2016 Chevy Silverado LTZ Z71

[D45]

From what i have read, stamped arms can be replaced with Aluminum arms.

Ball joint fitment is the same.

The Aluminum is preferred since the Stamped joint cup doesn't have a fail safe.

If the cup is distorted the ball joint can just fall out where the Aluminum has a clip that keeps that from happening.

Time to shop around for some aluminum upper control arms

 

[D45]

What about Ready Lift?

#67-3500

$345

Tubular Upper Control Arm Kit - 2017-2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 - GMC Sierra 1500

Made in USA Heavy-Duty DOM tube steel construction with reinforced cup Includes heavy-duty 1-ton spring loaded ball joints Features NEW ReadyLIFT proprietary non-bonded, no maintenance, self lubricating free float bushings with "side biter" built in washers Sold as a pair

www.readylift.com

 

[D45]

Stock aluminum control arm swap?
-Direct bolt on
-Not greaseable

Cognito arms?
-Modifications needed
-Easy bolt on greaeable ball joints

Ready Lift arm?
-Greaseable
-Bolt on
-Pressed in ball joints

 

[D45]

Trying to weigh the wear/tear and parts lifespan compared to the price of UCAs

How long will stock ball joints last with a 2.5" level?

I am thinking about swapping in some OEM aluminum upper control arms

However, aftermarket control arms are appealing because the ball joint cup is fabbed to have a better angle when running a level/lift

 

[D45]

Does anyone know the OEM p/n for the LH and RH aluminum control arms?

 

[D45]

Anyone have an insight on these aluminum UCA numbers?

LH:
23125968
22840983

RH:
23125969
23420264

 

[D45]

The Ready Lift rear shock extension brackets are STOUT.

Thick 1/4" steel and Grade 8 hardware. Good score for $25.

Rear Shock Extensions - GM Full-Size Truck / SUV 1500 1999-2019

Rear Shock Extensions for 99-UP GM 1500 2WD/4WDAllows re-use of factory length shocks with rear lift installed..Designed to work with 1”, 2”,3” and 4” rear blocks, depending on application. Shock extension is approximately 2

www.readylift.com

I ordered a 2.5" front kit today and decided on a 1/2" lower strut spacer and a 2" top strut spacer combo.

I also went with a billet kit...……..nothing to rust and no welds to break

I read that with some diff drop spacer kits, that a 1/2" lower strut spacer is the max size.........not sure why, but if/when I ever decide on needed the diff drop spacer kit I know I should be good.

I need to figure out what size rear block kit I want to go with now.

 

[D45]

Anyone have comments or suggestions on the material for rear lift blocks?

I am not even considering nylon

Welded plate steel / fabricated?

Solid billet block?

Cast iron?

 

[D45]

Now I am wondering what size rear blocks!

I DO NOT want the truck level, but rather a 1" rake or so...…….2", 2-1/4" or 2-1/2" rear blocks

2" blocks will yield a 3/4" rear lift
2-1/4" blocks will yield a 1" rear lift
2-1/2" blocks will yield a 1-1/4" rear lift

Here are some numbers (full 26 gallon tank of fuel):

Measurements with cap installed:
Driver Front: 36.250”
Passenger Front: 35.875”
Driver Rear: 37.875”
Passenger Rear: 38.125”

So the factory rake has the rear setting about 1.620" / 2.250" taller (depending on the side)

Front with 2.5” Spacers:
Driver Front: 38.750”
Passenger Front: 38.375”

Rear with 2.0” Blocks (3/4” Lift):
Driver Rear: 39.875”……………….…1-1/8” taller than front
Passenger Rear: 40.125”…………..1-3/4” taller than front

Rear with 2.25" Blocks (1" lift):
Driver Rear: 40.375"...……………….2-1/4" taller than front
Passenger Rear: 40.375"......……..2-1/4" taller than front

Rear with 2.5” Blocks (1-1/4” lift):
Driver Rear: 40.375”…………………..2-1/2” taller than front
Passenger Rear: 40.625”…………….2-1/2” taller than front

These were WAY off......…..the following measurements and numbers are accurate:


Stock with Cap:
Driver Front: 36.250”
Passenger Front: 35.875”
Driver Rear: 37.875”
Passenger Rear: 38.125”


Front with 2.5” Spacers:
Driver Front: 38.750”
Passenger Front: 38.375”


Rear with 2.0” Blocks (3/4” Lift):
Driver Rear: 38.625”……………….…1/8” lower than front
Passenger Rear: 38.875”……………..1/2” taller than front


Rear with 2.25" Blocks (1" lift):
Driver Rear: 38.875"...……………….1/4" taller than front
Passenger Rear: 39.125"......………....3/4" taller than front


Rear with 2.5” Blocks (1-1/4” lift):
Driver Rear: 39.125”………………....3/8” taller than front
Passenger Rear: 39.375”……………...1” taller than front

I will obviously want and need a 2.5" block for the rear...…..if the truck sits "nose" high I will just have to consider something else

 

[D45]

I ordered the 2.5" fabricated steel blocks

They are tapered to help pinion angles

Everything should be here within 6 days

 

[D45]

I am debating between the two control arms:

Ready Lift
#67-3500
$410

Cognito
#110-90293
$515

 

[SoTxAg06]

I am debating between the two control arms:

Ready Lift
#67-3500
$410

Cognito
#110-90293
$515

When I did UCA on my old 2500, I went with the boxed version from kryptonite. It seems like Cognito was comparable build quality to those.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[D45]

Cognito arms seem solid

I do like the bolt on ball joints that are greaseable

I wonder why they don't have zerk fittings on the mounting bushings

 

[D45]

Krytonite stuff also looks solid

Greaseable fittings all over

UPPER CONTROL ARM KIT FOR 1/2 TON 6-LUG CHEVY/GMC TRUCKS 2014–2018

Part# KRUCA13 Fits; 2014-2018 Chevy / GMC 1500 2WD/4WD Trucks. Works with trucks originally equipped with aluminum or stamped steel control arms only! Fits: 2007-2020 Chevy/GMC SUVs originally equipped with cast aluminum or stamped steel control arms. DESCRIPTION: Kryptonite Upper Control...

kryptoniteproducts.com

 

[D45]

Kryptonite said I won't have rubbing issues up to a 11.50" wide tire on the factory 18" rims