rico750sxi Posted October 22, 2003 Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 I got the Ground Force kit installed on the rear of my truck. Was very easy to do, I enjoyed every minute of it. Well, not the minute I was cursing because I dropped a jackstand on my finger!! The first part of the rear is the rear shackle install, I didn't take any pics of this because it's pretty straight forward and I think it may have been covered. I have included a pic comparing the BellTech and GroundForce shackles, they are the same and I wouldn't have changed them but I needed to grease the bushings anyways. You also remove the stock shocks at this stage too. You don't install the GF ones until the end. Here is a pic comparing the two shocks. Stock is on the left. After the shackles you change the rear bumpstops, here are pictures comparing the two as well as a pic of the new one installed. Next is the load leaf modification, it is very straight forward as well. Here is a pic of the leaf with the new bumpstops installed on the ends. The bumpstops are installed on the underside in preparation for the flip. http://pic6.picturetrail.com/VOL164/135301...38/36288413.jpg Finally you install the rear shocks and while supporting the rear end you torque the shackles. Here are a couple pics of the rear end. I only got to take it for a short 5 mile drive, got it up to 75mph for a brief instant. While accelerating and while cruising at all speeds I didn't feel any vibration at all. The ride seemed to be unchanged as far as firmness. The only part of the front I have done is the shocks. I started to do one torsion key using a C-clamp to compress the stock key. It was working great until I noticed I wasn't removing the tension anymore. I cracked my C-clamp!! The clamp was going to work too. Well here is pic comparing the two front shocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1ChevySS Posted October 22, 2003 Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 Do you want to help me install mine? I will get it next week! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rico750sxi Posted October 22, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 I would love to help!!! It was fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1ChevySS Posted October 22, 2003 Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 I will let you know when I get it!!! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenKey Posted October 22, 2003 Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 Hope it all works out for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ledfootss Posted October 22, 2003 Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 rico great job loved the pictures cant wait to see if the vibration is gone by just doing the back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rico750sxi Posted October 22, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 LedfootSS, thanks! It did feel a lot better on the short ride I took. I should've been clearer. The firmness of the ride hasn't changed much at all. But the vibration I didn't notice. Before I would start feeling it at about 60mph with it being it's worst at 70-75mph. I didn't notice anything at 60mph at a steady cruise and I didn't notice it when I took two short burst up to 75mph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ledfootss Posted October 22, 2003 Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 keep us informed i have nothing against the ground force kit but i am also like to do things my self and cheap. that leaves more money for more mods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rico750sxi Posted October 22, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 Then buy the BellTech shackles and flip the load leaf. I will do the front when I get a new c-clamp or a 2 jaw gear puller. The kit also included shocks and keys which isn't bad. The shocks are def. designed for a lowered truck, the fronts are nearly 2" shorter and the rears are 1" shorter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Posted October 22, 2003 Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 Great looking pictures, rico. Thanks. Glad you have apparently fixed the vibration, too. I'll bet that's a relief. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwalls54 Posted October 22, 2003 Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 the first truck i worked on that had torson bars i broke 3 c clamps not good when you have to get the job done quick. cant wait to see the pics of the complete install. so far so good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rico750sxi Posted October 22, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 It is a huge relief Lee-thanks. Doesn't anyone make a good C-clamp? I may have to get one custom made for me at work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwalls54 Posted October 22, 2003 Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 i used a old one i think it was a Williams i think it weighed like 15lbs big sucker. i also used a bottle jack. i stuck it on the lip and jacked it up and took out the screw and nut plate and then let the jack out and thats it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rico750sxi Posted October 22, 2003 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 My bottle jack isn't small enough and it looks like there isn't enough lip to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n2opwr Posted October 22, 2003 Report Share Posted October 22, 2003 Autozone has a special tool for torsion keys, all you do is leave a deposit and you get that back when you return the tool and it doesn't cost you a thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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