Definitely like the Sulastic shackles idea I'm waiting to get a set myself. Why not go with the cognito 4" kit and turn it down to level it will definitely ride better then. Also you can get a higher end scanner to lower tpms settings.
Bought a set of Rancho 5000 shock at Canadian Tire many years ago for my 1999 Silverado. Last fall, the two front shock were history. Contacted the local Canadian Tire store and got two new ones... FREE. They honored the lifetime warranty on the shocks (with invoice) !! Next, will be the two back ones. They're gone. Thanks for all the great videos. Best Regards - Mike
My mom is an 80 year old hot rodder and if she saw me tightening studs clockwise or counterclockwise…I’d get the old Bill Cosby eye and no dessert with dinner.
You need to replace those Bilsteins! Just picked up a 1995 with 157k - rode great, then I replaced the shocks with new Bilsteins and the ride is AMAZING! Yours are 24 years old.. they are garbage now.
I love the Bilstein shocks that I put on the back of my 2012 Silverado 1500 4WD. I still need to have the front shocks replaced. No torsion bars on the 1500.
The ranchos on my old 19 2500hd were blown at 6k miles, dealer said they would replace but it would take time so I slapped fox 2.0 and kryptonite upper control arms and idler/pitman support kit and it rode like a dream 😍
I did rough country premium shocks with my leveling kit on my 16 Duramax with 35/12.5/20’s, , great people, great service, I added Lift Rite air bags [ crew cab short box 4/4] … BY FAR the best mod for pulling trailers , I recently towed a 40’ + camp ground model camper 60+ miles 65-70 mph no problem. No sway and when big rigs passed I didn’t get the pulling in and pushing off effects
A little tip for your grease gun, get another flex hose and couple them together. It makes it a lot easier to grease stuff because you don't have to get the gun so close
No grease fitting “lubed for life” has led to how many recalls? Surprised actually driving the truck doesn’t void the warranty. No quality anymore from any manufacturer.
You're probably the only one that knows what those are for. I haven't used a grease gun IN YEARS, perhaps decades. 99% of the buying public doesn't care enough about their cars or trucks to be lubing suspension parts according to a service schedule.
They did away with most grease fitting because people who don’t known what they are doing were over greasing and splitting the boots, causing earlier failures.
@@gregorywieczorek4160 In my 25 years with a dealer (been out last 13 years) watched them disappear, watched warranty denials and recalls follow (very irritating as a tech). Good to know there is a comeback, as long as they get used properly.
I got what you are missing check out my AT4 I built a headache rack, bumper and installed a winch. Love the look of your wheens. I have now built 5 racks for Tacoma, Tundra Ram, and Ford
I've had airbags on a few trucks in the past and they do work but their maintenance. I'm a much bigger fan of an airless airbag like to Sumo Springs. Sumosprings also offer a front bump stopper replacement. They really do a good job of increasing ride quality and take some of the load off of your shocks.
Inspect your steering rack bushings as you have someone else turn the wheel lock to lock. I had to have mine replaced with delrin (and a custom machined bushing holders) and got rid of the factory rubber. I have a 2014
Yes those fuel connectors are a bugger they used them on the 10th gen f150s to and really suck to reconnect after having to take them off a half a dozen times.
I bought one of these as soon as they were available, wrecked it and got a fancy settlement after a month of owning it because there were 0 replacement parts, now I find out there’s gonna be a refresh so I am BEYOND hyped
I have a 2014 Silverado 1500 and it just rolled over 100,000 miles and I just installed the Eibach Pro truck stage 2 coil over kit. Wow what a huge improvement in ride quality and handling. Highly recommend them!
I ended up going through Filthy Motorsports out of Colorado to build me some King shocks for my AT4HD!!!! You can basically take railroad crossing as fast as you want and other aggressive off-roading!!! Made a massive difference to my ride quality!!!!
@@LawrenceTolman Any MDI type tool and a SPS subscription and you can adjust the warning level. Alternatively you can do it through BCM programming, look up BT Dieselworks
Lawrence, It sucks that dealers are always looking for a scapegoat out of warranty responsibility. FYI Your AT4 has a screw in the right front tire. I hope that you got it fixed. I was looking for a 2020 3500HD, but I could only find commercial trucks with limited options and GMC would not accept either my partner discount nor an order. I bought an 2020 F-350 6.7L STX and it was practically bulletproof with no problems! I sold it back to FORD, for a profit, and ordered a 2022 F-350 6.7L Lariat. Sadly, the chip shortage has caused a major delay since my 12/10/21 order. I am forced to use my 1997 GMC Suburban K2500 (HD) to tow my 31' Toyhauler. I would be glad to trade even with you, lol. I have to do a lot of work to it and your videos answer a lot of questions for me. The second time I took the RV to the dump station, my 4L80E started slipping and not shifting. It is being pulled apart today in the trans shop. As my 8,600lb RV can easily reach 10,000lbs loaded, I am upgrading to a class IV hitch, 7-wire plug and armored vehicle rear springs, 7 leaves plus overload. I'm having an 10,000lb trans cooler installed and 7.4L HD radiator. It may be Christmas before I see the new F-350, so the 'Burb has some work to do. I wish that I had the 7.4L vs. my Vortech 350. No long trips for this rig. Wish me luck.
