New Guy! '03 Envoy just getting started, having lift issues!

[rjshives11]

Hey all! Rockin' an '03 Envoy SLT. She's a great truck. I just installed the RC 2" lift. I looks great but I'm getting the front CV axle binding. I've been reading countless articles of people who've had the same issues but no one seems to ever have the for sure answer. Hoping for some luck here! Thanks!

[Jrgunn5150]

Welcome!My next purchase is likely going to be an Envoy XL.

As for the CV"s binding, I'm lifted 3" with no binding, so I can't help you there, I'm surprised you are having an issue with the lower lift, usually people are 3" plus stiffer springs when that pop's up.

[BC backroader]

If the RC 2" lift is the "outside the strut" type, that's the cause for the binding. You need the "in strut" lift as sold by Marks MC to fix the problem.

[rjshives11]

RC lift is inside the strut.

[navigator]

I'm running the RC lift with a 1/2 outside the strut spacer. I expect that is not causing your issue. When are you noticing the binding?

[Norcrosski]

I am running the rc lift and 1 1/2 outside with no bind

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[rjshives11]

As soon as I put it in 4wd I notice it. If I jack up the front and spin the driver side wheel I can see the CV over extent and bind. I actually causes the front dif to move. Its clear as day. I also put a jack under the wheel and jacked it up to "ride height" and it gets a little better but is still there. This happens even if it only in 2WD but I only feel the vibration while driving in 4WD. I replaced the CV joint and it still does it. Maybe I'll try to get a video of it so you guys can see. I've read countless forums about others having this problem once lifted and haven't found a solution. I've PM'd a few people that never followed up on their forums and they just ended up removing it cause they couldn't figure it out.

[navigator]

What shocks are you running? Is the top shock nut nice and tight? When properly tightened my bilsteins have a lot of thread (1.5" if I remember right) sticking out the top. Did you do the washer mod in the front?

[rjshives11]

I've got monroe econo-matic struts. (both Mark and RC said they would work just fine with the kit) How tight should that nut be and what is the washer mod? thanks

[rjshives11]

I just tightened up the upper nut on the shock and still vibrates. NOt sure i could go any tighter. It did seem to help with the axle bind a bit cause now its not pushing/moving the dif. I've also noticed that it shifts really hard out of 4wd when I put it back into 2wd. I've never had that problem before I put the lift in. I feel like there is just too much stress on the front dif. Not sure why tho cause so many people have no problems but for some reason others do?

[navigator]

I'm curious if that quick strut gives a little more extension than stock.

[Jrgunn5150]

I'm curious if that quick strut gives a little more extension than stock.

Somewhere on this site is a list of all the different struts and their compressed and extended lengths. I may very well be wrong, but I think there is Monroe that has like .5 more length.

[rjshives11]

I'm gonna take out the lift tomorrow. Too bad tho. Thanks for the input.

[HARDTRAILZ]

I've read countless forums about others having this problem once lifted and haven't found a solution. I've PM'd a few people that never followed up on their forums and they just ended up removing it cause they couldn't figure it out.

Can you share these links please. Not really an issue I have seen much in the past 6 plus years on this platform.

[rjshives11]

Here are a couple examples: (not necessarily from here)

http://forums.trailvoy.com/archive/inde ... 92582.html (emailed this guy and he said he took off lift and everything was fine)

viewtopic.php?f=26&t=3992&p=69752&hilit=Bad+vibration+in+4x4+under+acceleration#p69752 (OP Never concluded if he fixed)

Here's what I've done so far:

alignment (very trusted mechanic)
replaced CV joints
checked disco. looks fine
checked bearings on dif side looks fine. barely any play
checked motor mounts. all good

what else could it possibly be? I'm at a loss and I need my 4WD. My only guess is if what jrgunn is saying about the monroe being .5 longer but i don't have the 1/2 spacer on top and im only lifted 2"

[HARDTRAILZ]

never mind. I read it.

[Anthony Hernandez]

I think it may be from the struts, since I put my ranchos (which I read and was told are the same length) I've been experiencing a harsh vibration one in gear when I apply the brakes until she heats up. Don't know if these are related but def need to figure it out, I figured cutting down the 89 may have not been enough. I may try to find 88's or use moogs and bilstiens and see if it helps. From my reading this problem has been fixed so many ways there's no real for sure way to fix it except process of elimination.

[rjshives11]

I think it may be from the struts, since I put my ranchos (which I read and was told are the same length) I've been experiencing a harsh vibration one in gear when I apply the brakes until she heats up. Don't know if these are related but def need to figure it out, I figured cutting down the 89 may have not been enough. I may try to find 88's or use moogs and bilstiens and see if it helps. From my reading this problem has been fixed so many ways there's no real for sure way to fix it except process of elimination.

Yeah I think you're right, that's gotta be it. I can't really afford to take out the Monroes I just bought and get a different set so I think my only solution right now is to take out the lift. At least if they are a little longer that should give me a little lift. I wonder if I could put a 1/2 spacer on top of the strut with these or would that be too much length in the strut then. Any thoughts?

[Anthony Hernandez]

Man, I duno what to do either, prolly shoulda kept my old bds lift an tried that together... Seems dumb now.

[rjshives11]

I'm gonna go back to just the Monroe struts. If everything is back that way it was (which it really should be) then I'll order the 1/2 spacers and see how that goes. I'll respond with my results as I go. I was gonna take the lift off today but timing isn't working out so well so I'm guessing next week will when I get to it.