01' Z71 Suspension

[kahjdh]

Time to do some work on my truck now that I have some free time comming up.

First: Ball Joints
Anybody done these yet? I have never done them on a torsion bar set up but I plan on doing all 4.

Second: Creaking in rear
Everytime I go and stop there is a clunk-clunk and I cant feel the back of the truck move either up or down depending on if im going or stopping. I have lifted it up and nothing is loose or noticeable. It is driving me nuts, need some help here.

Three: 100kmi maitenance
I plan on doing plugs/wires, oil change and trans filter. What are the best plugs (No Bosch, they foul up too quick) and who makes a good trans filter? Do these trucks have reusable pan gaskets?

Any thing else to tach would be great. Any opinions on that creak are needed because im stumped.

[bigbadram51]

I can only really help you with a couple... Non serviceable upper ball joints on half-tons... the whole UCA needs replacing. As for the creaking....maybe worn u-joint.

[jtc001]

In terms of the upper ball joints, Chevy does not sell them separate. However, both Autozone and Advance Auto Parts do carry a listing for the upper ball joint.

Can't help you with the undercarriage noise.

I just did a tune up - I have the 5.3 eight. I found that a spark pug wrency with a universal along with extensions of various lengths came in handy. Not too bad of a job. I put in the current Delco plugs.

I'll be interested in the tranny filter change - mine is due.

Good luck.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by kahjdh

Time to do some work on my truck now that I have some free time comming up.

First: Ball Joints
Anybody done these yet? I have never done them on a torsion bar set up but I plan on doing all 4.

Second: Creaking in rear
Everytime I go and stop there is a clunk-clunk and I cant feel the back of the truck move either up or down depending on if im going or stopping. I have lifted it up and nothing is loose or noticeable. It is driving me nuts, need some help here.

Three: 100kmi maitenance
I plan on doing plugs/wires, oil change and trans filter. What are the best plugs (No Bosch, they foul up too quick) and who makes a good trans filter? Do these trucks have reusable pan gaskets?

Any thing else to tach would be great. Any opinions on that creak are needed because im stumped.

On your clunk. my vehicle at 30,000mi made what i call ka thump noise when starting from stop at light. the colder the temp the longer it would do it. under warrantee i brought to dealer [i don't like dealers] and he tells me this story of how it's the trac II transfercase fluid loosing it's lubricity. and that after they replace fluid for free! in 10mi the noise will be gone. well the noise did go but what i found was this fluid must be replaced every 30-40,000 on internet forum searchs as if you do not transfer case will die........I used a napa transmission filter as i have the deep pan and the filter cost 23.oo. the markings and plastic mold is the same exact as the original that i took out. the dealer wanted 57.oo. synthetic trans fluid is best i found in cold weather faster shifting ......got rubber gasket from napa used it 3x times must torque to 7ftlbs max its rubber no need to over tighten.never a leak

[kahjdh]

Update:
The clunking was the yoke from the front of the driveshaft binding with the tailshaft of the transfer case. Little bit of grease and all is good now. Replaced the rear U-joint because the drivesaft was off and it was easy, didnt do the front b/c i was pressed for time.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by kahjdh

Update:
The clunking was the yoke from the front of the driveshaft binding with the tailshaft of the transfer case. Little bit of grease and all is good now. Replaced the rear U-joint because the drivesaft was off and it was easy, didnt do the front b/c i was pressed for time.

ha ha ha been there and back pal ! it works only for a very short time. your gonna learn the cheap hard way............have a cheap day........

[Evansamms]

I dunno, I did the same thing with my Ext Cab Long box (of course my slip yoke is in the middle, with a hanger bearing), but I greased it with Red-N-Tacky hard grease, about 7 months and 15,000 kms ago. Hasnt come back yet.

[kahjdh]

The cheap hard way? How else do I fix it?