I put a set of the yellow one's on my 05 2500hd and really didn't feel a difference in ride quality even though 3 out of the 4 were wasted.But at least I have new shocks.
I put some Icon shocks to level my F-150 and it rides like a Cadillac compared to stock and off-road is unbelievably smooth. Very pricey but well worth it.
You can do your own TPMS reset: Turn vehicle to ON/RUN. With parking brake on. Push the trip odometer reset stem until Tire Pressure is displayed. Push and hold trip reset stem to begin the sensor matching process. start with the front left tire, then front right, rear right and rear left at the end. You have to bleed air out of the valve stem with a pen or something like that, until you hear the horn beep on each wheel in that tire order. It takes like 4-6 seconds on each tire. Push trip reset again to confirm. Your welcome!
The problem you describe is true for most any new vehicle. We used to repair all makes (mainly Jeep’s) but Ford GMC and Dodge was big on the list also.
Added Bilstien steering stabilizer to my 2016 GMC 3500 Denali, along with Bilstien shocks. Very low miles at the time. Could not believe that the standard shocks on this truck to be garbage. Then to find out they eliminated the mount for steering stabilizer just unbelievable. In order to install this, one bracket needed to be added, which I did. The ride was greatly improved , just couldn’t believe that on their flagship Denali this would be the case. Later looking at trading to a 1500, dealer refused to take my truck period, because this added bracket made it unsellable and refused to talk further!
I really like the LS engine platform but I'm amazed at all the engine failures I read about. This cylinder deactivation is total BS. Lifter failure in todays world is ridiculous and I've mostly been a Chevy Guy. I think this GMC is the best looking truck in my opinion there seems to be a lot of issues. I realize most of the whiners come to the internet to complain but they all can't be wrong.
My 2021 Sierra 1500 AT4 upper Arm broke right at the ball joint. The ball joint didn’t break, it was the aftermarket A-Arm that the AT4 package is installed. I think it is from BDS from what I am told don’t quote me on that. 18,000 miles just came off the interstate from running 80 mph for 60 miles. At the end of the trip before the off-ramp the truck felt ‘off’ or squirly or loose. Came up to a stop sign turned left and the r/f wheel cocked at 45 degrees and almost fell off. Luckily then I was only going 10 mph. Truck stranded me, but could have been much worse with me and my family. Towed to the dealer and they installed the same new upper A arm. I don’t own that truck any longer, got MAJOR trust issues. Loved the 6.2L engine though.
LT i bought bilsteins (silver type) for new shocks through summit racing limetime warranty ive gotten 3 sets total so far 2 were warrantied replacements throgh summit no cost and best part!!! I get to keep old shocks on my truck and when new ones arrive i then send old worn out set back and it works well not having downtime w no shocks on my truck
I have the same truck, 2020 GMC 2500hd AT4. I immediately installed a Suspension Maxx levelling kit with Cognito upper control arms. I bought the Fox 2.0, +2 shocks and love them. The stock Rancho shocks are garbage. Only have about 8k miles on the truck so far. I run 20 X 9 inch Fuel wheels with 35 X 12.50 Nitto Terra Grapplers. My only complaint is the braking system seems a little "squishy". Thanks for the great content.
First off, love the HD AT4!! I would have one but it would be overkill for what I need so I own a 2021 Trail Boss. Secondly, I’m surprised they run monotube shocks in the front. I have already upgraded my Ranchos and am running 6112 coilover Bilsteins in the from and 5160 Bilsteins with a remote reservoir in the rear. Worth every penny. No more annoying body roll.
@@FirstLast-we8cb hope so! Love seeing people working on there cars/ trucks but when they miss out on basic safety precautions like wheel chalks and torquing wheels it can be kinda nerve wracking knowing he’s going to be putting his whole family in there and go 70 mph down the interstate.
I did. Sulastic shackles on my 3500 crew cab long bed dually. Loaded with 3500 lbs made a nice difference. When empty unless I hit a giant pothole it rides like my wife's 2017 explorer.
Have a 2020 Denali Hd with cognito leveling kit, 35 tires and fox shocks. Rides amazing. Now have a new problem. All the sudden, getting warning light to service power steering.
