As a new proud owner of a , and as many new owners I am asking the wise ones.... What is the first upgade we have to do to our new rides. This great forum and it's members have really taken pride in the trucks... where do I start?
Radar Detector - Mr. Duck - Got it
MECHANICAL FIRSTS:
Fan -Got Mike's best
Servo -
Ignition switch - In Hand & Ready
Tune -
Transmission - New shift link kit - got it
Lower radiator support - Got it
Spare tire kit -
Auto-Tran - Shift Link Repair Kit - Goi it
Hood Struts -
Stiffening Plate - Got Mikes
QUALITY OF RIDE:
Suspension
Tires
Sound Proofing
BLING:
New 5" Tips - Got'em
Chrome wheels
Extra chrome highlights
Lowering
I will try to keep this thread updated... we are always adding new members that understand that they have something special in their new .
__________________
"Nothing could be finer than a sweet ride to your local diner."
DINERMAN http://localdiner.com
Last edited by Dinerman; 04-02-2012 at 05:15 AM.
Reason: Got'em
As a new proud owner of a , and as many new owners I am asking the wise ones.... What is the first upgade we have to do to our new rides. This great forum and it's members have really taken pride in the trucks... where do I start?
MECHANICAL FIRSTS:
Fan
Servo
Ignition switch
Tune
Tanny
QUALITY OF RIDE:
Suspension
Tires
Sound Proofing
BLING:
Chrome wheels
Extra chrome highlights
Lowering
I will try to keep this thread updated... we are always adding new members that understand that they have something special in their new .
the hood struts is the best thing I did so far...Looking to do the truck lid next...I believe it came from mike in Arizona
A Big welcome to the family from South Florida, it sounds like you already figured out this is the best information source for your new toy; enjoy the SSR & the Fanatic Family that it came with, your Diner look's very Cool; we all have our own ideas about what to do first, for me it was lowering, but don't mind me, I'm an old So. Cal lowrider so what can you expect. Be Blessed!!!
My SSR: #23198 06 Blue 3SS #375 of 532 - Birthday 12/21/05 - Took delivery 9/5/06 (2nd owner)
For dependability I would suggest Main Fan And Spare Tire Kit (simple-engineering.com) and for convenience I would suggest a back up camera (I used Hiitch-Cam.com) and I have also added an after market TPMS from Orange Electronics to my Firestone Firehawks (no longer made in our sizes) which I feel improved the ride as well as safety.
__________________
Use the SSR Parts Exchange It works for us all BlueStreak - One of the Blues Brothers
Lot of mods you can do. IMHO, if you want to survive and enjoy each road trip then the first "must have" mods would be both the main and auxiliary fan along with the lower radiator support, the spare tire kit and keep an extra ignition switch handy in case you’ll ever need it.
All other mods would be base on your personal taste.
My SSR: '05 Auto Redline Red #20727.... Born on 05/05/05...
Due to your convenient location, I would have any work on the Transmission reserved for Greg Ducato of Phoenix Transmission in Weatherford, TX.
His shop does GREAT work, it is where I go for all my transmission work.
I can help you with most everything else you want to accomplish...
My SSR: 2004 Ultra Violet #11012 born on 04 June 2004
1. main fan
2. hood struts
3. lowering & new sway bars
4. custom paint and BLING, BLING, BLING
5. spare tire kit - although I did do that before the custom paint
My SSR: Maybellene 2006 SSR Auto #23699 SMOKIN'ASPHALT/RICOCHET SILVER Build Date: 03/02/2006
I'm going to do my transmision first.
__________________ Mike - mikebike in Surrey BC Canada Licence plate MY SSR
2006 SSR Auto SMOKIN'ASPHALT/RICOCHET SILVER
Build Date: 03/02/2006 My SSR Photos
Do your suspension FIRST it's a 5,000 Lb BRICK that does not handle well at all. All the HP in the world means nothing to these rigs.... It just makes matters wourse get your rig to handle with what you have first. What I have found that the rear end needs the attention FIRST! The trailing links are weak as are the bushings.... way too much flex and let's you realise that the improvements that one makes in the HP department are meaning less! Then I would go to the front end and do the "LEFTCOAST 32" front end gig. The Trail Blazer mid frame "X" memeber is a needed piece for sure and a very note wourthy improvement to the rig for $40.00 from GM.
