Last summer I rebuilt the front suspension on my '04 Trailblazer EXT. I replaced the rear shocks, sway bar links, and sway bar bushings as well. I replaeced the brakes all around, as well. 1-1/2” BORA wheel spacers and a set of new Firestone 265/70R17 Destination A/T2's rounded out the package. I also added ReadyLift's 2” leveling kit. This is what I have come to learn is referred to as a 'top hat' style. It bolts to the top of the strut mount and then to the strut tower, basically between the strut and the truck. I have also heard these referred to as 'death lifts'! The rear got a 1” aluminum spacer between the truck and the top of the coil spring. Forgive me! I didn't know any better!
I have now decided to put a winch on the front of Snowball (so called because 1. she's white and 2. that's what this project has sort of done!). I want to beef up the suspension a bit to handle the added weight. I have coming a set of Moog 81114 front springs, and Moog 81069 Z71 Tahoe rear springs along with a set of Rough Country 0-2” shocks for the rear. I am aware that this is going to firm up the ride!
The ReadyLift top hat kit will be replaced with a BDS lift kit that replaces the upper strut mount, it's kit #121201. The rear aluminum spacer can stay.
My question is what strut should I use for the front? I was originally going to go with Bilstein 4600's, but then I read in their description 'factory ride height'. My next plan was to go with Bilstein 5100 ride height adjustable 0-2.5” lift. Checking into them, however, I get the impression that the extra lift comes from the strut itself, with the seat being adjusted with the snap ring and the original upper strut mount being retained.
The 5100's are going for $145 EACH, and they seem to be back-ordered until April, at least according to Summit Racing's website. No-one has them in stock right now! I can get a pair of 4600's for about $165, so I would like to go that route if possible, but don't want to use them if they wouldn't be appropriate use with the BDS lift.
So what sayest thou? Go with the 4600's or bite the bullet and spring for then 5100's? I won't actually get around to installing all this until later this spring, so the 5100's being back-ordered isn't that much of a factor, but I'd rather not spend that kind of money if I don't have to! This isn't going to be a real hard core off road truck, so maximum suspension travel isn't a consideration, either. This being an IFS truck, I also plan to install limit straps so the CV axles don't come apart! That could really mes up an afternoon!
Any guidance that could be provided will be greatly appreciated, and I promise to leave you good wishes in my will!
I have now decided to put a winch on the front of Snowball (so called because 1. she's white and 2. that's what this project has sort of done!). I want to beef up the suspension a bit to handle the added weight. I have coming a set of Moog 81114 front springs, and Moog 81069 Z71 Tahoe rear springs along with a set of Rough Country 0-2” shocks for the rear. I am aware that this is going to firm up the ride!
The ReadyLift top hat kit will be replaced with a BDS lift kit that replaces the upper strut mount, it's kit #121201. The rear aluminum spacer can stay.
My question is what strut should I use for the front? I was originally going to go with Bilstein 4600's, but then I read in their description 'factory ride height'. My next plan was to go with Bilstein 5100 ride height adjustable 0-2.5” lift. Checking into them, however, I get the impression that the extra lift comes from the strut itself, with the seat being adjusted with the snap ring and the original upper strut mount being retained.
The 5100's are going for $145 EACH, and they seem to be back-ordered until April, at least according to Summit Racing's website. No-one has them in stock right now! I can get a pair of 4600's for about $165, so I would like to go that route if possible, but don't want to use them if they wouldn't be appropriate use with the BDS lift.
So what sayest thou? Go with the 4600's or bite the bullet and spring for then 5100's? I won't actually get around to installing all this until later this spring, so the 5100's being back-ordered isn't that much of a factor, but I'd rather not spend that kind of money if I don't have to! This isn't going to be a real hard core off road truck, so maximum suspension travel isn't a consideration, either. This being an IFS truck, I also plan to install limit straps so the CV axles don't come apart! That could really mes up an afternoon!
Any guidance that could be provided will be greatly appreciated, and I promise to leave you good wishes in my will!