I used to work at an auto parts store and from my experience Rancho shocks are not the same quality as they used to be and bilstein are hard to beat for the cost. I used to warranty alot of Ranchos.
Don’t know if this has already been done. But the pitman arm issue could be the steering intermediate shaft. 2020 and up I believe had a tsb. “Clunky” steering wheel feel. Had 2 replaced in 40,000km on a 21 3500. Again just another angle to look at.
Had the same problem on the 2017 1500, 36k and the rears were leaking, ordered them on amazon, they came in the morning Iand crawled under it and did them during my lunch. I think the dealer wanted 500 for just the rear installed. On the other hand my 2000 silverado that has had a set of 5100s on it for probably 8 years and at leaast 120k are just starting to seep when i checked during the last oil change
I use the Bilsteins 5100's on my 2004 4x4 Suburban 1500 and 2007 trailblazer and it improved the ride where they just handle so much better and smooth over bumps. I live in AZ and drive off road and pn in the burban and love how they handle also installed moog springs in the rear of the burban and still want to upgrade the torsion bars. By the way Lawrence LT Tolman, I think I saw a screw in your front right stock wheel tire on the inner tread. 6:12
the spacer was used with the original ranchos and with the new bilsteins. That’s per the the instructions in my Cognito leveling kit, they list a length measurement that the shock and spacer need to be.
6:14 looks like you may have picket up a screw in the inner part of the tread on the right front tire, not sure if it is or not but wanted to throw out a heads up
You mentioned the dealer said your pitman and idler arms were shot and needed to be replaced. That's a bit premature at only 40K miles. Do you think the leveling kit caused the premature wear?
The dealer can adjust your TPMS setting threshold to whatever you like which would allow you to run whatever pressure you want without setting off the TPMS light.
Check the specs for idler arms, people change them when they see play, but many allow 1/8” to 1/4” at up to 25 lbs force. Also, use the center link to check the measurement.
I've heard the opposite regarding bilstien riding smooth and fox being rougher ride. I'm not an expert but Bilstiens are digressive which means they are stiffer on smaller bumps and soak up the larger bumps smoother. Fox and king shocks are either progressive or linear and are smoother all around from everything I've read. Still undecided on what I want for my 4runner, like you said a lot of stuff is on back order so I'm just going to wait awhile.
Just what I said about GMs Rancho....their JUNK.....Thank you Lawrence....you got a nice ride now........I hear Fox do ride like a dream...issue I do not like with Fox King Icon Falcon...is you have to rebuild all these every 30 or 40 thousand miles and having to deal with coil-over set-ups would really suck it. Bilsteins are lifetime...the yellows and blue for the Cadilac ride and the 5100 for a more stable manly rig...and a 2 inch lift possible with adjustable coil-overs...BDS control arms...Helwigs rear sway bar kit....5100 shocks coil-overs level 5 Bilstein rear special edition coils...and Wildpeaks....NOW were done here...or maybe we should go to the 6100 bilstein...a 2.5 inch 5100......lmao......enjoy
I did an upgrade on my front end of my f450 like you it was suspension upgrade, told ford dealership that I might have a death wobble, so they changed everything that has to do with my steering, free they said it's warranty from the manufacturer. FYI my truck is a 2017 so I just wanted everything that would cause death wobble to be changed, I didn't have a death wobble but now it's all new.
@@LawrenceTolmanmore than likely. I think fox makes them too. I just wish someone would make a kit for the 4wd chevy obs. I seen that digginz71 has a lowered 4wd obs on coil overs but im not sure how well it would work on its stock or lifted counterpart. The shock towers are kinda dinky and I feel like they would rip off the frame fairly easily
I drive a 2005 cummins 2500 with a 6 inch lift. I had since hard-core off road guys tell me not to go with the fox 2.0 because they blow all the time. They recommend the Bilstien that I have. Love the truck BTW.
Yup in Portland Oregon, they seems to have tons of money to update the bike lanes, pedestrian sidewalks , build pedestrian bicycle bridges, and closing a line of road to build those. I gotta tell you they are so smart. I can't wait to move out this idiotic state.
Can you replace the shackle with a spring slider? I’m not sure if they make any for a truck that big. I have a 2004 GMC 3500 crew cab dually and between the steering column rattle and the crap shocks and tires it was a horrible ride. Some KYB shocks, Michelin XPS tires fixed most of it, still need to do the steering column, I think Borgeson makes one. But I leveled it with just cranking the torsion bars up, and the rear could use some sliders to soften the ride
I’m having the same Issue with my 2020 AT4 Duramax. The Ride is so Rough and I’m at 40k miles. This video is making me think I need new shocks as well. Did the New shocks ride a lot smoother over bumps?