You might ask.... How do I know this ? It was told to me by a guy from "THE LEFT COAST" and a guy with "A HEAD FULL OF STUFF" I then went from there..... I hooked up with NORCAL SS and went with K/W coil overs along with NORCAL SS front "A" arms on the front with after market sway bars front & back. If you lower your rig....You will have to install a adjustable rear panhard bar to re-center your rear end in relationship to the front end (done during alignment) most do not know or do this when they lower their rigs.
if I may.....In parting,I would take care of your tranny if it needs attention and then head right to the suspenion before any other modifications.... The "PIRMAGRIN" on your mug will be much more bigger and rewarding when you add some HP to your "BRICK" I'm talking from experience and I speak the truth here Dinerman. Heck.... I'll put my rig against any other rig here in this forum when it comes to ride and handling I'm under powered here Dinerman.... I have a '04
I'd check and see if you have the orginal factory fan or Mike in AZ... that would be top on the list to replace.. if it was me...
2nd would be a spare tire kit... I had more trouble with punctures and flats until I install the spare tire kit.. & ta da.. haven't needed it at all!! . But it is good insurance.
The rest would depend on how you want your truck to handle and drive...some like them lowered and tight (ie ME)... others prefer a gentler ride (ie my Da')... the rest is preferance... drive it.. have fun... and as things come up... modify and change as your heart desires
Based on past experience, I recommend to Newbies that the FIRST thing that needs attention are:
Radiator Support, OEM plastic, can break and is weak. Change to Steel Radiator support takes shake out of steering wheel and align tires to zero Camber, zero toe improves tire wear.
Blazer Cross Member. Stiffens frame by take distortion out.
Both items under $300.00 and the best start, in my opinion.
Dicktator
1. Plastic OEM radiator support after hitting raccoon at 35mph
2. Mike in AZ Steel Powder Coated Support
3. Blazer cross member versus a flimsy bar.
Based on past experience, I recommend to Newbies that the FIRST thing that needs attention are:
Radiator Support, OEM plastic, can break and is weak. Change to Steel Radiator support takes shake out of steering wheel and align tires to zero Camber, zero toe improves tire wear.
Blazer Cross Member. Stiffens frame by take distortion out.
Both items under $300.00 and the best start, in my opinion.
Dicktator
1. Plastic OEM radiator support after hitting raccoon at 35mph
2. Mike in AZ Steel Powder Coated Support
3. Blazer cross member versus a flimsy bar.
Should I use the Trailblazer cross member in addition to the Mike's Front Frame Stiffening Plate plus the LC 32 Engine Crossmember Kit or am I being redundant? Newbie question...
Mick
My SSR: #23198 06 Blue 3SS #375 of 532 - Birthday 12/21/05 - Took delivery 9/5/06 (2nd owner)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Killerbee
Should I use the Trailblazer cross member in addition to the Mike's Front Frame Stiffening Plate plus the LC 32 Engine Crossmember Kit or am I being redundant? Newbie question...
Mick
Every one that has those items says they each improve the ride. I would venture they would not have been developed if they were redundant. The Crossmember was an easy and inexpensive beginning and then Mike and Joe worked together on the other two.
__________________
Use the SSR Parts Exchange It works for us all BlueStreak - One of the Blues Brothers
Personally I would have to ask back, what do you want/expect from your R?? Do you want it to look great, ride great, or just go fast straight ahead?? Depending on your answers, this forum can give you information for all of it. Tell us what you want. I know that Dictator's suggestions are a good starting point. The rad support is essential. Nobody want there radiator to fall out if they hit something. There are so many things that can be done, that it becomes a matter of preference as to what you want to do.
It does all depend on $$$ also so chose wisely
I've owned mine for a couple years now and here is what i've done.
