2008 GMC Sierra Buildup - Subtle Sierra

The new spindles were bolted back onto the control arms. A little prying was necessary to get the top arm into position.

The factory wheel-speed sensor clamps into a small sheetmetal bracket. Ox was careful when bolting it on, as the self-tapping screw has to bite into cast iron.

To start the rear, Ox unbolted the factory trailer hitch and removed the leaf spring U-bolts.

The bolts for the leaf springs go from inboard the truck and point out, which meant that the fuel tank had to be dropped down after the filler neck was unbolted from the bed.

The small lift block on the factory spring was reused on the McGaughy's spring, as well as the U-bolt retaining plate on top of the spring pack.

With the obstacles out of his way, Ox unbolted the spring and shackle.

The McGaughy's shackle is on the bottom. Combined with a slightly flatter spring, they will drop the rear of the truck a total of four inches.

The new leaf springs were secured with the factory U-bolts and plate.

The new shackle has plenty of room to cycle through the spring's travel. After the bolts were tightened and the tank and hitch were reinstalled, the suspension was done.

Moving to the performance side, the True Flow XDi intake came with a huge filter and all of the clamps necessary.

Here's the factory engine bay. The first order of business was disconnecting the battery's negative terminal and pulling off the engine cover on top of the intake manifold.

Next we unplugged the MAF sensor.