Save the warranty for the P0420 and P20E8s and other P20 codes that are just around the corner. Love the diesel torque but getting tired of the emissions and reluctant codes. Going back to gas once I get the current problem fixed. Just have to leave home earlier. But at least I know there are no, "175 miles until reduced speed, see owners manual" messages in my future with a 6.2.
Have your TPMS reprogramed!!!!! I had mine set so that the rear will not freak out until 42psi and the front at 45 psi. I run 45psi in the rear and 50 in the front when empty not towing and the ride is a lot better and the tires seem to last a lot longer like this as well. Also much better traction in the wet and snow. The last gen trucks also had problems with the Rancho factory shocks failing early. Even if you left everything stock. My rears on my old 2015 started leaking at 15k, dealer replaced them under warranty. At 38k both fronts where leaking as where both rears again. At 62k all 4 shocks where leaking again. I replaced them with proper Rancho RS9000s and those where much better and where still on the truck at 68k when I sold it with no problems. I loved that I could adjust them for the load. Ill be putting them on my new 2022 as soon as it comes in. I already have them sitting hear waiting for the truck to be built still though.
F-150, I hope you're going to put a large ground wire on one of those ignition coil mounting bolts. That plastic fender liner won't make a connection and good spark. Might melt or burn something trying to ground the circuit to the plugs. 😳
so far, I've put about 100 miles on it, and the Bilsteins are doing great!
Definitely like the Sulastic shackles idea I'm waiting to get a set myself. Why not go with the cognito 4" kit and turn it down to level it will definitely ride better then. Also you can get a higher end scanner to lower tpms settings.
do you have the 2500 or 3500. The link you provided says 3500. Will they also fit a 2500 or do i need to find a different part number?
@@3127cal they'll fit both 2500hd and 3500
@@mattward330 looks like they are the B8 5100s?
Just put a set of 5100's on my Cummins last weekend. Very happy with the ride so far!
Always improving and documenting making it easier for us to follow. Thanks LT. Keep em coming.
Bought a set of Rancho 5000 shock at Canadian Tire many years ago for my 1999 Silverado. Last fall, the two front shock were history. Contacted the local Canadian Tire store and got two new ones... FREE. They honored the lifetime warranty on the shocks (with invoice) !! Next, will be the two back ones. They're gone. Thanks for all the great videos. Best Regards - Mike
I guess if we keep buying from Amazon, well send Dr. Evil into space permanently.
Why does it frraking matter... Someone gets rich no matter what
I have had Sulastic Shackles for four years and love em...
Good to hear!
I put the entire Kryptonite front end kit on my 17 one ton Duramax and fox shocks 2.2 all around and it is GREAT!!!!
My mom is an 80 year old hot rodder and if she saw me tightening studs clockwise or counterclockwise…I’d get the old Bill Cosby eye and no dessert with dinner.
Not to mention the torque wrench skill!
That spot on I-15 makes any vehicle bounce like you’re going to go off the interstate.
Yeah, it’s pretty bad
I drive it about 6 times a month and know to hold on to my drink and take off my hat in my Ram dually. That button hurts when it hits the roof.
Bilsteins are great!
My 1997 Z-71 still has the original Bilsteins at 173,000 miles, and it still rides great!
You need to replace those Bilsteins! Just picked up a 1995 with 157k - rode great, then I replaced the shocks with new Bilsteins and the ride is AMAZING!
Yours are 24 years old.. they are garbage now.
You sir, have Stockholm syndrome, replace those things asap.
I put solastic shackles on my 2015 Ram 3500 flatbed dually a few years ago and they have been fantastic!
good to hear
I love the Bilstein shocks that I put on the back of my 2012 Silverado 1500 4WD. I still need to have the front shocks replaced. No torsion bars on the 1500.
The ranchos on my old 19 2500hd were blown at 6k miles, dealer said they would replace but it would take time so I slapped fox 2.0 and kryptonite upper control arms and idler/pitman support kit and it rode like a dream 😍
How much did you lift it????
Good to see that you properly torque the wheel lug nuts.
Most people use an impact gun which over tighten the lug nuts and stretch the studs.
lol thats not a torque wrench, just a breaker bar..
I did rough country premium shocks with my leveling kit on my 16 Duramax with 35/12.5/20’s, , great people, great service, I added Lift Rite air bags [ crew cab short box 4/4] … BY FAR the best mod for pulling trailers , I recently towed a 40’ + camp ground model camper 60+ miles 65-70 mph no problem. No sway and when big rigs passed I didn’t get the pulling in and pushing off effects
A little tip for your grease gun, get another flex hose and couple them together. It makes it a lot easier to grease stuff because you don't have to get the gun so close
Nice welding on the fuel fittings!
No grease fitting “lubed for life” has led to how many recalls? Surprised actually driving the truck doesn’t void the warranty. No quality anymore from any manufacturer.
You're probably the only one that knows what those are for.
