gmc Bds And Fox - upgraded Front Suspension Installed - Photo 41272630

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The complete front system has a new knuckle and raises the front end 6 inches. Though it drops the lower A-arm mount, it still has respectable ground clearance underneath the differential.

One boring little truck outfitted with lame street tires, low bumpers, a bad rake, and no attitude. Great for Grandpa to go fishing in, but we’re not grandpas yet.

Pacific Fabrication shop manager and top technician Jason Howerton starts by tearing down the front end. Complete removal of the lower A-arms, knuckles, and differential is required.

The section of lower framerail that Howerton is holding is cut off and a new gusset welded in its place. The lower A-arm frame mount will now attach to the high-clearance crossmember subframe.

With the new metal cleaned and painted the front differential is reinstalled. Note the drop bracket to lower the diff and protect axleshaft CV angles.

The crossmembers are lower at the outside to keep the suspension geometry constant, but higher in the middle for added ground clearance. Plus they are tied together and protected by a skidplate.

Howerton then installs the new 21⁄2-inch Fox coilover shock with Eibach coils. These allow perfect tuning for the weight and driving style of the truck. The remote reservoir aids in cooling and resists cavitation in the shock oil better than a standard emulsion shock does.

The complete front system has a new knuckle and raises the front end 6 inches. Though it drops the lower A-arm mount, it still has respectable ground clearance underneath the differential.

To get an even ride height, the rear is lifted 51⁄2 inches and is done with either a block and an add-a leaf, or a new spring pack. We opted for the new spring pack.

Unfortunately the front bolt on the driver-side rear spring is run from the inside out, so the fuel tank will need to be dropped to remove it, or the bolt cut and replaced. You’ll want to install the kit with an empty tank for ease of removal.

Rear shocks are also Fox’s, but these are 2-inch Performance Series variety. The leaf packs have antifriction pads, bolt-style alignment clamps, and tapered leaves for free movement and increased flex.