Hello everyone,

I am working on a project that I will start a thread on as soon as the MODs are able to correct my user name. Because I hate to start a long thread with pictures and such to only find out that I might have to delete this user name account and start over to get the correct spelling.

Until then I wanted to get some info on when GM first switched over to the front struts on the 4x4 Silverado and got rid of the torsion bars.

What year did GM first switch from front torsion bars to struts on the 4x4 Silverado?

Thank you for your help.
Tony

EDIT - Dewey was able to correct my mistake. Thanks!!!

 

2007 with the bodystyle change on the half tons which are referred to on here as a GMT900. People get all confused as they built both body styles during 2007 so you could get a GMT800 with torsion bars or a GMT900 with struts lol. 2008 and up and is a safe bet for a buyer that may not know.

 

Thank you 1994Vmax.

For my current project I need to purchase:

1. At least the upper and lower control arms.
2. Maybe even the front frame section from a totaled truck.

Below is a link to the project thread I started on this forum.
https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...4/#post5381756

 

Yep, the 1500 GMT900 4x4s all had struts instead of the torsion bars, however I think the 2500hd trucks still have torsion bars, or did for longer than the 1500s anyway.

 

For sometime I would crawl under GM trucks to find a front 4X4 suspension that looked like it would work for my project.

I must say I got confused when I would see torsion bars on one and then struts on the next - same make and model. LOL
That is why I asked what year they switched to be 100% sure when it comes time to buy parts.

 

Since you are planning on a 4.3 and 6 speed from a 2014+ truck you could maybe consider just buying a wrecked complete one to strip parts from. The front suspension on the 2014+ half tons is the same as the 2007 to 2013 trucks.

 

I could if I found a great deal. Otherwise it would cost me more due to transportation cost, custom's fees, taxes and paying for lots of stuff that will not work and I don't really need from a donor truck. Plus I don't have the time to strip it to sell off parts to get some money back.

FYI - I have found a new LV3 for a good price and if the 6L80e will work it will have to come from a Corvette and not a truck. I might even have to go back to my first choice which is a 4L65e from a 2WD if the Corvette 6L80e will not work.
I know it sounds odd - but this is what I know so far:
4L60 or 65 will not work from a Corvette it has to come from a RWD that is also only 2WD.
6L80 from anything other than a Corvette will not work for the same reason.
Why - it is due to how they are made, what they offer, and the length of the main shaft.
OH and the 4L80 one piece case will not work at all.

The picture below is of a Powerglide matted to a C5 Corvette Differential and my proposed setup will replace the PG with a newer OD trans.



PowerGlide to C5 Differential.
This is what I am doing - but with a newer OD trans.