Rub - a - Rub - Dub

Mighty HD · May 19, 2004

Welp I got the 285's BFG MT on today. Of course with the piss poor luck that I have, they rub. It's rubbing on the lower valance in the corner. The torsion bars are about 1/4" from being maxed out with the stock keys.

Any suggestions as to what to do? I slid the front bumper forward about 1/4". The tires now have about 1/8" at half turn before they would rub the valance.

I thought about trimming the lower corner off, but I'm not sure if I can bring myself to cut a new 30k truck with less than 1200 miles.

Any suggestions guys?

chevyagogo9 · May 19, 2004

she is going to have to go under the knife. use a dremel, works great, looks great.

Roofer · May 19, 2004

That sucks that they rub. This is something GM has to fix in the future. It is annoying that a guy can't put decent tires on a great truck. I would say trim the valance. I have seen lots of trucks like this and you don't notice unless you are looking for it. I bet the truck looks much better now! Good luck and take your time.

It's better to cut it off nicely than break it off pulling in the driveway.

Mighty HD · May 19, 2004

There was NO way I was getting home, or out of the shop. It wouldnt even turn 1 turn before it gashed the valance. I removed the valance so I coudl get home. Once I got home, I took a dremel and dremeled out the bumper holes so it would slide forward a bit, and on the lower support brackets behind the fog lights, I put alignment shims to add alittle space.

Does anyone have any pics of trimmed up valance'?

I trimmed the air dam/valance on the ZR2 I had and it turned out great. The sierra is different....lots more money.. I may have to trim it, but would like to see some pics to follow. I'll probally go buy a pneumatic small body sawzall (like i need another air tool), and do that tomorrow after work.

Pics pleeeaaazzzeee

8100HD · May 19, 2004

Just did "green" keys and 1.5" block with 295's on my bro's '03 Chevy, no rub at all.

Mighty HD · May 19, 2004

The air dam on the silverado's is only about 1/4 of the length of the sierra.

take a look: (cut and paste link)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid1...b4/f94858ba.jpg

oldtimer · May 19, 2004

Roofer you are exactly right. GM needs to fix this problem. I'm looking to buy a Chevy but I want to be able to fit a bigger tire without putting a 4 inch suspension lift on. Hopefully this changes when they redesign the truck.

Mighty HD · May 19, 2004

My only reason as to why I'm not putting a suspension lift on is simply because it will have 'VOID" all over the warranty!

8100HD · May 19, 2004

The air dam on the silverado's is only about 1/4 of the length of the sierra.

take a look: (cut and paste link)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid1...b4/f94858ba.jpg

Yup, I realize that...but the overall height of both bumper/airdam combo's is the same...yours has more airdam..chevy's got more metal..equals yours is easier to trim. LOL!!

cappyhamper · May 19, 2004

I would definetely go with the Green Keys. Fairly inexpensive. My 285's clear fine.

CH

oldtimer · May 19, 2004

This might some dumb but I was wondering if you guys could tell me more about the green keys.

Freyguy · May 19, 2004

Just cut it!!!!!!!!

Worst case you screw up your vallance and have to spend $60 or so to fix it.

Here's mine......I cut a little too much off, but you can't really tell.

HendyPhoto · May 19, 2004

I agree, just CUT IT!! LOL Be careful trimming the plastic air dam in front of your left front tire, I was cutting through and put a slice through my winshield wiper reservoir. That kinda sucked. (I think thats the air dam) lol

Mighty HD · May 20, 2004

Well after a few more hours of screwing with the idea of moving the bumper forward, and after about an hour with the dremel, I decided that wont work.

I put some grade 8 washers on the bolts, and shimmed the ones behind the fog light about a hair bit more than 1/4"

From that point, I got some masking tape, and bought a pneumatic body saw (little buzzer saw). I trimmed off about 1 1/8" at an angle like : / so it almost looks factory. Then I took the mouse sander and sanded it with 180, and 220 to smoothe it out.

Looks perfect.

I also drilled a small hole in each fender liner and pulled them back with zip ties.