K 3500 Truck 4WD V8-305 5.0L (1988)
Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber: All Technical Service Bulletins
Upper Shock Bracket, Front - Cracks or Separates
Group Ref.: 3 - Steering/Suspension
Bulletin No.: 463301
Date: June, 1994
SUBJECT:
FRONT END UPPER SHOCK BRACKET FAILURE (REPLACE BRACKET)
MODELS:
1988-94 CHEVROLET AND GMC TRUCK K3500 MODELS AND K2500 MODELS WITH 8600 GVW RATING (C6P)
CONDITION:
The front-end upper shock bracket may crack and eventually separate from the frame rail on some vehicles. Owners may comment on a poor ride
condition or on a noise emanating at the front of the vehicle.
CAUSE:
An investigation has revealed two causes of this condition.
First of all, it was found that some owners may adjust the vehicle's "Z"-height beyond the factory recommended specification in order to obtain
additional ground clearance. If the front suspension trim height ("Z"-height) is beyond the factory recommended specification, the front shock absorber
will be extended. Under normal driving conditions, the shock absorber will reach its "rebound position" more frequently and damage to the upper shock
bracket may result.
The second cause of this condition deals with the after market snow plows. When a snow plow is installed on a vehicle, it is often necessary to adjust the
vehicle's "Z"-height in order to obtain additional clearance of the snow plow blade to the ground. This is perfectly acceptable as long as the "Z"-height
remains within factory recommended specifications. Many owners, however, fail to re-adjust the "Z"-height when the snow plow is removed from the
vehicle. The result is that the "Z"-height may be beyond the factory recommended specification and damage to the upper shock bracket may result.
CORRECTION:
A replacement upper shock bracket should be installed and, if necessary, the "Z"-height should be set to factory recommended specifications following
the procedure below.
SERVICE PROCEDURE:
1.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2.
Raise the front of the vehicle and support with suitable safety stands.
3.
Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
4.
Remove the splash shield.
5.
Remove the shock absorber.
6.
Cover the inner and outer CV boots, the steering components, and the brake lines with a flame retardant cover.