I haven't used a grease gun IN YEARS, perhaps decades.
99% of the buying public doesn't care enough about their cars or trucks to be lubing suspension parts according to a service schedule.
As a dealer, I would agree. They are all junk.
They did away with most grease fitting because people who don’t known what they are doing were over greasing and splitting the boots, causing earlier failures.
My 2020 gmc 3500 definitely has grease fittings on the front end as did my 2916 3500hd and my 2002 2500hd chevy
@@gregorywieczorek4160 In my 25 years with a dealer (been out last 13 years) watched them disappear, watched warranty denials and recalls follow (very irritating as a tech). Good to know there is a comeback, as long as they get used properly.
I got what you are missing check out my AT4 I built a headache rack, bumper and installed a winch. Love the look of your wheens. I have now built 5 racks for Tacoma, Tundra Ram, and Ford
I've had airbags on a few trucks in the past and they do work but their maintenance. I'm a much bigger fan of an airless airbag like to Sumo Springs. Sumosprings also offer a front bump stopper replacement. They really do a good job of increasing ride quality and take some of the load off of your shocks.
Did I just see you tighten those wheel clockwise or weird camera angle?
Inspect your steering rack bushings as you have someone else turn the wheel lock to lock. I had to have mine replaced with delrin (and a custom machined bushing holders) and got rid of the factory rubber. I have a 2014
Yes those fuel connectors are a bugger they used them on the 10th gen f150s to and really suck to reconnect after having to take them off a half a dozen times.
I bought one of these as soon as they were available, wrecked it and got a fancy settlement after a month of owning it because there were 0 replacement parts, now I find out there’s gonna be a refresh so I am BEYOND hyped
I have a 2014 Silverado 1500 and it just rolled over 100,000 miles and I just installed the Eibach Pro truck stage 2 coil over kit. Wow what a huge improvement in ride quality and handling. Highly recommend them!
another good option
Excellent VLOG as always, LT. Thanks for producing posting it. Well done!
Regards, Lloyd C. in Houston
Thanks for watching!
I ended up going through Filthy Motorsports out of Colorado to build me some King shocks for my AT4HD!!!! You can basically take railroad crossing as fast as you want and other aggressive off-roading!!! Made a massive difference to my ride quality!!!!
My shocks on my ram 2500 also were junk at 40k miles, gained a death wobble. New bilstiens and she was better than ever
You can get your TPMS pressure low pressure point set to any pressure you want. Can be done with a factory or equivalent scanner
hmm... I need to learn more about this then
Can u do with Hp tuners? Or will a dealer do it ? Thank you
@@bruceshepard1136 I don't think HP can but dealer or even independent shop. I use Snap on Verus
Yep. My autel and snap on scan tool will do it.
@@LawrenceTolman Any MDI type tool and a SPS subscription and you can adjust the warning level. Alternatively you can do it through BCM programming, look up BT Dieselworks
I fixed that many years ago by not buying garbage Ifs GM 4wd. 06 was my last year for Generic Motors. Basically 1982 Chevy S10 design.
Lawrence, It sucks that dealers are always looking for a scapegoat out of warranty responsibility. FYI Your AT4 has a screw in the right front tire. I hope that you got it fixed. I was looking for a 2020 3500HD, but I could only find commercial trucks with limited options and GMC would not accept either my partner discount nor an order. I bought an 2020 F-350 6.7L STX and it was practically bulletproof with no problems! I sold it back to FORD, for a profit, and ordered a 2022 F-350 6.7L Lariat. Sadly, the chip shortage has caused a major delay since my 12/10/21 order. I am forced to use my 1997 GMC Suburban K2500 (HD) to tow my 31' Toyhauler. I would be glad to trade even with you, lol. I have to do a lot of work to it and your videos answer a lot of questions for me. The second time I took the RV to the dump station, my 4L80E started slipping and not shifting. It is being pulled apart today in the trans shop. As my 8,600lb RV can easily reach 10,000lbs loaded, I am upgrading to a class IV hitch, 7-wire plug and armored vehicle rear springs, 7 leaves plus overload. I'm having an 10,000lb trans cooler installed and 7.4L HD radiator. It may be Christmas before I see the new F-350, so the 'Burb has some work to do. I wish that I had the 7.4L vs. my Vortech 350. No long trips for this rig. Wish me luck.
Pitman and idler arms are worn out at 40k. Great engineering Chevy.
This is why cognito separately sells a pitman and idler arm kit.
I put a set of the yellow one's on my 05 2500hd and really didn't feel a difference in ride quality even though 3 out of the 4 were wasted.But at least I have new shocks.
I put some Icon shocks to level my F-150 and it rides like a Cadillac compared to stock and off-road is unbelievably smooth. Very pricey but well worth it.
