Yo! This dude has me spending money I don't have to! I watch a video and I think to myself "shoot, I need to do that." Great work!

As usual, you have put out a very detailed video. I appreciate the time that you took to film this. You show that it is possible to rejuvenate a vehicle to showroom Performance. You know that once the paint is done that you will have a legacy truck on your hands and you will not let it leave your family!💯 Thank you my friend!✊😎

GM uses a black wax to coat the frames from the factory. So rather than try to strip it all off or paint over wax, just put wax back on. RP-342 Cosmoline in black is the perfect choice. It blends with the remaining wax, and best of all, superior rust prevention to paints. That's because paints and converters cover the surface only. They don't penetrate the surface rust like wax does. You need that to remove the oxygen required for rust to spread. Sure, POR15 could be used for a frame off restoration with a sandblasted frame. But not when the frame is coated with wax inside and out. It will peel for sure.

I laughed at that lower steering column bushing replacement... back in the day of working at a gm dealer as an apprentice, I tried to do it the way you did on my first one (did a lot of em) ... and cursed so much and had the same result you did. After that, it was easier and faster to take the column out. Also, there is a hole in the lower steering column cover to install a metal rod (is a J tool, just can't remember the number) to lock the column in place... otherwise, if not removing the steering column, loop the seat belt through the steering wheel. Love the content! Thanks Matt

All that cleaning and painting, then you put that crusty knuckle back on.... Looks good, man.

Did the same thing on my '99 Ranger XLT (194k miles) when I got it. The passenger side upper control arm bushings were warped and just about gone so I replaced all suspension components on the front and rear end. Definitely the most enduring job I've done on my truck. Props man.

I’ve gone through three of those Dorman steering column bearings. You end up jacking up the bearing because you can’t get it completely center while trying to install it. Which compromises the integrity of the plastic bearing. I ended up just removing the steering column just to replace the bearing the last time I did it.

Ah yes who remembers the days when the carpets In Tahiti looked like a crime scene? Or the ancient cookies?

Man you skipped over the best part, doing the torsion keys…. I believe it’s written somewhere in the GM service manual that when doing those there’s a 30 swear word minimum before they’ll come off.

this couldn't have come at a more convenient time, i'm about to replace everything in the front of my escalade hahaha

I just did the same thing on my nephew's Tahoe. Did you know that you didn't have to mess with the torsion bar keys at all. Once you pull the bolts out of the lower control arm you can simply lower it and pull it off the torsion bar. When you put it back in you just have to jack the lower control arm and spindle up until the upper control arm will fit in.

I did pretty much the exact same thing to my 2007 Ram 1500 that I've owned since new. Where I deviated was buying upgraded aftermarket parts where I could. The difference was astonishing after everything was all said and done. I can't believe how much better the truck drives now.

I feel bad, but that's the hardest I've laughed in a while.

I did all these upgrades over the last year. Definitely improved the ride quality on my 2004 yukon denali. That steering bearing was a pain in the ass but after awhile of aligning it she dropped in. Weird enough I developed a small clunk while braking recently. Kinda pissed I have to figure that out now.

“I hope I don’t regret it.” I laughed because I’ve endured that pain many times. 😂

That old saying "if it ain't broke " lol biggest struggle of the video 😅🤣😂 part that didn't need to be replaced.

Appreciate you going through all this. Looking to do something very similar to an 06 Suburban I just picked up albeit with a few upgrades for some added off road performance. Having your channel for reference will be invaluable!

Great job Matt. I'm impressed with what you did here. Can only imagine how nice the ride is now. I've got an '05 Z71 4x4 Tahoe with only 97,000 miles but it rides like what yours did prior to the new suspension upgrade. It's on my list of To Dos b/c I plan on keeping my Tahoe forever.

I accidentally shot all of this in 1080p, whoops. my hands hurt.

I was cursing for you while you were fighting the steering lol Nice job, I have an 05 in the same color with 280k miles. This truck will always be my daily driver, absolutely love it.

