7. Here you can see the new front crossmember (bottom) installed in the factory lower control-arm pockets. This component serves as the new mounting location for the front of the lower control arms. You can also see the new steering-link assembly installed. This assembly relocates the steering components to compensate for the increased suspension lift. The stock steering-end links simply bolt to the new steering-link assembly. Here, the technician fastens the adjustable spherical rod-ended steering support brace to the new front crossmember.
8. Once the new rear crossmember...
8. Once the new rear crossmember (lower left) is bolted in place, the factory upper and lower control arms and torsion bars can be reinstalled. Here you can also see the front differential reinstalled in the vehicle as well. It is relocated via two shackles and two crossmember bolts.
9. The new front skidplate...
9. The new front skidplate bolts to the factory crossmember up front and the new Rough Country rear crossmember.
10. The front driveshaft will...
10. The front driveshaft will not clear the front crossover pipe on the exhaust. The exhaust must be rerouted to allow the driveshaft to be installed. We cut out the offending portion of pipe and custom-bent a new piece to fit in its place.
11. Kicker braces help support...
11. Kicker braces help support the taller front suspension. The front of the braces bolt to brackets incorporated into the new Rough Country rear crossmember. The rear of the braces bolt to existing holes in the factory crossmember.
12. Here you can see the finished...
12. Here you can see the finished front suspension complete with new extended brake lines, sway-bar end links, and shocks.
13. Our new Dick Cepek tires...
13. Our new Dick Cepek tires and Allied wheels look rugged and help contribute to our Suburban's new look.
We're very happy with our "new" Suburban's look and performance. The increase in tire size from the stock 245/75-16s (30.5-inch diameter) to the new Dick Cepek FC II 305/70-16s (32.8-inch diameter) has combined with the 4 inches of Rough Country suspension lift to create much improved ground clearance as well as vastly increased approach, departure, and rampover angles. The overall ride is outstanding and handling is tight. We really like the fact that the well-designed Rough Country kit components integrate visually with the stock suspension to create a suspension that looks as good as it works. After several thousand miles of driving, we've had zero problems with the kit. The Dick Cepek tires have delivered just what we expected. They offer great performance both on- and off-highway, and they're quiet. Finally, the Westin brushguard adds to the rugged look we wanted, and the lights offer the extra candlepower needed when night 'wheeling.
You're probably wondering what the parts for a buildup like this will cost. Well, here's the breakdown in approximate street prices based on our research at the time this story was written.
Rough Country 4-inch suspension lift ($950; 6-inch, $975) with optional rear sway-bar end links ($39 pair) and Nitro 9000 shock upgrade ($25): $1,014
Dick Cepek FC II 305/70-16 tires: $852
Allied Daytona 16x8 wheels: $376
Westin Sportsman grilleguard: $562
Westin large rectangular off-highway lights: $65
Total: $2,869