Love the work on all the trucks
Can’t say for other trucks but, the Fox shocks that came on my 2013 Raptor had a great ride quality on and off road. They weren’t harsh at all.
Bilstein shocks are the best! I have them on my truck.
You can do your own TPMS reset: Turn vehicle to ON/RUN. With parking brake on. Push the trip odometer reset stem until Tire Pressure is displayed. Push and hold trip reset stem to begin the sensor matching process. start with the front left tire, then front right, rear right and rear left at the end. You have to bleed air out of the valve stem with a pen or something like that, until you hear the horn beep on each wheel in that tire order. It takes like 4-6 seconds on each tire. Push trip reset again to confirm. Your welcome!
Looked like you had a screw stuck in the tire.?
The problem you describe is true for most any new vehicle. We used to repair all makes (mainly Jeep’s) but Ford GMC and Dodge was big on the list also.
when you removed the pass tire was that a screw head on the inside
Added Bilstien steering stabilizer to my 2016 GMC 3500 Denali, along with Bilstien shocks. Very low miles at the time. Could not believe that the standard shocks on this truck to be garbage. Then to find out they eliminated the mount for steering stabilizer just unbelievable. In order to install this, one bracket needed to be added, which I did. The ride was greatly improved , just couldn’t believe that on their flagship Denali this would be the case.
Later looking at trading to a 1500, dealer refused to take my truck period, because this added bracket made it unsellable and refused to talk further!
Wow, that’s crazy for them not wanting the trade…
I have a 2021 2500 Denali, I upgraded to the Bilsteins 5160 plus airbags. Woww what a difference, The Ranchos used to be a solid shock absorber.
I really like the LS engine platform but I'm amazed at all the engine failures I read about. This cylinder deactivation is total BS. Lifter failure in todays world is ridiculous and I've mostly been a Chevy Guy. I think this GMC is the best looking truck in my opinion there seems to be a lot of issues. I realize most of the whiners come to the internet to complain but they all can't be wrong.
My 2021 Sierra 1500 AT4 upper Arm broke right at the ball joint. The ball joint didn’t break, it was the aftermarket A-Arm that the AT4 package is installed. I think it is from BDS from what I am told don’t quote me on that. 18,000 miles just came off the interstate from running 80 mph for 60 miles. At the end of the trip before the off-ramp the truck felt ‘off’ or squirly or loose. Came up to a stop sign turned left and the r/f wheel cocked at 45 degrees and almost fell off. Luckily then I was only going 10 mph. Truck stranded me, but could have been much worse with me and my family. Towed to the dealer and they installed the same new upper A arm. I don’t own that truck any longer, got MAJOR trust issues. Loved the 6.2L engine though.
Great video LT. Lot's of fun to watch.
LT i bought bilsteins (silver type) for new shocks through summit racing limetime warranty ive gotten 3 sets total so far 2 were warrantied replacements throgh summit no cost and best part!!! I get to keep old shocks on my truck and when new ones arrive i then send old worn out set back and it works well not having downtime w no shocks on my truck
Didn't lube the wheel studs? Didn't use a cross torque pattern?
I have the same truck, 2020 GMC 2500hd AT4. I immediately installed a Suspension Maxx levelling kit with Cognito upper control arms. I bought the Fox 2.0, +2 shocks and love them. The stock Rancho shocks are garbage. Only have about 8k miles on the truck so far. I run 20 X 9 inch Fuel wheels with 35 X 12.50 Nitto Terra Grapplers. My only complaint is the braking system seems a little "squishy". Thanks for the great content.
First off, love the HD AT4!! I would have one but it would be overkill for what I need so I own a 2021 Trail Boss. Secondly, I’m surprised they run monotube shocks in the front. I have already upgraded my Ranchos and am running 6112 coilover Bilsteins in the from and 5160 Bilsteins with a remote reservoir in the rear. Worth every penny. No more annoying body roll.
What monster tightens lugs in a circle???
With out a torque wrench too… brutal
@@HockeyHead252 OP is a good guy so let's see if he redeems himself! ;-)
@@FirstLast-we8cb hope so! Love seeing people working on there cars/ trucks but when they miss out on basic safety precautions like wheel chalks and torquing wheels it can be kinda nerve wracking knowing he’s going to be putting his whole family in there and go 70 mph down the interstate.
My right arm is calibrated tho…
I’m busted… you got me
I did. Sulastic shackles on my 3500 crew cab long bed dually. Loaded with 3500 lbs made a nice difference. When empty unless I hit a giant pothole it rides like my wife's 2017 explorer.
Oh and bilstein 4600 all around too
thats great to hear, I wanna get a set now asap
I have Bilsteins on my 15 2500 Denali. Awesome shocks!