Good video! I have been following this build. I have a 05 Yukon JL4 and replaced all the brake lines and hoses with a Doorman stainless pre-bent kit (fit well) and a set of Crown braided hoses. Used scan tool to ABS bleed. Truck stops great! Then I did GMT900 front caliper upgrade and new rear brakes. OMG! Will be doing the suspension like this soon.

Watching you effortless remove the torsion bars makes me envy you

Go Tahiti! The pain and anguish section I can 110% relate to

Hey, so i got to the part of the video where you said you just sprayed over the brake lines...i understand where you're coming from but here's an idea someone gave me that could help you or anyone reading this to mask off random weird to reach parts, use ALUMINIUM FOIL!! It's crazy how easy it is to mask off parts, spray over onto and simply remove the foil for a perfect masking job! Someone taught me this years ago, and i keep on spreading the message cause of how useful this tip is. Foil so so cheap, so easy to use and so easy to remove, it's the perfect solution for odd masking jobs. FYI!

Matt the difference is amazing, although it is what you'd expect it to be. I recently, last month, replaced the upper & lower control arms, the upper & lower trail arms, coils, shocks, 1 1/2" spacer. It has a QA1 panhard bar, poly bushings all around that were put in a couple of years ago. It is keyed with a slight rake to replicate the factory attitude for towing. It is rolling on black Cragar Soft 8's 16x8's with 5" backset (factory Z71 rims are 5 1/2" bs) wrapped in 285/75r16 Cooper SS/T's. It drives and feels so much better. The next thing in line for the evolution are 4.11 Yukon gear sets to replace the factory 3.73's. I need to replace the front diff housing as it is wearing. Tahoe has just over 308,000 mile on it. Matt, I will sort of be up your way next week, coming up to see family in North Jersey and then going to Lake George. Coming up from NC, in the Tahoe of course. Keep up the great videos. Btw, looking for a 2500 HD hood also, black preferably. Later, Paul. (EDIT) Also replaced the hard brake lines, added Russell braided brake hoses and upgraded the brakes all around. Gibson headers, Thrush Vortex 3" muffler, AirRaid throttle body intake tube, AEM dry filter in stock air box.

Tahiti is coming along great! Can’t wait to see what the future holds. Thanks for going through all these replacements in detail. Was very informative and useful.

Great video, this motivated to do my Tahoe as well with 225k mi. Just finished the rear, hardest part was lining up the new rear lower control arm bolt holes, it was just slightly off and the bolt just would not go all the way thru. Eventually I got frustrated and just hammered it lol luckily no thread damage. Going to finish the front this weekend can't wait to finish and drive, wish me luck!

Surprised to see all the OEM parts, I thought it was going to be a TRX/Raptor inspired build!

I just did the exact same thing to my 2004 Chevy Suburban except I replaced everything with Mevotech’s TTX line and then I replaced all the bushings in the entire truck with energy suspension. One thing I wish someone would have mentioned in the countless videos on KZfaq (at least on older Chevy Suburban’s like mine) is that you can’t replace the ball joints on the upper control arms because GM made those unserviceable so you have to replace the entire thing 😠

Always Saving my life motivational..... Going through hell everyday to get by . But thanks to your motivation to post everything. Drive my goals to step up my goals, views, uploading to my channel. I have loved busting my butt all my life and now almost going on 3 years starting to post my as well .

Did this in 2016 to a 1977 Caprice. Changed front and rear, every bushing, arm, tie rods. shock and spring. After alignment and everything was done. I felt I was driving a brand new boat such a good feel. Those 30+ year old bushings was worn very badly I felt it for real. However they hold tight enough for inspections. But the feel on the road was so much different which was worth it to me. Took me about a weekend and 1000 dollars so it was cheap too.

I just did mine. Getting ready to do the rear. Don't forget to queitize the brake calipers. They are a source of "mysterious noises" Thanks for the video. It is verey educational.

The biggest thing that was never mentioned is the comfort, after changing old parts on my suspension the car became so comfortable i could fall asleep while driving.Your spine will thank you.

I love doing routine work like this in my vehicles. Makes the truck feel like new

Hey man, if you ever get any clunking from the steering column bearing just get a 2 1/4 inch muffler clamp and put that around the tube that the bearing slides in. I had a terrible noise with my old and new bearing but it’s been perfect since I did the muffler clamp mod.

