'89 GMC Suburban restoration/build up project.

[Larry]

That's weird as several sources advertise the Dana 60 and the GM Corp 10.5” 14 bolt use the same nut kit. If yours didn't fit I`m apprehensive to order any. They're pretty spendy to play the return part/hope to get credit one day hassle game. Guess I'll just use another set of the Napa replacements. Thanks for the info though!

 

[dieselfuel]

That’s weird as several sources advertise the Dana 60 and the GM Corp 10.5” 14 bolt use the same nut kit. If yours didn’t fit I`m apprehensive to order any. They’re pretty spendy to play the return part/hope to get credit one day hassle game. Guess I’ll just use another set of the Napa replacements. Thanks for the info though!

The only reason they don't fit is because the inside diameter of the hub is too small for the outside diameter of the lock ring in the stage-8 kit. I was pretty bummed when I found that it didn't fit and even more so when I found that stage-8 does not make a spindle nut kit for a 14 bolt.

 

[dieselfuel]

The more I looked at it, the less I liked the ride height. I prefer to keep things low and fill the fenders as much as possible. So today I decided to stop ****in around and do something about it. I replaced my 6" rear shackles with 4.5" ones from DIY4X, and removed the bottom leaf from both front springs. Some people say removing leaves is a bad idea, some say its just fine. I decided to give it a shot, even if the front springs start to sag they're getting replaced with ORD springs this coming winter/spring anyway. Removing the bottom leaf lowered the front 1/2" and the shackles lowered the rear about 3/4". It's not much but I'm happy, mostly because it rides much better. The rear shackle angle is better now and the rear feels softer because of it, the front is softer as well. There's a washboard section near my house with some dips and bumps in it, i can hit that whole section 10mph faster than i used to be able to. oh and i should have new tires in a couple weeks.

dirty, ugly springs

after, cleaned, painted, lubed, etc...

new ride height 4.5" of lift, 37s that actually measure 35.5"

 

[Renntag]

Looks good. Next phase will make it sit level?

Did you fab the double cross over steering? I'll have to go back earlier in the thread and see.

 

[superbuickguy]

I love how you moved the front axle forward (and everything else you've done)

 

[dieselfuel]

Looks good. Next phase will make it sit level?

Did you fab the double cross over steering? I'll have to go back earlier in the thread and see.

she's actually within 1/4" of level right now, that photo is a little deceiving. ive got a set of ORD Zero rates for the rear on the table, i'm sure loading her up will make the rear end squat so those should make her ride level when loaded. she's totally empty right now, no back seat, 1/4 tank of fuel etc. so yeah, suspension isn't done... the drag link and tie rod were made by a friend of mine, 1 3/4" DOM.

I love how you moved the front axle forward (and everything else you've done)

thanks!

 

[Renntag]

Wow. 1.75DOM is serious tubing.

 

[dieselfuel]

i just welded up my fuel tank skid plate. just added another 1/8" plate to it,nothing spectacular. i'm also rethinking the trans/t-case skid plate situation, the 1/2" UHMW isn't going to work as well as i had hoped. it's too flexible to mount right to the underside of the cross members, a good hit will push it up into the t-case which i don't want. so i'm going to go with steel instead, probably 1/4". that'll let me expand the skid more to protect the transmission and the muffler. i'm tired of her looking like she does, i'm gonna get back to sanding and priming and i also ordered a new grille.

 

[dieselfuel]

Wow. 1.75DOM is serious tubing.

it's what we had laying around. i'd have used 1.5" if i were paying for it.

 

[Renntag]

Not 1" ?

 

[dieselfuel]

Not 1" ?

no, the tie rod ends are 7/8". 1.5" tube is the smallest you can go and still weld in tube adapters to fit the tie rod ends. i say i'd have used 1.5" just because the tie rod touched the diff cover and i had to back out the steering stops accordingly. still turns tighter than i expected it to but at a 130"+ wheelbase, every little bit helps haha!

 

[Renntag]

Makes perfect sense. Where might we find the tube adapters?

 

[dieselfuel]

Makes perfect sense. Where might we find the tube adapters?

I got the adapters from Ballistic Fabrication and the tie rod ends from WFO Concepts. Both my drag link and tie rod end all use the same end so I only have to worry about one spare.

 

[dieselfuel]

I've got a couple small updates for you guys.

I ran breather hoses for the diffs, trans and t-case. My water line is basically the floor. The front diff, trans and t-case are vented to the top of the firewall but the rear diff goes up into the fuel filler area behind the fender. I've got a lot if ither stuff to water proof before I go dunking my truck anyway. I also replaced the ugly sheet metal screws on my shift boot.

Beefed up the fuel tank skid with some 1/8" plate.

Finally, today I sanded and primed the passenger front fender and installed my new grille.

 

[Renntag]

Looking good.

For the vents, assuming you removed the fitting and replaced with a barb or similar?
Do you remember the thread size?