In Need of an Idiot Check!

[sndtechthis]

I have been using the search function a lot and believe I have a good plan (I hope). As this is my first lift I was hoping for a good once-over from those who have gone before, to make sure I haven't over looked something or missed a best practice.

My mission is for a good daily driver, that will haul often enough and hit the trail sometimes but less often. See my recent hello post for more mission details.

MarkMC 2.5" lift kit - purchased
z71 rear springs - purchased
Bilstein struts F4-BE5-A333-H0 (24-103336) - NOT purchased
Bilstein shocks F4-BE5-E375-H0 (24-186933) - NOT purchased
Panhard Bar Drop Bracket - NOT purchased
Debating an upgrade from the stock 83 springs to 85s - NOT purchased

Wheel Spacer-1.5" thick hub centric(lift meister) - Purchased
265/70/17 - COOPER DISCOVERER A/T3™ - NOT purchased.
Transmission cooler in the near future.

Have an I6, 3.42 ratio axel, and a G80 in the rear of a '06 TB LT. 112,000mi.

If there is any other info I can provide please let me know. Sorry if I have overlooked something stupid. Thanks otherwise.

[Trail X]

Everything looks good except for the 24-186933 rear shocks. With the lift kit and the z71 springs, you'll want something longer. Those shocks are only like 1" longer than stock.

[v7guy]

Yeah, James is correct, it's a common misconception when people first start lookin at shocks, there are a number of far better options... BDS, FOX, whitebody etc

[sndtechthis]

Given my components would you have a recommendation on compressed/uncompressed/overall length requirements, or model numbers of some good options. I am not as familiar with shocks as I would like to be. Any info would be helpful.

[v7guy]

the sticky at the top of this forum, The Complete Lifts and Suspension Accessories Thread has the most relevant info with parts numbers for everything, but it specifically lists the most common shocks we use.

You'll find the rear shock info on the 5th post down I do believe.


viewtopic.php?f=15&t=20

[Trail X]

About 26" extended if you're shopping for your own.

[DirtyBacon04]

is there any particular reason you're getting the panhard drop bracket with a 2.5" lift on 32" tires?
It's not a bad/harmful thing, just not really necessary with a mild lift.

[sndtechthis]

is there any particular reason you're getting the panhard drop bracket with a 2.5" lift on 32" tires?
It's not a bad/harmful thing, just not really necessary with a mild lift.

Mainly from my reading i gathered that any lift would pull the rear axel out of alignment with the front. Thinking that was a significant thing, I was assuming that I needed to have it. I would enjoy the small savings of not getting it but I also don't want to wast the $60 of the wheel alignment I will have to get when they replace the struts on the front. So I guess I was betting on safe than sorry but, if I don't need it then I am happy to cut it. Opinions?

[sndtechthis]

the sticky at the top of this forum, The Complete Lifts and Suspension Accessories Thread has the most relevant info with parts numbers for everything, but it specifically lists the most common shocks we use.

You'll find the rear shock info on the 5th post down I do believe.


viewtopic.php?f=15&t=20

Sorry bout that. Though I read that, I some how scrolled right past to the bilsteins below. Thanks.

[DirtyBacon04]

I've been running 2" + Z71 for 2 years now with no issues.
If you can afford it, go for it, but i dont see it as a required upgrade

[v7guy]

Basically the rear suspension isn't adjustable. So there's no real alignment setting for the rear, if you're paying extra for a 4 wheel alignment you should stop.

The PHR bracket will move the axle over, but it may or may not get it centered. An adj PHR will.

With that said, most don't bother centering the rear.

[sndtechthis]

I haven't gotten an alignment yet with this vehicle, so good to know.

In your experience, with out centering the rear axle should I expect the TB to pull a little to one side while at highway speeds?

[v7guy]

No, you won't see any handling issues with the rear slightly off center in the trailblazer.