1. Trail Blazer crossmember
2. K & N airfilter
3. Servos in Tranny
4. Muth mirrows
5. Blinking Brake light
6. Wing on rear deck
7. Caliper covers
8. Simple enginerring fan, rad mount, frame stiffener
9. LC32 Crossmember kit
10. Interior sound proofing
11. SSR Stick on decals
12. Clutched alternator got tired of hearing the chirp when shifting under hard acceleration
Plus, I've replaced both door handle brackets and purchased spares and had it aligned to 0, 0 as is suggested with these mods. I've also purchased a spare ignition switch, and a shift cable kit (only for auto trans R's) as just in case items.
All total about 3200.00$ give or take a few bucks. You have to figure out what you want first, then put you money there. Keep posting and you'll get all the help you need.
__________________
Phantomguy
Other rides
67 Cobra kit EM
08 Harley 1200L Sportster
01 Ford F150 4X4 Supercrew
Last edited by phantomguy; 01-17-2012 at 08:35 AM.
More info: I plan to use it as daily driver... business promotions... and trips with other owners. Want to make it safe and comfortable first.... I know it will cost... but my banker is in the passenger seat. Not in it for more power...
I will study all suggestion.. and post my upgrades.
__________________
"Nothing could be finer than a sweet ride to your local diner."
DINERMAN http://localdiner.com
Then, the banker will appreciate the cross member (very inexpensive and is a straight bolt on mod), the stiffening plate from Mike in AZ/Simple Engineering along with his replacement fan. The radiator support is a must and carry the spare ignition and directions for R & R in the glove box.
For a slightly better ride (IMHO), lower the rear with the Eibach springs. Another DIY mod that takes about 15 minutes....10 minutes to do, 5 minutes to wash up afterwards.
Finally, for a better sound and look, Mike in AZ/Simple engineering has the 5 inch stainless exhaust tips that can be installed by any muffler shop for about $50.
It's the best money I've spent yet on my SSR. I'm not a big reader, but I was glued to this one. You'll gain a tremendous amount of insight into your vehicle and it will help get you organized and focused. Once you're through with that, go back through everyone's answers in this thread and start making your to-do list!
IMHO, I'd address cooling fans first, suspension (sway bars are a must), hood lifts, ignition switch, frame stiffening and other reliability factors. After these have-to-do's, then start personalizing with the want-to-dos!
Lot of mods you can do. IMHO, if you want to survive and enjoy each road trip then the first "must have" mods would be both the main and auxiliary fan along with the lower radiator support, the spare tire kit and keep an extra ignition switch handy in case you’ll ever need it.
All other mods would be base on your personal taste.
I agree and would add that if its an automatic then Dictators shift repair kit. For less the $10 you cant go wrong.
More info: I plan to use it as daily driver... business promotions... and trips with other owners. Want to make it safe and comfortable first.... I know it will cost... but my banker is in the passenger seat. Not in it for more power...
I will study all suggestion.. and post my upgrades.
If you want safe and you have original GY tires check the date of mfg. Even if the tread looks good any tire thats been in service for over 6 years may have some dryrot.
The best bang for the buck as far as "Top down" driving goes, has been the WindsuppreSSR! Stops all that annoying wind swirl from hitting ya in the back of the head. With windows up, can run AC or Heat in winter!
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NEW OWNER - What do I do first?
, and as many new owners I am asking the wise ones.... What is the first upgade we have to do to our new rides. This great forum and it's members have really taken pride in the trucks... where do I start?
.
GOD BLESS THE USA
Mike - mikebike in Surrey BC Canada Licence plate MY SSR 
it's a 5,000 Lb BRICK that does not handle well at all. All the HP in the world means nothing to these rigs.... It just makes matters wourse 
get your rig to handle with what you have first. What I have found that the rear end needs the attention FIRST! The trailing links are weak as are the bushings.... way too much flex and let's you realise that the improvements that one makes in the HP department are meaning less! Then I would go to the front end and do the "LEFTCOAST 32" front end gig. The Trail Blazer mid frame "X" memeber is a needed piece for sure and a very note wourthy improvement to the rig for $40.00 from GM.
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