from hitting the shaft.

 

[Rocket61]

I believe the bushings will compress quite a bit once you get weight on it and the nut started. I usually use the jack (under the LCA) to compress the new coils and that also pushes the stud up far enough to bolt everything together. I think the rear is even worse and can be a real PITA to get all the bushings and washers AND the nut started.

Also if those aren't new top hats, make sure there isn't a bushing inside on the backside. Every one I've taken off has had to have that bushing pried out with a screwdriver.

I think the boot is kind of a personal opinion deal, it can keep some dirt and moisture out but can also hold in what dirt and moisture that does get in. Not sure if they salt the roads or what where you leave but it might be good to keep that from hitting the shaft.

Thanks for the feedback man. They're new top plates and everything I have in the photos is what will be in contact with the top plate. Are the bushings and washers in the right order?

 

[gaterose]

Thanks for the feedback man. They're new top plates and everything I have in the photos is what will be in contact with the top plate. Are the bushings and washers in the right order?

Didn't even look at that, I may be wrong but I think you have the bushings backwards. I'm pretty sure the shorter fatter bushing goes on top and the taller more cylindrical one goes on bottom with the lip face up so it passes through the bolt hole.

edit - had to google to be certain but my bushings looked like this (from the toytec site) either way still the fatter bushing is on top (left in the photo below, mounted on the shaft in your picture).

 

[Rocket61]

Didn't even look at that, I may be wrong but I think you have the bushings backwards. I'm pretty sure the shorter fatter bushing goes on top and the taller more cylindrical one goes on bottom with the lip face up so it passes through the bolt hole.

edit - had to google to be certain but my bushings looked like this (from the toytec site) either way still the fatter bushing is on top (left in the photo below, mounted on the shaft in your picture).

Ah I see what you mean, thanks. I've swapped them around.

 

[Rocket61]

Suspension swap done! I couldn't be happier.

Stock Measurements:

FD: 17.75
FP: 18.5
Ground to top of bumper: 30
RP: 20.75
RD: 20.25

NEW Measurements:

FD: 22.5
FP: 22.5
Ground to top of bumper: 35
RP: 22.75
RD: 22.5

You read that right, I achieved almost 5'' of lift in the front! Front billies were assembled at their lowest setting. Stock measurements were taken with 1/5 of a tank and new measurements had a full tank of gas. Next job will be extending the rear links to get max flex back there.

Note to all the guys worried about seized nuts and bolts.. All of mine were seized up but I able to get them all with a cheater bar, penetrating oil, and a torch. Completed the swap by myself with one set of hands in my driveway with no power tools- It can be done!

Here are some pics starting from stock.

 

[Rocket61]

more pics

 

[NuclearN8]

I'm curious how stretched your brake lines are with this setup? BTw, love it. great job!

 

[Rocket61]

I'm curious how stretched your brake lines are with this setup? BTw, love it. great job!

Nothing was stretched out. I was able to achieve this much lift because my stock set up was sagging so much. I checked all the lines after 200 highway miles and an hour off-roading session where I flexed everything out. No damage done to the lines.

 

[Rocket61]

Just had an alignment done. Toe was off almost 1 inch!