2016 Chevy Silverado LTZ Z71

D45

Explorer
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

Explorer
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

Explorer
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

Explorer
Anyone have an insight on these aluminum UCA numbers?

LH:
23125968
22840983

RH:
23125969
23420264
 

D45

Explorer
The Ready Lift rear shock extension brackets are STOUT.

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


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.
 
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D45

Explorer
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?
 
Last edited:

D45

Explorer
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

Explorer
I ordered the 2.5" fabricated steel blocks

They are tapered to help pinion angles

Everything should be here within 6 days
 

SoTxAg06

Active member
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

Explorer
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
 

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