Have a 2020 Denali Hd with cognito leveling kit, 35 tires and fox shocks. Rides amazing. Now have a new problem. All the sudden, getting warning light to service power steering.
that's one I haven't come across yet
I used to work at an auto parts store and from my experience Rancho shocks are not the same quality as they used to be and bilstein are hard to beat for the cost. I used to warranty alot of Ranchos.
I’m retired now but we quit using Ranchos almost 20 years ago at the shop. You assessment is spot on, Bilstein has to be the best bang for the buck.
Don’t know if this has already been done. But the pitman arm issue could be the steering intermediate shaft. 2020 and up I believe had a tsb. “Clunky” steering wheel feel. Had 2 replaced in 40,000km on a 21 3500.
Again just another angle to look at.
Had the same problem on the 2017 1500, 36k and the rears were leaking, ordered them on amazon, they came in the morning Iand crawled under it and did them during my lunch. I think the dealer wanted 500 for just the rear installed. On the other hand my 2000 silverado that has had a set of 5100s on it for probably 8 years and at leaast 120k are just starting to seep when i checked during the last oil change
Great video, as always. Just the next time you use the vise as an anvil, tighten it up first.
Yup, should’ve.
That's a clean AT4. Ya those ranchos suck.. Replaced mine with Bilsteins 5100
The at4 2500hd comes with a factory 2 in. Lift. Does this affect the shock I purchase? They are described as 0 to 1.5 in. Gary
I use the Bilsteins 5100's on my 2004 4x4 Suburban 1500 and 2007 trailblazer and it improved the ride where they just handle so much better and smooth over bumps. I live in AZ and drive off road and pn in the burban and love how they handle also installed moog springs in the rear of the burban and still want to upgrade the torsion bars. By the way Lawrence LT Tolman, I think I saw a screw in your front right stock wheel tire on the inner tread. 6:12
I did the Bilstein 5100's on my F150 with the adjustable spring perch mount. Much better ride, especially compared to putting a spacer kit on.
SO, you didn't use the spacer with the original shocks??
the spacer was used with the original ranchos and with the new bilsteins. That’s per the the instructions in my Cognito leveling kit, they list a length measurement that the shock and spacer need to be.
you got a nail on the right front tire !
6:14 looks like you may have picket up a screw in the inner part of the tread on the right front tire, not sure if it is or not but wanted to throw out a heads up
it was, luckily wasnt all the way through
@@LawrenceTolman your lucks better than mine, last new set of tires I put on managed to attract a nail through the sidewall within the first 150 miles
I had Fox 2.0's on my Jeep and I HATED them. I replaced them with Bilstein 5100's and an very happy. I also have 5100's on my 8.1 Squarebody Suburban.
You mentioned the dealer said your pitman and idler arms were shot and needed to be replaced. That's a bit premature at only 40K miles. Do you think the leveling kit caused the premature wear?
The dealer can adjust your TPMS setting threshold to whatever you like which would allow you to run whatever pressure you want without setting off the TPMS light.
Whats it like going from studio lighting, cutting edge tools and equipment and cleanliness to home in the driveway??
I think the thing I miss the most is the air conditioned studio and unlimited supply of tools
100% a shock change will not void your warranty, dealer is full of it. I use Bilstiens and really like them.
I put Fox 2.0 in my 02 Tahoe and it is kinda rough. I don’t do any off roading either but if I could go back I would go with the Bilstein.
makes me glad I went the way I did
Check the specs for idler arms, people change them when they see play, but many allow 1/8” to 1/4” at up to 25 lbs force. Also, use the center link to check the measurement.
My 2015 Denali 3500 with 133,000 miles probably still has the original shocks. It does ride like a lumber wagon. Guess it's time. :)
Helper bags are a must
My Chevy dealer service department did not know that HD trucks had grease fittings! I wonder why my idler arm was worn out!
did you install the rear shocks upside down?
uh... no?
Got the same truck so I am loving the content
Curious why you didn’t buy longer shocks instead of using a spacer.
Where did you buy your extra set of TPMS from? Are they factory GM sensors or generic aftermarket brand?
Factory GM ones from GM Parts Online if I recall correctly
I've heard the opposite regarding bilstien riding smooth and fox being rougher ride. I'm not an expert but Bilstiens are digressive which means they are stiffer on smaller bumps and soak up the larger bumps smoother. Fox and king shocks are either progressive or linear and are smoother all around from everything I've read. Still undecided on what I want for my 4runner, like you said a lot of stuff is on back order so I'm just going to wait awhile.
You'd think they'd have a unbreakable rack on it for what the truck costs
Truck is absolutely beautiful btw.
