The Chevy 1/2-ton truck is as American as apple pie, and making room under your 1/2-ton Bow Tie for bigger tires has been a staple dietary requirement since Chevy trucks first hit the dirt. With the latest Chevy trucks there is a coilover-shock front independent suspension and a supple set of rear leaves out back, making the Silverado one of the nicest-riding trucks on the road today. But when you decide to upgrade for bigger tires, it's important to install a suspension that doesn't give up those sweet ride characteristics. We recently upgraded an '07 Chevy with Fabtech's 6-inch suspension kit and its massive 4-inch-diameter Dirt Logic coilover front shock and were delightfully impressed with the performance of the truck. The suspension didn't take incredibly long to install either. We're not sure if most new 1/2-ton truck owners are looking to make their trucks into extreme wheeling rigs, but this kit definitely offers some smart details that should help when running moderate off-road trails.
Instead of a complete single-unit...
Instead of a complete single-unit subframe, Fabtech uses a multipiece lower subframe to support the front differential and drop the lower A-arms. The multipiece subframe allows the easy removal of the center differential if service is needed. We don't know of any quality locking differentials for the front axle, but our experiences with the aluminum front diff housings would suggest ease of repair as we've broken a few. We also like the ground clearance of the Fabtech front subframe. It should help when wheeling rocky trails, yet there is also a small skidplate for under the ring-and-pinion.
The basic kit uses the original...
The basic kit uses the original coilover shock with some extensions to reach the new lower A-arm (left). Then there is a 21/2-inch Dirt Logic coilover shock option that offers superior shock tuning versus the stock shocks and a coil spring designed for more aggressive off-road driving (center). And finally there is the monster 4-inch Dirt Logic coilover shock (right) that offers adjustability and support for abusive off-road driving. The giant coilover can't be missed when supporting your 1/2-ton truck and still offers a factory-style ride that can laugh off the abuse of dirty trail wheeling.
The heart of the suspension...
The heart of the suspension system is a new extended ductile-iron front knuckle that has been designed to keep the factory steering geometry while keeping the track width within 2 inches of stock. A spacer is needed with the original axleshafts, and new steering tie-rod ends are added. The original speed sensors work with the new knuckles so that the original GM Stabilitrak still functions.
The average new 1/2-ton truck...
The average new 1/2-ton truck owner doesn't install his own suspensions, but rather has the local 4x4 shop do it. Though this kit can be installed in your driveway, having a lift is definitely a help. You'll need to remove some factory parts and there is also some trimming to both the aluminum differential housing and the A-arm mounting points.
Out back the 6-inch kit includes...
Out back the 6-inch kit includes an add-a-leaf as well as a new 5-inch lift block. The taller suspension uses new shocks and bumpstop extensions. Plus there is a drop bracket for the brake lines. The kit we installed utilized a set of remote-reservoir rear shocks.
To clear 35/1250R17 tires...
To clear 35/1250R17 tires on 17x8 wheels, 325/65R18 tires on 18x9 wheels, or 35/1250R20 tires on 20x9 wheels you'll need 5 inches of backspacing. There is also some very slight trimming required on the back of the front bumper and the rear of the wheel opening.
Getting behind the wheel of the Fabtech 1500 Silverado was the only way to really see what those big shocks and new altitude were all about, so we headed out for some dirt and street testing and found the truck still rode excellently. Whether bashing though rutted dirt berms or speeding over speed bumps, the suspension seemed to soak up abuse. We always felt in control and there was little if any body roll. One issue we did notice was some funny noises, though we assume most of it is the valving in the massive Dirt Logic coilover shocks. There was some creaking that we heard when driving up onto a curb and into a parking spot which was odd, but could have been anything from the frame twisting to the new spring add-a-leaves seating. As with any newly install suspension it's a good idea to go over all the mounting hardware after your first hundred miles and make sure it's all tight, and this is probably what the truck needed. All in all the bigger 1/2-ton still rode well, had no tire rub, and took a good beating off road. If you're looking for a kit to give your Silverado some lift yet still want it to handle some basic trail abuse then the Fabtech kit might be right for you.