I have owned my R for about 8 months. I keep reading online about owners replacing the cross members with ones from the Trailblazer EXT. From what I understand, GM made significant changes to the suspension in 2005. My question is do I need to change out my cross members if I own a 2005 R.
I have an 05 and I installed the Trailblazer crossmember. I did notice a difference (not significant) and do feel the R handles a bit better. I think it was money well spent and would recommend you do it.
I still have the usual front-end shimmy when the roof is down and I am considering an upgrade to the front end.
Yes, the 4 bolt crossmember from the long wheelbase Trailblazer will take some of the shake out of the roof/cowl. But if you want a hundred % improvement in handling, then Mike's plate is the ticket. I should add, the radiator support is a must too. Have fun.
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My SSR: 05, Silver Auto, Line-X Bed, X-Member and Plate
I 2nd Mikes plate and cross member install. These are passive components that take much of the shaking out of the front end. Much less flex. Had mine on for a year, And am very happy, you will not be disappointed and the install is only a few hours start to finish.
My SSR: 05 Smokin Asphalt Adopted 28/8/10 Aux. Gauges, boards, Wester Tune&4:56 , TPMS, many Mikes goodies
I agree
Quote:
Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce
Yes, the 4 bolt crossmember from the long wheelbase Trailblazer will take some of the shake out of the roof/cowl. But if you want a hundred % improvement in handling, then Mike's plate is the ticket. I should add, the radiator support is a must too. Have fun.
Doing all of what is listed is a VERY good thing to do. Made a huge difference in my 05!
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"People will forget what you said; People will forget what you did.
But people will never forget how you made them feel."
I have owned my R for about 8 months. I keep reading online about owners replacing the cross members with ones from the Trailblazer EXT. From what I understand, GM made significant changes to the suspension in 2005. My question is do I need to change out my cross members if I own a 2005 R.
Sent from my Autoguide iPad app
You could add a 4 bolt trailblazer or just add an addition 2 bolt SSR crossmember.
I 2nd Mikes plate and cross member install. These are passive components that take much of the shaking out of the front end. Much less flex. Had mine on for a year, And am very happy, you will not be disappointed and the install is only a few hours start to finish.
I will 3rd this. These changes are well worth the money and only take a
short amount of time to install. YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!!
My SSR: 04 Redline, 456 Gears, Diablo tune, Flowmaster 50, Eibachs, and lots of Mike in AZ's goodies.
I've put the Trailblazer crossmember, Mike's Stiffing Plate, and Mike's steel radiator support and would not take any of them off for anything. All three of them together have made a great improvement in the ride and handling. I put all of them on myself, they were easy and fun projects.
I was of the opinion that going from the two bolt to the four bolt TB member was not really going to make much of an improvement for several reasons.
first is that the span between the bolts on the TB is too short to give the member any real strength or leverage to resist any torsional movement of the frame.
Plus the holes are slotted and this in itself allows for some movement around the bolt shanks.
If you can build this then you have something with some strength to actually work against frame twist.
if not then just plain save your pennies and spend it stiffening up the area ahead of the cowl where the real problem exists. It will be time and money better placed.
the TB member is better than the piece of thin wall pipe GM threw on but only 'marginally' as another member put it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DonSSR
I have an 05 and I installed the Trailblazer crossmember. I did notice a difference (not significant) and do feel the R handles a bit better. I think it was money well spent and would recommend you do it.
I still have the usual front-end shimmy when the roof is down and I am considering an upgrade to the front end.
While we're talking about improving the handling with the addition of Mike in AZ's Stiffening Plate, you might as well go the extra mile and get the LC32 Crossmember Kit. That kit combine with Mike's kit will completely change the way your vehicle handles.
Mike's kit Stiffening Plate
LC32 Crossmember Kit Left Coast 32. LC32 Engine Crossmember Kit
Thanks to all who replied. Based on your suggestions, I'll order the plate and crossmember. I'm sure I'll have more questions along the way. I'm still a relative R virgin.
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