NNBS RCSB 2010 Silverado Pro Grade HD Build Thread

Finally got around to working on my 2010 Silverado. This is the beginning of a project. Got more plans for it, but this is the start. Pro Grade Flooring is my business, so thats where that comes from. Anyways, here we go:

First things first, tint and debadging. 5% on the rear and sides, 25% on the front. For anyone that hasnt done debadging, I use thin fishing line, a blow dryer, and a 3M Eraser wheel. Heat the emblem/tape, and use the fishing line to pry the emblem off. Eraser wheel to clean up the excess tape. I wipe up with alcohol where I removed the tape to make sure its clean.




Next, 4/7 McGaughy drop. I got my drop from ssierra08. Great guy to deal with, I'd recommend anyone to him.

The kit itself is really a pretty easy install. If I would of been able to work straight through on it, probably would've taken 6-8 hours. I had to break loose constantly for work, so took me two days. My only advice is to get a second set of hands to help out, atleast for the rear end. I did mine by myself, and its possible, but its a pain. Not very easy to flip the axle under the leafs on your own. Also, I used thread locker on everything. I recommend doing the same.

McGaughy's instructions are pretty bland, and the pictures are pathetic, but if you're mechanically inclined at all, you can do it. I will say this about McGaughy, I called them with one question about the leaf pack/eyebolt, and they were pretty helpful, quick and responsive.
On to the install pics

Heres a before shot:


I did the rear first. Heres the flip kit


The McGaughy instructions dont tell you to, but you need to flip the eyebolt. I did call McGaughy to verify this, and the guy I talked to agreed. Said its not really necessary, but it does ensure a perfect fit. Use clamps on both sides of the leaf springs to keep them from coming apart while you loosen the eyebolt. Put it in opposite of how it comes out


This is a midinstall of the flip kit. The bracket that the ubolts orginally wrapped around will come off and not be used.


Flip kit finished up


As the instructions say, you'll have to cut off the entire bumpstop assembly. I did not install the new bumpstops that came with the McGaughy kit. Didnt really seem necessary. I've got rougly four inches between axle and frame:


Rear end done:


On to the front. I used coil relocators. Heres the front parts:


Factory parts removed


Drop spindles installed, factory parts installed. The lower ball joint hangs low. If you plan on running 17" wheels, you will have to cut the ball joint bolt. The consensus on here is to cut the bolt completely flush with the nut. If you do, I would advise using thread locker. Here's a thread regarding cutting the lower ball joint, and later removal. I did not trim mine since I didnt plan on running 17's for very long. I just threw on a set of 20's until I get rims later.


All finished up:


Heres a before and after for comparison:


An alignment is necessary. Mine was way too out of whack to even attempt to drive.



Overall, Im pretty much completely happy with the kit. My only complaint is the shocks that come with the kit. The bushings dont fit. Ive got a rattle coming from them. But the ride is excellent. Feels like a sports car, handles great, takes bumps nice. Probably the smoothest ride I've ever felt in a lowered truck.

More to come soon as I get some more down time. HD Swap, paint, wheels, and more.