front end parts questions

[digglesworth]

So I've gotta rebuild the front end in my 06. I'm using all oem bushings, alpha t-bars, ac delco lower ball joints. I'm seeing lots of no-name upper control arms. The ones I'm leaning towards are dormans. Dorman is a pretty big name in aftermarket replacement parts and they're supposedly oem quality.... What does everyone think of these aftermarket replacement brands? Also, Ive got timken hubs on the list but I saw a brand called Pro listed on the rock auto catalog for h3 hubs. It's almost half the price if the timken ones but are they inferior? Never heard of this Pro brand..... I'm not looking forward to dumping another $900 in "upkeep" into my truck , especially after just putting $400 in the rear leafs, but I guess it's a necessary evil.... Also, is there a warranty on bilsteins? My front passenger side 5100 looks like it's leaking or it has leaked. The fluid doesn't look all that fresh so I dunno if it's a constant leak or what. I've had these shocks on for 10-12k miles now.

 

[USMC_TOP]

I used Dorman when I rebuilt my 06. Also used the GM PRO lower ball joints and Timken bearing hubs. All the parts still feel brand new 18000 miles later. Good pick of parts Dig.......

 

[digglesworth]

Btw.... Looked at the bilstein website and fluid on the body is not cause for return....

 

[USMC_TOP]

Stfd????

 

[digglesworth]

Yep...... In their little chart it says fluid on the body does not necessarily mean the unit is bad.... Guess it'll stay in there for a few thousand more miles til I pull everything off for the rebuild....
Maybe some of the veteran members can chime in with any warranty issues they've had with bilstein... My next guess would be to just contact shockwarehouse and see what they say....

 

[USMC_TOP]

I don't get it? If fluid is coming out of the shock there is a problem. It's gas charged under pressure, at the seal or the body

 

[digglesworth]

My thoughts exactly.....

 

[Happy Hummer]

I choose to stay with Timken and AC Delco. I bought Dorman and it is okay.

Chris

 

[USMC_TOP]

I have put some miles on my Dorman uppers and so far so good.

 

[digglesworth]

Any wheeling usmc?

 

[USMC_TOP]

Yes Silver Lake twice and two tracking to the fishing holes.....no rock crawling near me

 

[digglesworth]

Just wondering how much abuse yours have suffered. I wheel once or twice a month.

 

[USMC_TOP]

Soft sand and a few mud holes once a month or so. Sand Dunes a few times a year and two tracking once a month to my favorite fishing hole. Not hard core abuse by any means. For what it's worth my truck tracks down the road perfect. I can hit big old Michigan pot holes with my hands off the wheel and not get tossed around. If it helps at all Dig.......

 

[rsm688]

I just replaced my entire front end

Dorman UCA
AC Delco Lower ball joints and lower control arm bushings
Bilstein 5100 shocks front and rear
MOOG tie rod ends
MOOG sway bar end links


The difference before and after is night and day


Spencer