So for over a year, I've noticed front sagging. Too chicken to measure it because all it was going to do was cost me money to fix, and I was really, really hoping for the long-wished-for Icon Dynamics coilovers. We might still get those, but I was currently desperate. Hitting things I used to drive over with impunity.
So given that the Roadiemobile runs with an EXT rear axle now, I just guessed that EXT front springs would give it a boost. My springs were well abused by the heavier custom bumper and winch, and I assumed they were taking a permanent set like my pre-Z71 Tahoe springs.
So I found a pair of EXT struts, but the junkyard couldn't give me any part numbers, so I could assure it was in the high end of the range. The donor vehicle ended up being a 2WD Envoy XL, so they're not the stiffest, but they worked like a charm!
While I was in there, I also added markmc's 1/2" shim spacers, and I believe this is the first install of those on a BDS spacer-equipped strut. Mark, you can sell those separately now, perhaps with a notch to support the BDS third bolt.
Final tally - started with 33 1/2" :sadcry: ground to wheelwell opening distance - ended up with 36 1/2". :excited: :woohoo:
EXT springs, plus Mark's spacers, plus BDS, combine the tallest strut with the least amount of sag possible for SWB trucks. The stiffest possible EXT springs would be the best, other than custom springs, but it's very difficult to guarantee you're getting the stiffest possible ones from junkyards. Getting the exact part number for buying new ones is a current project elsewhere.
The project:
Getting the junkyard springs off their struts
Tried the $40 Harbor Freight tool. Worked OK at first.
Ended up starting to BEND! Abandoned it with horror and went back to my previous compression tool.
Drilled out the upper mount holes to make it easier to put them in. I should have done this two upgrades ago.
Mark's 1/2" spacer on top of the BDS assembly. Note where you have to notch if you want to use the BDS third bolt. I don't, so I left it alone.
After assembly, the BDS threaded studs JUST make it with full engagement. This is the only real worry I had about adding Mark's spacers. Now this question is answered - everybody go out and buy them - and get another 3/4" lift!
The EXT spring is slightly larger diameter, and combined with the longer strut after Mark's spacer, the spring now touches the steering knuckle at full extension. Not a worry, since at normal ride height, there's a space. It might make noise offroading at full extension. Like I care? :no:
Top of the BDS spacer showing Mark's shim in the third bolt hole, lined up with the top mounting hole. Mark's shim can't be made any larger diameter, though, because it will then hit the inside of the upper mount and not sit flat. It's at the right diameter now.
My OEM springs that sagged and I removed: part no. 15125883
While I was in there I slapped in some brake pads. Almost 80K miles on the OEMs.
My favorite screw tool to push back the pistons. I opened the bleed valve while doing this so I didn't force dirty fluid back upstream past the ABS valves and seals.
So given that the Roadiemobile runs with an EXT rear axle now, I just guessed that EXT front springs would give it a boost. My springs were well abused by the heavier custom bumper and winch, and I assumed they were taking a permanent set like my pre-Z71 Tahoe springs.
So I found a pair of EXT struts, but the junkyard couldn't give me any part numbers, so I could assure it was in the high end of the range. The donor vehicle ended up being a 2WD Envoy XL, so they're not the stiffest, but they worked like a charm!
While I was in there, I also added markmc's 1/2" shim spacers, and I believe this is the first install of those on a BDS spacer-equipped strut. Mark, you can sell those separately now, perhaps with a notch to support the BDS third bolt.
Final tally - started with 33 1/2" :sadcry: ground to wheelwell opening distance - ended up with 36 1/2". :excited: :woohoo:
EXT springs, plus Mark's spacers, plus BDS, combine the tallest strut with the least amount of sag possible for SWB trucks. The stiffest possible EXT springs would be the best, other than custom springs, but it's very difficult to guarantee you're getting the stiffest possible ones from junkyards. Getting the exact part number for buying new ones is a current project elsewhere.
The project:
Getting the junkyard springs off their struts
Tried the $40 Harbor Freight tool. Worked OK at first.
Ended up starting to BEND! Abandoned it with horror and went back to my previous compression tool.
Drilled out the upper mount holes to make it easier to put them in. I should have done this two upgrades ago.
Mark's 1/2" spacer on top of the BDS assembly. Note where you have to notch if you want to use the BDS third bolt. I don't, so I left it alone.
After assembly, the BDS threaded studs JUST make it with full engagement. This is the only real worry I had about adding Mark's spacers. Now this question is answered - everybody go out and buy them - and get another 3/4" lift!
The EXT spring is slightly larger diameter, and combined with the longer strut after Mark's spacer, the spring now touches the steering knuckle at full extension. Not a worry, since at normal ride height, there's a space. It might make noise offroading at full extension. Like I care? :no:
Top of the BDS spacer showing Mark's shim in the third bolt hole, lined up with the top mounting hole. Mark's shim can't be made any larger diameter, though, because it will then hit the inside of the upper mount and not sit flat. It's at the right diameter now.
My OEM springs that sagged and I removed: part no. 15125883
While I was in there I slapped in some brake pads. Almost 80K miles on the OEMs.
My favorite screw tool to push back the pistons. I opened the bleed valve while doing this so I didn't force dirty fluid back upstream past the ABS valves and seals.