2003 TB LTZ (think I am ready to start buying the parts)

[random882]

Alright I've read a lot of the build forums, suspension forums, talked to MarkMC, and hopefully did the correct amount of research to not sound (even though I am) like a noob! So I hope this is the right place to post this. (sorry if not)

So The set up I was looking at getting,

MarkMC 3" lift the one that replaces the strut mounts
MarkMC 1.5" wheel adapters from 6x5 to 6x5.5
Vision Raptor 17x8 +25offset Matt Black Wheels wrapped in General Grabber AT2 Light Truck and SUV Tire 265/70R17 Speed 112 Load 2679lbs.
Bilstien HD struts in the front
Skyjacker Shocks in the rear
Stock Springs (for now see how it rides / looks)
and the two DIODE Quadmod

Any information on whether or not this on paper will work let me know..

Thanks ahead of time
Travess

[navigator]

sounds like you have a plan.
Do you plan on flipping your UCA?

[Cable810]

I'd add like Chris said Flip the UCAs to your list

[v7guy]

I don't know that it's all that necessary to flip the arms with stock springs. There's a few guys on here that have left the arms in the normal position with the 3" lift with no apparent problems.

If you haven't purchased anything yet I would strongly consider spending on the coilovers that are available through the forum here. If I was to start from scratch I'm sure I would go that route.

[random882]

I don't t plan on flipping uca. It doesn't seem to be a requirement?

looking at the coilover those seem to be a bit of overkill for what I plan on doing. I don't see myself doing any type of extreme offroading. Most likely if my tires leave the ground it will be by accident. I see myself on a muddy trail or finding a good camping spot.


Also v7guy I saw you had a shock explodE. Was that due to the combo of 89s and the markmc 3"lift? I plan on keeping my stock springs with the 3" lift and bilstiens. I assume that should be fine right? I've seen many builds that don't seem to have any issues.

Thanks
Travess

[Melaronius]

Flipping the UCA is not a requirement but it can only help. Also, its really easy and would only add a few minutes for your build.

[CHIEF BIG RIDGE]

Also consider some armor underneath your truck. It'd be a shame to put all that into your truck just have something tear up underneath it.

[random882]

Chief, yeah I was looking at the prefab stuff on here for oil pan and radiator. I think I might take on the challenge and build em myself. Give me some thing to do over a couple jack and cokes on a Friday night.

Ok ok, you all convinced me I'll flip my UCAs.

[navigator]

I think the oil skid is pretty straightforward but make sure you examine Mike's rad skid real good if you decide to build it yourself. There is a lot of thought and planning put into it.

[Opeth]

I would suggest the bilstein 5125 rear shocks. I flipped my UCA's with factory springs, it still does help the ball joint angle.

[v7guy]

I think we can say the combo of 89 springs and Marks 3" lift with no armour is a mix waiting to break. The thread about hitting the road repair has a lot of the info.

[random882]

I think we can say the combo of 89 springs and Marks 3" lift with no armour is a mix waiting to break. The thread about hitting the road repair has a lot of the info.

I read that thread. I heard you say you heard a thunk when you drove over that road work. Well i just got done putting in MarcMC 3" lift with stock springs and bilsteins in the front. I drove off the curb and i think i heard the same THUNK you did. Now i am a bit worried. Any one have insight on this?

[navigator]

I would inspect everything and re-tighten all your bolts. It might be possible that something wasn't seated perfectly.
Make sure your shocks have plenty of thread (>1 inch) sticking through the nut. We've seen some folks not tighten the shock nut enough and that can make some noise.

[random882]

I would inspect everything and re-tighten all your bolts. It might be possible that something wasn't seated perfectly.
Make sure your shocks have plenty of thread (>1 inch) sticking through the nut. We've seen some folks not tighten the shock nut enough and that can make some noise.

Alright, I'll take a look at every thing and try again. I sort of wondered to myself if it was like a settling noise I didnt try it again but I will and see if it repeats thanks for quick input and help!

[jnarlock19]

You might want to check the rear shocks, sometimes there is a gap on either side and they can shift from right to left and any sudden quick movement might make them slam from side to side. If there is a gap go and get yourself some cheap sturdy rubber tubing stock and make a cushion on either side.....just a thought!


Iet me clarify i was talking about the shock bracket on the lower end

[v7guy]

I would imagine you're fine, just double check that things are tight.
Plenty of guys have used the 3" lift with stiffer springs (other than 89s) and had no issues.

[random882]

You might want to check the rear shocks, sometimes there is a gap on either side and they can shift from right to left and any sudden quick movement might make them slam from side to side. If there is a gap go and get yourself some cheap sturdy rubber tubing stock and make a cushion on either side.....just a thought!


Iet me clarify i was talking about the shock bracket on the lower end

Yeah I had that issue. The noise from the rear was an annoying knock. I didn't have enough washers to close the gap on one of my lower shock mounts. That night on my way to work I heard it. Like something was bouncing around in back! I got that fixed the next morning though!

As for the thunk everything seems to be tight. So I figured either I am looking too hard because I just changed every thing, or it was settling, or because I have never TRIED to drop off a curb like that and the noise I am hearing is normal. Well, normal to those of you that get the front end off the ground a bit!

The only other thing I have noticed was that I now seem to have a jostle when I drive. The truck follows the road oddly to me. I think the alignment may fix that though. Its not pulling or anything, just feels odd. (I know that doesn't explain much sorry) Which I'm holding off on the alignment until I get my new wheels and tires.

I think it's all V7guy's fault I am all paranoid with his exploding shock story!

Once again, you all rock, thanks for the help and info!
Travess

[ksmarshall]

try to get your alignment done sooner, I know you dont want to set it with your old tires on , but if it going to be anymore than a week before you get tires i would highly suggest it , the caster/camper was way!!! off on my truck when i got it alinged this morning. Do a little shopping for the alignment shop most will agree to check it / make minor adjustment for free after you have it set the first time .

[random882]

WOW, alignment made such a HUGE difference in ride quality! Apparently what I was getting was bump steer, ( the "jostle" I felt), according to a friend at work. Boy did it; after the alignment my truck rides great. The numbers were WAY out! Furthermore, Firestone offers the lifetime alignment! After I get my new wheels and tires I can and will just take it back for free. Plus, if I change any thing in the future I will be able to get it done again for free WOO.. So thanks again on info given, it definitely solidified my friends information and pushed me to get my alignment done!
~Travess

[ksmarshall]

That is great to hear buddy , I have worked on friends/co workers cars for years now (as a side job, helicopters are my full time ) and every time I install lift kit, new struts, bushings, any form of suspension work or steering I always recommend doing an alignment cause lets face it the alignment is way cheaper than a set of tires. Some will listen and others will not you know how it all goes.

Glad to hear it all worked out . ready to see the wheels on the truck and use the lift to its full potential