The 2 is at the shop - Your input

[jsbihn]

So I dropped the Hummer at the shop the other day and of course they come back with a laundry list of things it needs.
The big things for right now is the front suspension.
According to them it needs
New Hubs, New Pitman and Idler arms
They are saying thats about 1800 worth of parts.

I am wondering if there is anyone out there that has a recommendation to aftermarket better parts and also any ideas of what else you would do when doing these components

Also,
how are is it for someone to do this by themselves?
This is my first truck to work on so I am curious.
I have the gm service manuals - but they arent the best in a step by step.
I can definitely turn a wrench and I am experienced with doing alot of modifying with cars.
Thanks

[LoJac963]

I have been wanting to go through my front suspension but like you I am great at wrenching but I have never tackling anything suspension wise. I will be doing it on my own, I won't pay people to work on my rig but I honestly don't know what I'm doing lol.

There is a lot of info on the web though from the HD forums and what not on replacing hubs and other items. I'll be going aftermarket for at least the tie rods and all the bushings I can.

[jsbihn]

HD forums?
I have been trying to get some help on other forums too
I know alot of people on here have done alot of upgrading to the front end, but I have a feeling the site is dead since you and I are the only ones talking about it now.
Personally I am good at working on cars but I usually like to watch or have some help on my first specific job... in this car the front end of the truck... one i see it or have it done under supervision.... i can do it all day long without issue.

Miami has been helping me out on another forum.

It seems we all think the same :-)

[LoJac963]

basically all parts are shared with 2500HD's. A place to look for heavy duty stuff:
http://dmaxstore.com/products/

[ryaleon]

I would also like to go through my suspension on my 2. And I have put leveling kits and those spacer blocks on the rear and changed the front hubs on my older 2. But honestly it's a huge pita. The 2 is way heavy as you know. I'd rather replace the cam or install a sc than mess with suspension parts on this hog.

[BUNNY15]

I replaced all my stock suspension core components with MOOG purchased from RockAuto. Cost for everything was just about 500. Check my signature for MOOG items.

[pdxrealtor]

I did exactly as Bunny did. Did it at 50k. The tranny shop who flushed my tranny told me I needed a new hub and idler/pitman. Wanted some outrageous price and there was no way I was paying it.

Got all MOOG/Timken from Rock Auto. Rented all the tools needed from Autozone and went at it.

Did the upper/lower ball joints, tie rods, idler/pitman, shocks, cognito support kit, hubs, and whatever else is up there I'm forgetting.

Biggest PITA was the pitman arm. It's at a ****ty angle and took almost a half day to get it off.

If you search my username I believe I listed the entire list of tools outside of your standard tool box items that you would need to do the job. There's quite a few actually. It was a chore just getting tools organized.

I did mine in the front driveway during summer. I drank a lot of beer...... a lot.

[jsbihn]

Thanks.... I will have to make sure I remember the beer