Offroad Trailblazers and Envoys

Before I get the Lift installed...

BDS, ReadyLift, Smaxx... You name it, we know about it here.

by Cable810 » Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:36 am

I've done some reading here and on GMTNation regarding Filpping UCAs. Apperently no one told me that with marks 3" I'll have to flip the UCAs... From what I read any lift over 2.5" will need the UCAs flipped. Flipping the UCAs will help with better upper ball joint angle will promote long life for the ball joint!?!?!

Flip the UCAs over and switch them from Passenger to Drivers and Vice Versa?!? I don't have a whole lotta time to be reading stuff here right now, I've got school then work, then I probally wont get back on long enough to read anything so sorry.

Thanks,
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by navigator » Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:40 am

you're right Caleb, you'll want to flip the UCAs when you go up that much in height.
You don't HAVE to but you should, it is less stress on your UBJ and will help you get into alignment better.
Read up on it, most have to cut out some fender material to get the bolts out.

I removed my fender liners, did my cutting etc and when you put the fender liner back in you can't tell.
I remember cutting in a couple of spots and just pounding others with a hammer. Make sure to check behind the fender-well real good so there is no collateral damage. The window washer bottle is right behind the passenger fender-well.
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by Cable810 » Mon Apr 02, 2012 10:52 am

Ok So I'm right from what I read cool!! Now Head to the shop and tell them..
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by steveroche » Mon Apr 02, 2012 11:25 am

I don't think you switch them from driver to pass and vice versa. Someone correct me if i am wrong, I think it is just flipping them upside down.
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by Cable810 » Mon Apr 02, 2012 11:46 am

I read On GMT that You flip them then change from pass to driver and vice versa... Someone Cime in??
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by navigator » Mon Apr 02, 2012 12:02 pm

yes, you flip them and switch sides.
If you look, the UBJ mount is off center. If you just flip it, you will move the mount forward(or backward), by switching sides you effectively keep the UBJ mount in the same location.
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by Cable810 » Mon Apr 02, 2012 12:07 pm

THats what I thought Thanks Navigator!! If we had a Like feature here I'd giva one!
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by The Roadie » Mon Apr 02, 2012 12:25 pm

If it was in my power to REMOVE the "like" feature on GMTN it would be gone already from Facebook Fans who overuse it. :wallbash: :shoot:
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by Cable810 » Mon Apr 02, 2012 12:29 pm

The Roadie wrote:If it was in my power to REMOVE the "like" feature on GMTN it would be gone already from Facebook Fans who overuse it. :wallbash: :shoot:


lol whos idea was that??
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by steveroche » Mon Apr 02, 2012 12:53 pm

Good to know haha considering I have to do this ASAP since I just installed marks lift but didn't have time to do the ubj flip...
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by Cable810 » Tue Apr 03, 2012 2:36 pm

Flip UCAs
New Struts
New Rear Shocks
3" Lift

Anything else I should be told before I take the TB into the shop.

Need to know by Thursday.

Tires and Spacers are in the future.
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by navigator » Tue Apr 03, 2012 2:41 pm

get an alignment afterwards.
Also be prepared, they might find you have a bad ball joint or TRE or something while they are in there.
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by Trail X » Tue Apr 03, 2012 3:32 pm

Get a quote FIRST. Otherwise you have no idea what they will charge you when you take out the wallet.
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by Cable810 » Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:30 am

The 300 to do the lift inclueds the alignment. I checked another shop on the Tire Rods they want 400-500 to do the Rods..... 110-130 for the cheap rods and 140-160 for the expensive ones, so figure labor in there....
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by navigator » Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:34 am

you might do better buying your TRE's yourself.Also do some checking you can get TRE's for a 2500 chevy for an upgrade that is I think cheaper.
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The answer to many common lift questions can be found
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by Cable810 » Wed Apr 04, 2012 10:08 am

Will look into it Thanks. TR will probally be replaced wayyy down the road after the lift and tires hopefully.
The FIRST Solid Axle Swapped Trailblazer in Presque Isle County MI
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The Roadie wrote:Research, plan your mods, fund the plan, then GO DO THEM. THEN WHEEL IT.
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by The Roadie » Wed Apr 04, 2012 10:37 am

Local mechanics getting TRE at NAPA or the dealer or wherever they pay wholesale and then charge you retail, are making money off you two ways. Shockingly, GM list price is $190-200 per side for the outers, and $150 for inners. I buy European (not Chinese) aftermarket units for $30-40 each. And many of us have changed broken outers on the trail in 10-30 minutes without even removing the tire. If the mechanic is not including an alignment, then those prices are ludicrous.

Enough to push a reluctant person into becoming a DIY mechanic, even. :coffee:

Any reason that isn't an option? $500 would buy a heck of a starter set of tools.
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by navigator » Wed Apr 04, 2012 10:43 am

Bill, Caleb's parents won't let him work on his truck yet or let other members help him.
He has to get everything done by his mechanic.
"Please consider a search before posting. Folks on this site PIONEERED functional offroad use of these trucks."
The answer to many common lift questions can be found
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by Trail X » Wed Apr 04, 2012 12:53 pm

At 18 you shouldn't be forbidden from working on your truck... friggin' overprotective parents. Yes, we all must know our limits, but you have to start somewhere.
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by NC_IslandRunner » Wed Apr 04, 2012 1:08 pm

I have never understood the whole my parents won't let me thing when you are 18+, But I didn't have that problem. My Mom's only rule was that I come home alive!
IF THE FISH STOP BITING... HUNT FOR SHELLS!!!
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