Just Added 3" Rear Blocks

[Zak_LScrew]

Hey Guys, as many of you know I recently added a 2" RC front leveling kit and a 2" rear blocks without any issues. Well I decided I'd like a little rake for towing so I replaced the rear 2" block with a 3" block and notice the following:

 

1.) Now my steering wheel is canted to the right- even though I just had an alignment done before changing the rear blocks again.

 

2.) I received "Service Stablilitrak, Service Traction Control and Traction Control Off" messages on DIC and orange warning light this morning. I stopped for gas and upon re-starting it went away but about a mile or two these warnings came back on. Could I have bumped a sensor wire or something in the rear? Also I read many places on this forum where an alignment was not necessary after changing the rear blocks but it sure seems like I need one again because the steering wheel is off. Any thoughts or insight is greatly appreciated.

 

I will try to schedule a service appointment, but I wanted to check to see if its something simple first.

[Matt_]

1) check the wiring for the warning lights. New rear blocks wont cause that issue.

 

2) did you install one of the blocks backwards? That will throw off the thrust angle of the axle and cause the truck to veer to the side.

 

3) if the blocks were installed correctly, its possible that its just coincidence and they didn't tighten up the UCA after alignment. It may have shifted.

[Matt_]

(I've seen this before too.... even happened to me)

 

4) the warning lights are making you hyper-sensitive to your steering. It didn't actually get worse, but your perception has changed. Much different mind set after having everything installed and being on cloud 9 vs. Now having warning lights and being upset.

[Zak_LScrew]

1) check the wiring for the warning lights. New rear blocks wont cause that issue.

 

2) did you install one of the blocks backwards? That will throw off the thrust angle of the axle and cause the truck to veer to the side.

 

3) if the blocks were installed correctly, its possible that its just coincidence and they didn't tighten up the UCA after alignment. It may have shifted.

 

Thanks, I'll check wiring tonight after work, I am pretty sure I installed both blocks correctly short side forward but I'll double check. What is the UCA?

[Matt_]

UCA = upper control arm.

 

Thinking about it... a backwards block may actually set off the traction control too.... not 100% sure. I'd definitely go over your install with a fine tooth comb though.

[Debo511]

The steering wheel being off center is causing the service Stability message. alignment will take care of it.

[blackout07]

The blocks definately aren't the cause for the warning lights, nor should they be causing issues with the alignment. Like Matt said, check your wiring and the blocks for proper install.

[blackout07]

The steering wheel being off center is causing the service Stability message. alignment will take care of it.

 

 

Mne has been off before and it didn't cause any messages.

[Zak_LScrew]

The steering wheel being off center is causing the service Stability message. alignment will take care of it.

 

 

Mne has been off before and it didn't cause any messages.

 

 

 

I am with you on that after I installed the first time I needed an alignment bad but drove about 35 miles with no issues. I am thinking it could be a block in backwards, but its raining pretty hard right now so I'll need to get into my garage to verify. If one is in backwards, will I damage anything driving home another 25 miles?

[Matt_]

You'll be fine driving home. The springs will be absorbing any major misalignment issues..... I just wouldn't hammer down the gas.

[Zak_LScrew]

Thanks for all the reply's guys, I found this while browsing the web put out by "Super Lift"

 

<H2 id=post-834>Lift System Installation For 2007 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2WD and 4WD Superlift

2007 1/2-ton GM vehicles are equipped with the StabiliTrak traction control system, commonly refered to as ESC. Premature system engagement and an associated warning light on the dash may be encountered after installing this or any other lift system. ESC function is impacted by tire size and a multitude of other factors. It will be necessary to take the vehicle to the nearest GM dealer and have the system re-programmed or “re- flashed” with the tire diameter listed in GM’s system closest to the actual diameter of the tires installed on the vehicle. Be aware, however, that the vehicle may still exhibit premature system engagement even after it has been re-programmed under certain driving conditions. Note that the ESC system will be impacted if the steering wheel is not properly centered and that the system can be disabled by depressing the traction control button located in the center stack of the dash; refer to the owner’s manual for more information about what systems are impacted by depressing the traction control button.

 

- This system will accommodate the factory wheels equipped with larger-than-stock tires as well as the factory spare tire / wheel.

 

I do have factory rims with 275/65/18's installed, but never had an issue with them. If one of the block is wrong that may cause the steering wheel to be off which according to this could cause the warnings. Either way it seams like I might end up at the dealer on this one.</H2>

[blackout07]

I have had numerous lift variations on my truck and have never had the stabilitrak flash warnings. I do however experience some premature engagement, but it quickly turns off.

[NickS]

I wonder if that is my problem while turning right. All ball joints and wheel bearings are ok. After I got the new tires, I noticed a grinding sound when only turning right. I've tried turning it off and turning with no luck. I only went from 285/60/18 to 285/65/18 tires. The one on the front drivers side has about 65-70% tread left (it was given to me) and the others have 90-100% on them. It didn't start until the day I got the new tires. I also noticed my steering wheel was cocked a little sideways (wasn't with my old tires). I dont know. I haven't reset the tire pressure sensors yet either, and the go off every time I start the truck. Could this set off the stabiltrac maybe? I will be getting an alignment soon anyways.

[Zak_LScrew]

Well blocks are correct with shorter sides to front. All lines look good and connected. I scheduled an appointment for tomorrow morning. Could jacking the truck on one side at a time possibly throw the alignment out? Thats all I can think of.

[Matt_]

Na, that wouldn't do it.

 

Don't sweat it man. It's probably something simple. Could still be the front wasn't tightened up properly and just went out of alignment. How do the tires look with the steering wheel aimed straight? Do either of the tires look like they're leaning or not aimed forward?