2WD “Performance” Suspension package

[Moto826]

Hey guys,

2005 GMC Sierra 1500 2wd here with ~145,000 miles

Front end is coil springs with rack and pinion steering

Looking to completely overhaul the front end, and build things that will not only improve the handling of the truck, but also doing things in the long term side of things.

I’ve already got a set of Kryptonite wheel bearings, that’s about the only thing from them that i’m able to use because of the stupid rack and pinion setup.

Anyways, what should I be looking at for control arm replacement? Is changing to the tubular design really worth all the extra $$? Or should I just change the bushings on the factory parts?

What about shocks? I’ve heard a lot of mixed reviews about Bellstien 4600 series as well as the BellTech Street Performance line of shocks. I’m really stuck between those two, wanting to try to the Belltech’s but the reviews are so mixed-matched that I really don’t think I can justify spending an extra $100.

If there’s anyone out there who’s built a truck similar like mine with some quality parts that have lasted over the years, please let me know. I’d appreciate all input on this.

 

[99Sierra2500]

Welcome to the forum, beautiful truck, like the color.

 

[Moto826]

Welcome to the forum, beautiful truck, like the color.

Thank you sir!! I love it too. Red has always been my favorite. I try and polish it at least once a year!

 

[Marky Dissod]

Front end is coil springs with rack and pinion steering.

2WD GMT800 pickup trucks are rack & pinion?
Just learned something.

Looking to completely overhaul the front end, and build things that will not only improve the handling of the truck, but also doing things in the long term side of things.

Anyways, what should I be looking at for control arm replacement? Is changing to the tubular design really worth all the extra $$? Or should I just change the bushings on the factory parts?

Changing to tubular control arms is either to increase durability/longevity, or to lose a bit of weight and improve handling, or both.
Lighter is better, but they better at least be more rigid.

What about shocks? I’ve heard a lot of mixed reviews about Bilstein 4600s, as well as the BellTech Street Performance line of shocks.
I’m really stuck between those two, wanting to try to the Belltech’s but the reviews are so mixed-matched that I really don’t think I can justify spending an extra $100.

My Z71 has Bilstein 4600s. They are GOOD, but not for improving handling. I regret them, everyone ELSE likes the milquetoast ride.
Should've got the 5100s.

 

[AuroraGirl]

2WD GMT800 pickup trucks are rack & pinion?
Just learned something.
Changing to tubular control arms is either to increase durability/longevity, or to lose a bit of weight and improve handling, or both.
Lighter is better, but they better at least be more rigid.My Z71 has Bilstein 4600s. They are GOOD, but not for improving handling. I regret them, everyone ELSE likes the milquetoast ride.
Should've got the 5100s.

The only rack and pinion is rear wheel steer trucks. The 2wd is gearbox

 

[stutaeng]

Is your truck lowered? I can't really tell from that photo.

I rebuilt the entire front end on my 99 Silverado extended cab 2wd a few years ago: rack and pinion, UCA/LCA ball joints, bushings, sway bar links, basically everything. GM Genuine ball joints, AC Delco and a few Delphi for the remainder of parts. And this last summer I replaced the bearings (GM Genuine, i think) and did the 2019+ front brake upgrade. My truck has front lifting knuckles I've had since 2015 though. It's a daily driver and I do some ocasional hauling stuff.

For a lowered suspension, look into Atomic Fabrication coilovers suspension. He's got all kinds of setups, from off road to lowered, and geared more for racing and handling use. He's on performancetrucks.net too.

@AuroraGirl @Marky Dissod The 2wd 1500 pickups use steering rack (rack and pinion) with coil spring suspensions on these trucks.

 

[AuroraGirl]

Is your truck lowered? I can't really tell from that photo.

I rebuilt the entire front end on my 99 Silverado extended cab 2wd a few years ago: rack and pinion, UCA/LCA ball joints, bushings, sway bar links, basically everything. And this last summer I replaced the bearings and did the 2019+ front brake upgrade. My truck had front lifting knuckles I've had since 2015 though. It's a daily drivers and I do some ocasional hauling stuff.

For a lowered suspension, look into Atomic Fabrication coilovers suspension. He's got all kinds of setups, from off road to lowered, and geared more for racing and handling use. He's on performancetrucks.net too.

@AuroraGirl @Marky Dissod The 2wd 1500 pickups use steering rack (rack and pinion) with coil spring suspensions on these trucks.

Hmm I was mistaken. I thought tack and pinion was new to gmt900. Maybe gmt900 brought it to the 4wd?

 

[ORVietVet]

Welcome to the forum, from Oregon.

Great looking truck! I completely recommend keeping stock height and if you want handling, stick with Genuine GM parts and add on Hellwig performance sway bar kits, front and rear, if they make them for RWD.

I looked for you. Front kit is #7632 and rear kit is #7800

 

[Marky Dissod]

... completely recommend keeping stock height and if you want handling, stick with Genuine GM parts and add on Helwig performance sway bar kits, front and rear.

If you want cheaper 'performance' sway bar kits, think you need GMT921-PPV swaybars or GMT931-2500 swaybars. Definitely simpler going with Helwig.

 

[k5ride]

My 06 1500 has torsion bars in front with regular steering box. Drives great and the high performance 6.0 is a blast to drive. It also came with 6 lug, 14 bolt rear end for towing.

 

[stutaeng]

My 06 1500 has torsion bars in front with regular steering box. Drives great and the high performance 6.0 is a blast to drive. It also came with 6 lug, 14 bolt rear end for towing.

Nice! Is your truck the Vortec Max by any chance? There were a few 1500 2wd that did have the front torsion bar front suspension: VortecMax, Silverado SS and Intimidator SS, IIRC. But the regular 1500 2wd were steering rack AFAIK. Somewhere in there is where they introduced the 14 bolt 6 lug AXN and the NHT RPO codes.

 

[4silverado]

Right now, mine is still stock 04 2WD with coil springs. Thought about getting a Tahoe/Surburban rear sway bar to keep cost down. I’d entertained the idea of lowering a little just hadn’t done it yet.