You might recognize this GMC Sierra from our '09 Truck of the Year found in issue 2. After we were done testing it in its stock configuration, we started turning wrenches on it to see how good we could make it look and perform, starting with the basics. McGaughy's supplied us with their 2/4 lowering kit to improve the looks and handling. We headed to Traders Sport Trucks in Santa Fe Springs, California, where Ox handled the entire install in just 2 1/2 hours. Don't expect to be able to repeat that in your driveway, Ox has done more than one of these kits.
For the new rollers, we clicked onto Discounttiredirect.com to check out their selection. Our Sierra already started its life with 20-inch wheels, and we thought about moving up to 22s, but we didn't want to sacrifice too much in the ride quality department, it also helped to keep the price within our budget. To compromise for the 20-inch wheels, we opted for a little less sidewall in the Nitto NT420S that were shipped from Discounttiredirect.com mounted and balanced (with TPMS sensors) to our Liquid Metal wheels. All we had to do was throw them onto the truck and get an alignment.
We also hooked up with True Flow and MBRP to help the sound and performance of the 5.3L V-8, and those two parts we handled in our own garage. Check out the following pages where we'll give a stock Sierra a bolt-on makeover.
Other than the leaf springs,...
Other than the leaf springs, here's the McGaughy's lowering kit. The spindles are cast with the warning that they must be used on 17-inch or larger wheels. That won't be a problem.
First, Ox from Traders, in...
First, Ox from Traders, in Santa Fe Springs, California, measured the ride height of the Sierra, then he put it on the lift, unbolted the wheels, and disconnected the wheel-speed sensor.
The calipers were unbolted...
The calipers were unbolted and hung from the frame to keep tension off the brake lines. With the stock spindle nearly free, Ox began removing the bolts holding the hub in place.
Ox marked the brake backing...
Ox marked the brake backing plate where it needed to be cut. He used aviation shears for the cut, cleaned it up with a sanding disc, and sprayed it with some rust-preventing paint.
Side by side with the factory...
Side by side with the factory spindle, you can see there's no hole for the top bolt on the hub. The McGaughy's spindle uses a stud that's threaded in from the opposite side.
After a little blue Loctite,...
After a little blue Loctite, Ox threaded the stud in and used an open-end wrench to tighten the nut. The remaining two bolts went on as usual.