2007 Chevy Silverado Fabtech - clearance - Photo 17260483

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To clear 35/1250R17 tires on 17x8 wheels, 325/65R18 tires on 18x9 wheels, or 35/1250R20 tires on 20x9 wheels you'll need 5 inches of backspacing. There is also some very slight trimming required on the back of the front bumper and the rear of the wheel opening.

Instead of a complete single-unit subframe, Fabtech uses a multipiece lower subframe to support the front differential and drop the lower A-arms. The multipiece subframe allows the easy removal of the center differential if service is needed. We don't know of any quality locking differentials for the front axle, but our experiences with the aluminum front diff housings would suggest ease of repair as we've broken a few. We also like the ground clearance of the Fabtech front subframe. It should help when wheeling rocky trails, yet there is also a small skidplate for under the ring-and-pinion.

The basic kit uses the original coilover shock with some extensions to reach the new lower A-arm (left). Then there is a 21/2-inch Dirt Logic coilover shock option that offers superior shock tuning versus the stock shocks and a coil spring designed for more aggressive off-road driving (center). And finally there is the monster 4-inch Dirt Logic coilover shock (right) that offers adjustability and support for abusive off-road driving. The giant coilover can't be missed when supporting your 1/2-ton truck and still offers a factory-style ride that can laugh off the abuse of dirty trail wheeling.

The heart of the suspension system is a new extended ductile-iron front knuckle that has been designed to keep the factory steering geometry while keeping the track width within 2 inches of stock. A spacer is needed with the original axleshafts, and new steering tie-rod ends are added. The original speed sensors work with the new knuckles so that the original GM Stabilitrak still functions.

The average new 1/2-ton truck owner doesn't install his own suspensions, but rather has the local 4x4 shop do it. Though this kit can be installed in your driveway, having a lift is definitely a help. You'll need to remove some factory parts and there is also some trimming to both the aluminum differential housing and the A-arm mounting points.

Out back the 6-inch kit includes an add-a-leaf as well as a new 5-inch lift block. The taller suspension uses new shocks and bumpstop extensions. Plus there is a drop bracket for the brake lines. The kit we installed utilized a set of remote-reservoir rear shocks.

To clear 35/1250R17 tires on 17x8 wheels, 325/65R18 tires on 18x9 wheels, or 35/1250R20 tires on 20x9 wheels you'll need 5 inches of backspacing. There is also some very slight trimming required on the back of the front bumper and the rear of the wheel opening.