8. This is a close-up of the...
8. This is a close-up of the driver-side lower U-bolt bracket once installed with the new Full-Traction lower coilover mounting bracket.
9. This shot details the new...
9. This shot details the new Panhard-bar bracket brace in the foreground. Blurred but still visible in the background is the new Panhard-bar drop bracket and upper end of the new aluminum Panhard bar. We loved this part of the kit because it features two top-of-the-line FK forged 3/4-inch rod ends, Grade-8 mounting hardware and flared holes for added strength. The design is all business with its triangulated arrangement, and confidence-inspiring with its oversized mounting bolts. This brace helps distribute stress loads to the vehicle's massive under-engine crossmember.
10. Here you can see the new...
10. Here you can see the new shock hoop as our technician began the installation process. As far as bolt-on parts go, this piece is about as smart as it gets. Note how the shock mounting flanges completely wrap around the main hoop; this design distributes forces in the most efficient way possible. Little touches like this make all the difference when the going gets tough.
11. Three 7/16-inch holes...
11. Three 7/16-inch holes had to be drilled into the frame to allow mounting of the new antisway bar. Our installers reported this step as the most difficult part of the installation process.
12. Once mounted, the new...
12. Once mounted, the new antisway bar added a serious racing look to each inner wheelwell. The bar also adds a ton of cornering stability.
We anticipated a significant improvement over the stock ride. However, in particular we greatly underestimated the enhancement this kit provides on pavement. Especially going around corners, this kit is leap-years ahead of the stock setup. We'd even say it's better than that of the new '05-and-up coil-sprung Super Dutys. Much to the delight of our donor truck's owner, this kit performs awesome in the dirt as well. Going over small roller whoops at speed is now way too much fun, and the speeds at which you still feel safe and comfortable at are actually very dangerous without a cage. The steering feels more responsive than ever, and the wheels have a more predictable return-to-center feel than before. All in all, we give this kit two thumbs way up.
For this particular project, we wanted a set of wheels that complemented the truck's new top-notch suspension system. We found what we were looking for in Pro Comp's Extreme Alloy line with the 6089-series chrome wheel. These wheels are a good balance between light weight and high strength. We like the open-spoke design and feel confident that the chrome-plated finish wouldn't detract too much from the truck's bold new aggressive look. Our tire of choice was the brand-new 37x12.50R17 Pro Comp Extreme Mud Terrain. This newcomer looks to be a formidable player in the light truck market. We can't say much about the dependability of this tire yet, but we will assure you that the carcass upon which this new tread is based has been around for some time now. However, Pro Comp did manage to drum up a nifty new slogan, "Amor-Tek3 Carcass Construction," which promptly caused us to do back flips with excitement when we read it. The Carcass is constructed of two radial polyester body plies and one angled polyester body ply. These three plies should improved puncture resistance and the new aggressive tread design fits our needs perfectly. Stay tuned for a complete review on this new tire in the near future.