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Thread: Suspension/shocks & rear brakes are done. Replace stock or upgrade?

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    Suspension/shocks & rear brakes are done. Replace stock or upgrade?

    My 03 HD super crew suspension/shocks & rear brakes are done. Should I replace w/stock parts or take advantage and upgrade? This is the list of parts that I need replacing according to the dealer I had it checked up on.

    -upper control arms
    -lower ball joints
    -idler arm
    -pitman arm
    -front shocks
    -rear brake job w/new rotors

    Also need a local shop in the Miami area to do this because the dealer wants to charge an arm and a leg.

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    I like Thunder Autosports. Steve does an excellent job and he's a LOT less than a $tealership.

    -upper control arms
    -lower ball joints
    -idler arm
    -pitman arm
    -front shocks
    -rear brake job w/new rotors

    I used the XFR UCA and lower.
    A lot of folks like Moog

    What shocks did you use on the rear?
    A lot of folks like bilstein shocks

    For rotors I have RotorPros (dimpled and slotted)
    and I have had no problems with them.They look great.

    I did his package with 4 rotors and Hawk ceramic pads.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Merlin View Post
    I like Thunder Autosports. Steve does an excellent job and he's a LOT less than a $tealership.

    -upper control arms
    -lower ball joints
    -idler arm
    -pitman arm
    -front shocks
    -rear brake job w/new rotors

    I used the XFR UCA and lower.
    A lot of folks like Moog

    What shocks did you use on the rear?
    A lot of folks like bilstein shocks

    For rotors I have RotorPros (dimpled and slotted)
    and I have had no problems with them.They look great.

    I did his package with 4 rotors and Hawk ceramic pads.
    By you saying "his package", you mean Steve's package from thunder? My truck is 100% stock.
    Ok, bear with me for it's only been 5 months with this truck and is my 1st. So from what you were saying, I googled and read about the XRF and saw even former Moog guys switched over to XRF. Guess I'm going with those. Few questions though.....

    -From the list of parts I posted that needed repair, should I purchase them individually or is there a kit that covers everything?
    -I couldn't find any prices for the XRF, off the top of your head could you tell me what the parts I listed for XRF would run?
    -read something about cam bolts, clunk washers, steering stabilizer since I'm already doing these parts? Do you recommend or anything else I'm missing while the front suspension is being took apart?
    -plan on doing moderate tuning to the truck in the distant future (unless of course I get that bug to go all out). Nothing serious, just to add a little bit more power while keeping it as a reliable daily even though I only drive it like 200miles/mnth if that. Are these parts fine for that? And if so will I need to go to a place like thunder that knows these specific trucks or would the mechanic down the block be fine?

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    My thoughts are order the parts and then have Steve at Thunder install 'em.

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    Everything you have listed is easy enough to DIY.. Reason I go with moog is because when they go out again I just order new ones ( idler pitman steering links etc..) and the lifetime warranty is one for one swap.. Then my lifetime alignment from firestone .. All adds up to a few hours work and no out of pocket ..

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    I believe XFR comes with a lifetime free replacement as well.
    Triton
    2003 Harley Davidson Edition Ford F-150

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    Quote Originally Posted by Triton View Post
    I believe XFR comes with a lifetime free replacement as well.
    Correct!

    Email is fast..... Jake@3rdrowinnovations.com

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    Quote Originally Posted by Merlin View Post
    My thoughts are order the parts and then have Steve at Thunder install 'em.
    Been a while but am finally ordering parts. Have the XRF package on the way as well as the rotorpros all around w/ceramic pads (thinking SS braided lines for front from Stifflers?). Am a little confused about the shocks though, will be replacing all corners. Do I get Bilstein L-Spec or the Hotchkis/Bilstein? can't find a specific for S-crew shocks. Will be stock height for now. Also thinking RoughCountry stabalizer, found Hotchkis alignment adjusters (are those same as camber bolts?), looking for clunk washers. Am I missing anything?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Merlin View Post
    Nice, thanks. Ordering those now. Am still dumbfounded about the shocks though. Am looking for Bilsteins but only find L-Spec shocks and the Hotchkis/Bilstein 1000. Are the L-spec Bilsteins fine for my stock height 03 HD? Or are there hard to find Screw spec for the HD?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Merlin View Post
    I wanted to make sure I understand the description. "The clunk washer should be installed in between the upper control arm and the frame" which means this washer will be sandwiched by those parts, correct?

    And it seems like only the driver's side holes are slotted? The description did not mention anything about the passenger side at all. So I just need a pair of clunk washers for the drivers side. None for passenger?

    Lastly, I have a Belltech 4952 Alignment Kit installed on my truck, I shouldn't have any problem running those clunk washers, correct? Thanks in advance

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    Quote Originally Posted by JarvisB View Post
    I wanted to make sure I understand the description. "The clunk washer should be installed in between the upper control arm and the frame" which means this washer will be sandwiched by those parts, correct?

    And it seems like only the driver's side holes are slotted? The description did not mention anything about the passenger side at all. So I just need a pair of clunk washers for the drivers side. None for passenger?

    Lastly, I have a Belltech 4952 Alignment Kit installed on my truck, I shouldn't have any problem running those clunk washers, correct? Thanks in advance
    Am new to all this but last I read elsewhere, clunk washers are only driver's side. And ppl have both camber bolts (alignment kit I'm assuming?) and clunk washers installed on their trucks. Would still double check with one of the more experienced members though.

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    Do a search on the clunk washers and camber bolts.

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