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WORDS BY JASON R. SAKURAI
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALDAN AMERICAN
GOT A 1999-2006 CHEVY OR GMC PICKUP THAT YOU’VE HAD FOR A WHILE? Chances are that your NBS (new body style) GMT 800 truck requires a suspension overhaul like this ’99 GMC Sierra did. After some intense online search and digging, we found just what we were looking for in an Aldan American 300219 Suspension Package. Aldan’s new easy-to-install, bolt-on suspension kits for ’99-’06 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500s are the latest in the company’s Road Comp Series. Everything is included in the kit, and it allows you to use factory or aftermarket control arms and the stock rear shock mounts. Infinitely adjustable front coilover shocks will lower the front of your truck from zero-2 inches, and the Truline series adjustable rears can be tuned as well.
We recommend that you measure the ride height of your truck prior to getting started with the installation. Find a level spot to park and do your measurements. Complete instructions on how to measure the ride height and what discrepancies could mean can be found on Aldan’s website.
A product right out of the hotbed of high performance in Southern California, Aldan American is out to define a new standard ever since being founded in 1981. Formulated for street performance, vehicle-specific applications and racing, all of its shock absorbers, coilovers and suspension kits are designed, tested and made in the U.S., backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Interested in our impression after the installation was completed? We couldn’t ask for a better riding, smoother-handling truck. Now let’s check out how it’s done!
05Now remove the lower shock bolts. That’s Aldan’s Gary Nelson doing the install.
01
First thing we did was measure the ride height of our truck on a level spot. Instructions on how to measure the ride height and what discrepancies could mean can be found on Aldan’s website.
02
All the parts were laid out and checked against the list in the instructions prior to starting.
03
Apply the parking brake, then jack up the front of the truck, supporting it under the frame rails using jack stands. Here’s the front end with the wheels removed.
04Gripping the shock with one hand, remove the upper shock nut.
06
Loosen the tie rod at the spindle and break it loose by hitting the side of the spindle at the steering arm. Don’t hit the tie rod threads.
07
Unbolt the brake caliper, hanging it out of the way using wire or a bungee cord. Don’t allow the caliper to hang by the brake line.
10The shock nuts can then be removed from the lower control arm.
15
Position the Western Chassis’ drop spindles in the upper and lower control arms. Don’t forget to use the supplied cotter key. Torque the wheel bearing in place before installing the upper ball joint.
09
Remove the nuts at the top of the factory shock, then the bolts attaching the shock to the lower control arm. Now pry the front spring out from the lower control arm.
08
After taking out the cotter pin, the upper and lower ball joint nuts are loosened. Hit the spindle to break the joint loose. Once free, the nuts and spindle can be removed.
13
Here’s where the springs and the front shocks come together.
14
Install and tighten the new Aldan American lower shock brackets.
12
The thrust bearings are greased before installation between the spring and the spring seat. This allows for easier adjustment since the spring seat is rotating on a bearing.
11
Copper anti-seize, a thread lubricant, is applied to the coilover shock.
17
Tighten the upper shock nut but be careful not to over tighten them. Final tightening should be done with the wheels on the ground. The bushings should have a slight bulge.
19
Last to go on are these 20-inch Niche wheels. If you are running 17s, you may need to trim the stud on the lower ball joint or replace the OE stud to avoid any clearance issues.
18
This is the front end completed, with the Aldan American coilovers installed.
16
Unlike some kits, we didn’t need to cut the backing plate. You can just torque the wheel bearings and install the upper ball joint.