Just what I said about GMs Rancho....their JUNK.....Thank you Lawrence....you got a nice ride now........I hear Fox do ride like a dream...issue I do not like with Fox King Icon Falcon...is you have to rebuild all these every 30 or 40 thousand miles and having to deal with coil-over set-ups would really suck it. Bilsteins are lifetime...the yellows and blue for the Cadilac ride and the 5100 for a more stable manly rig...and a 2 inch lift possible with adjustable coil-overs...BDS control arms...Helwigs rear sway bar kit....5100 shocks coil-overs level 5 Bilstein rear special edition coils...and Wildpeaks....NOW were done here...or maybe we should go to the 6100 bilstein...a 2.5 inch 5100......lmao......enjoy
I did an upgrade on my front end of my f450 like you it was suspension upgrade, told ford dealership that I might have a death wobble, so they changed everything that has to do with my steering, free they said it's warranty from the manufacturer. FYI my truck is a 2017 so I just wanted everything that would cause death wobble to be changed, I didn't have a death wobble but now it's all new.
Did you have a screw on that first tire you took off ?????
If you want the best riding shocks, try accutune, specialty tuned fox shocks
Was that a CHARLES SCHWAB that they just put a "Tires" sign over the CHAR? 18:22
Have you looked into the coil over conversion for these yet?
I have thought about it, I think BDS makes em, and also Kibbetech? I'm sure that would make it ride soo much better
@@LawrenceTolmanmore than likely. I think fox makes them too. I just wish someone would make a kit for the 4wd chevy obs. I seen that digginz71 has a lowered 4wd obs on coil overs but im not sure how well it would work on its stock or lifted counterpart. The shock towers are kinda dinky and I feel like they would rip off the frame fairly easily
I drive a 2005 cummins 2500 with a 6 inch lift. I had since hard-core off road guys tell me not to go with the fox 2.0 because they blow all the time. They recommend the Bilstien that I have. Love the truck BTW.
I've heard that a lot about the Fox 2.0s
please use a torque sequence on everything, run a lower tire pressure i run 40 psi
Welcome to Road Construction season in Utah. Thankfully it only lasts from January to December.
Better than califuckya, they never repair the roads. They either just drop shovels full of crap in the crater size potholes or they do nothing.
Yup in Portland Oregon, they seems to have tons of money to update the bike lanes, pedestrian sidewalks , build pedestrian bicycle bridges, and closing a line of road to build those. I gotta tell you they are so smart. I can't wait to move out this idiotic state.
Try out Cognito comfort ride torsion bar. Do a review on that. Very interested in doing that for my truck as well.
Can you replace the shackle with a spring slider? I’m not sure if they make any for a truck that big. I have a 2004 GMC 3500 crew cab dually and between the steering column rattle and the crap shocks and tires it was a horrible ride. Some KYB shocks, Michelin XPS tires fixed most of it, still need to do the steering column, I think Borgeson makes one. But I leveled it with just cranking the torsion bars up, and the rear could use some sliders to soften the ride
I’m having the same Issue with my 2020 AT4 Duramax. The Ride is so Rough and I’m at 40k miles. This video is making me think I need new shocks as well. Did the New shocks ride a lot smoother over bumps?
Save the warranty for the P0420 and P20E8s and other P20 codes that are just around the corner. Love the diesel torque but getting tired of the emissions and reluctant codes. Going back to gas once I get the current problem fixed. Just have to leave home earlier. But at least I know there are no, "175 miles until reduced speed, see owners manual" messages in my future with a 6.2.
Go full on Kryptonite Stage 3 man. Best components if you’re leveling your truck. Maybe a pair of Deaver leafs and airbags when you want to tow too.
Selastic shackles is the thing that you might have been mentioning. They take the act as there own spring
Did you do anything to correct the speedometer reading to compensate for the larger diameter of the alternate tire set?
Have your TPMS reprogramed!!!!!
I had mine set so that the rear will not freak out until 42psi and the front at 45 psi.
I run 45psi in the rear and 50 in the front when empty not towing and the ride is a lot better and the tires seem to last a lot longer like this as well.
Also much better traction in the wet and snow.
The last gen trucks also had problems with the Rancho factory shocks failing early. Even if you left everything stock.
My rears on my old 2015 started leaking at 15k, dealer replaced them under warranty.
At 38k both fronts where leaking as where both rears again.
At 62k all 4 shocks where leaking again.
I replaced them with proper Rancho RS9000s and those where much better and where still on the truck at 68k when I sold it with no problems.
I loved that I could adjust them for the load.
Ill be putting them on my new 2022 as soon as it comes in. I already have them sitting hear waiting for the truck to be built still though.
F-150, I hope you're going to put a large ground wire on one of those ignition coil mounting bolts. That plastic fender liner won't make a connection and good spark. Might melt or burn something trying to ground the circuit to the plugs. 😳
I hate those tpms sensors if i could id run my tires at like 40 pounds but my low pressure light goes off as well