Off-Road.com's Project Silverado

Nov. 01, 2005 By ORC STAFF
Featured This Month:
 
Pro-Comp 6" Suspension Lift
  Weld Sidewinder Forged Wheels Pro-Comp All Terrain Tires
Drivetrain Performance Part 2:
  Hypertech Power Programmer III AIRAID Intake System

Opinions


There are only a few different companies that manufacture a suspension lift for the four wheel drive Silverados, and given the fact that the Pro-Comp lift is made right here in the US, (San Diego to be exact), that alone was good enough for us. In addition to its place of origin, the ORC staff sat down and thought out what the truck was going to be used for. Mainly, the Silverado needs to perform its daily driver duties of cruising down the interstate, but on certain weekdays, and almost every weekend, the truck will see just as much rock and dirt as it will pavement. Quality - The fit and finish of the components appears top notch. Cast in a gray "wrinkle" type finish, the lift doesn't stand out obnoxiously like a bright red Rancho lift, or Fabtech's trademark blue. 4Wheel Parts shop foreman, Brian Forest and I inspected the numerous pieces, as far as welds and other miniscule details; all of the contents cleared our inspection.

Before: How low can you go? After: Caption not necessary!



So How Does it Ride?- Surprisingly, down the highway you wouldn't even know that we just gutted nearly the entire suspension system and started over. The only noticeable difference is in the sudden, harsh hits, which results in a rough hit in the truck's ride. Meaning, it doesn't soak up bumps at speed like it did. As far as its cornering ability, surely the truck has a higher center of gravity, but the Silverado still corners seemingly just as well as before. I feel a little more hesitant to dive into a tight corner at 70 mph, but that's natural.

Off-Road Handling - First of all, obviously the truck will go nearly anywhere, especially compared to its stock ride height. We took it out to the rough and treacherous Black Mountain, in the southeastern part of Las Vegas. The trail is cluttered with a constant variety of rocks and boulders of all sizes. The Silverado didn't ride like a Cadillac, but I'd like to see a Cadillac cover the ground that the truck did that afternoon! The terrain varied slightly in obstacles, with some sections relatively fast paced, and some parts of the trail were taken at 5 mph. The Chevy was able to attack nearly any obstacle, only having to turn around and back out once. Yet even with the lift, the Pro-Comp crossmembers still hang somewhat low. We'd like to see Pro-Comp follow ideas of other companies in how they arched the front crossmember, providing even more ground clearance, but maybe that will come with time. All in all, we were soundly satisfied with the fit, finish and performance of the new 6" Pro-Comp lift. Now the truck actually 'looks' like a 4 wheel drive, and performs like one also. The guys at 4 Wheel Parts for

The Good The Bad
  • The best cure for the incredibly low stock ride height
  • The look!
  • Improved suspension action off-road, with un-noticable difference on the pavement
  • Quality components, from the finish to each specific weld
  • Design of the front cross member could be re-thought to allow for even more ground clearance.


Lift Intro - Test Opinions
INSTALLATION - Page 1 -   Page 2 - Page 3 - Page 4


We are open to suggestions from you on why, how and what we should put into this project. Like I've said before, the ORC Silverado will accompany the Off-Road.com staff to many of the events that we cover, from Baja races to the Chevy Trucks US Motocross Championship Series, so you'll get the chance to have a first hand look at how our truck is coming along.
As of now, the project Silverado will be solely dealing with 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers. If you would like to be a part of a major project after this series is over, we would like to hear from you. For all future sponsors, we will provide a complete full-feature article that will include full-color photo galleries and detailed descriptions of your product, along with step-by-step installation instructions. PLUS, we will also provide a link from the project vehicle page to your web site.
Interested in becoming a SPONSOR? Contact Kevin
 
7500 West Lake Meade, Suite #PMB 9-173, Las Vegas, NV 89128
Tel: 702.307.2180 ext 105    Fax: 702.307.2187
 


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