2004 GMC Sierra Buildup - Banks Monster Exhaust

Moving to the exhaust, we lifted the truck with a jack and supported it by a pair of jackstands. Using a Sawzall, the factory exhaust was cut for easier removal and discarded.
Moving to the exhaust, we lifted the truck with a jack and supported it by a pair of jacks
The new Bank's Monster exhaust features 3-inch mandrel-bent tubing, a straight-through muffler, and 6x5-inch polished tip. We specifically chose Banks for the exhaust because of the truly unique rumble and tone their muffler gives LS-equipped trucks. To hear an audio sample, check out truckinweb.com and search "Novakane".
The new Bank's Monster exhaust features 3-inch mandrel-bent tubing, a straight-through muf
Using the factory head pipe hardware, the head pipe bolted right up and we then slid the polished Monster muffler into place and loosely secured it with the supplied clamps.
Using the factory head pipe hardware, the head pipe bolted right up and we then slid the p

Freelance editor Harley Camilleri helped out with the tailpipe install, sliding it up and over the axle while I connected it to the muffler. The Bank's kit came with a 6x5-inch oval tip welded into place.
Freelance editor Harley Camilleri helped out with the tailpipe install, sliding it up and
After the engine had some time to cool, we moved back under the hood to install the Banks' Torque Tubes headers. The factory exhaust features a "log" style manifold, which flow OK for stock, but not for someone looking for more power and torque. Step one was to remove the front wheels, remove the inner fender liner retaining clips, and pull the inner fender liner free (this makes for easier access).
After the engine had some time to cool, we moved back under the hood to install the Banks'
We sprayed some Liquid Wrench penetrating oil on the exhaust flanges and then removed the three 15mm nuts to dislodge the crossover pipe from the manifolds.
We sprayed some Liquid Wrench penetrating oil on the exhaust flanges and then removed the

Back under the hood, the plug wires were pulled free and the oil dipstick removed (one 15mm bolt). Then, six 13mm bolts connecting the manifolds to the heads were removed with a ratchet and extension and we pulled the manifolds from the engine compartment. On the passenger side, we removed them from underneath the truck.
Back under the hood, the plug wires were pulled free and the oil dipstick removed (one 15m
Side-by-side, the Banks' Torque Tubes show off their large primaries and better-flowing design. More torque here we come.
Side-by-side, the Banks' Torque Tubes show off their large primaries and better-flowing de
We cleaned up the original steel gaskets, removed any contaminants from the heads, and then bolted the Banks' Torque Tubes in place. Each Banks' 10mm bolt was then torqued to 18 lb-ft, starting from the center and working our way out.
We cleaned up the original steel gaskets, removed any contaminants from the heads, and the

New 9/16-inch hardware for the header flanges was included, as were two new flange gaskets (one doughnut and one ring) and were used to secure the headers to the crossover pipe.
New 9/16-inch hardware for the header flanges was included, as were two new flange gaskets
With the plug wires back in place, the Banks Torque Tubes looked great under the hood and were ready to pull more power from the 4.8L. Before we called the headers done, we reinstalled the dipstick, added the MSD plug wires, and tightened up the rest of the Monster Exhaust.
With the plug wires back in place, the Banks Torque Tubes looked great under the hood and
Completing the Bank's Power performance mods, we plugged the new Banks' Ottomind handheld programmer into the OBD-II port under the dash. We simply followed the easy prompts and answered the questions. We quickly changed the speed limiter, axle ratio/tire size, tune level, and octane rating.
Completing the Bank's Power performance mods, we plugged the new Banks' Ottomind handheld

At this point I was eager to take the truck for a spin, but we first needed to make the truck handle. With the wheels already off, I removed the brake caliper, rotors, and disconnected the brake hose using a flare nut wrench.
At this point I was eager to take the truck for a spin, but we first needed to make the tr
Using an 18mm and 13/16-inch Gearwrench, the upper and lower ball joint nuts were loosened but not removed. The tie-rod end nut was then removed.
Using an 18mm and 13/16-inch Gearwrench, the upper and lower ball joint nuts were loosened
A three-pound "attitude adjuster" mini-sledge persuaded the old spindle to let go of the ball joint.
A three-pound "attitude adjuster" mini-sledge persuaded the old spindle to let go of the b

Perhaps I used too much persuasion because the spindle gave up the fight and broke into pieces (thankfully it busted loose at the same time).
Perhaps I used too much persuasion because the spindle gave up the fight and broke into pi
Up next, the sway bar endlinks and 10mm sway bar mounting bolts were removed.
Take a look at this 144,000-mile, factory junk. Gone forever are the days of handling like a barge.
Take a look at this 144,000-mile, factory junk. Gone forever are the days of handling like

It was a total team effort to get all of the parts installed in one day. Before tackling the new suspension, we took a much-needed lunch break.
It was a total team effort to get all of the parts installed in one day. Before tackling t
With food in our stomachs, famous magazine hand model Marcel Venable began assembling the passenger-side suspension by inserting the new Hotchkis 2-inch drop coil spring the into the spring perch.
With food in our stomachs, famous magazine hand model Marcel Venable began assembling the
Meanwhile, I moved onto the driver-side and bolted on the new McGaughy's 2-inch drop spindle. As you can see, I also bought new hubs for the spindles. If your truck has a lot of miles, be smart and invest in new hubs.
Meanwhile, I moved onto the driver-side and bolted on the new McGaughy's 2-inch drop spind