Next time, just pull the column. It's not all that bad. Put a bungie cord around the shifter and the closest steering wheel spoke and you won't have to worry about the airbag spring. Also, if you want it to ride like brand new you have to do the body mounts too.

A KZfaqr that asks you to like the video AFTER providing quality content!? Yesssir. Awesome build. I hate those guys that say "like and subscribe" in the first 20 seconds BEFORE providing any content.

I replaced my entire front suspension on my Pontiac G6, and used almost completely mevotech stuff because they had greasable ball joints, and they had beefier stuff. The sway bar links are 13mm thick instead of 9mm, and my lower control arms have cool little strengthening design (not sure if it actually helps, but it came in a kit, so whatever). I really need to do my rear suspension, but I also need to drop my rear K frame because it’s so rusty. And since I’m a mechanical engineering major, I want to try and make my own control arms instead of using stamped steel ones. (Except for the rear lower control arms since those are aluminum). Edit: just to make it clear, my stock suspension had absolutely zero greasable joints

Watching that steering column bushing get replaced has been the most relatable car experience that I've possibly ever had.

I enjoyed watching you work. It's like I'm a supervisor without any accountability!

Did this on a 1988 Chevy Silverado. I went in even more and replaced the pitman arm, idler arm, upper and lower control arms, bushings, tie rods, ball joints, axels, u joints, drive shaft, complete rear end, new transmission, new transfer case, and more but you get the gist.

I've been slowly doing the same on a '69 Pontiac Catalina convertible. Changed out the rusted out thin front sway bar for a P-S-T 1 1/8" and that coupled with new springs, struts, ball joints, tie rod ends and bushings made a HUGE difference in how it handles. If doing all that to just the front made such a difference I can't wait til it gets warm enough to bring the rear suspension back up to snuff. I've heard so many stories about how those 60s & 70s land yachts rode like a dream going down the highway and I always wanted to experience it for myself. It's such a bitch to change everything out though especially when dealing with rusted, seized bolts but the end result more than makes up for it

while rebuilding the suspense on my gmt 400 I was slightly disappointed that the AcDelco parts where manufactured in china and had poor paint quality (chipping paint out of the package) so I finished my suspension rebuild with Moog parts and was happy with the increased quality and most of the parts where made in the USA 💪🏼

Matt looks 10 years younger with a short beard. And somehow looks a little bit like John Belushi...

I love some Tahiti footage. It was awesome!. Greatly appreciate your time and effort in making all of your video content. Keep them coming!!

I've got a 04 Suburban 4wd,203,000 miles. Suspension isn't even rusted,not even a speck of rust. All bushings are still on excellent shape. No plans for doing any of this, but if I

I did this on my 25 year old Toyota. Changed everything out. It feels like a brand new car. It was around $1,000 worth of parts.

I know you don't think so but that white part is the number 1 issue on that steering. It definitely looks like an aftermarket AutoZone or napa part so I'm confident it has been replaced.

Those steering column bushings only last about 6 months anyway before they start clunking again. Speaking from experience. Dorman and AC Delco look like the exact same part.

If you haven’t heard of spohn they make boxed lower trailing arms to replace the weak factory stamped steel, definitely something I’d look into especially since you plan on adding more power

⚓️ Thanks Matt 🌈 I bought a 94 E150 for $1K 😎 105K miles …. The running gear was a mess … did it all in the street, one weekend… even bought the king pin press … all in ~ $900 … drop shipped from Rock Auto 🤠 drove it for ten years 😀

The rust prevention, repair, and paint look great. Well done.

LOL! thats me (putting the new steering part in) and cussing up a storm when the new one doesn't want to go in or the old one doesn't want to come out!...then getting a cramp!

With older SUV's along with the suspension the first thing i replace are the body mounts ..It takes 1 bad mount to throw off the alignment ..Tire rub etc Add in a proper lift kit And its worse if not done

You forgot something significant. This would explain rattles. If you want to make it ride, and drive like new, you have to replace the body bushings. Off hand, I believe there's 12 rubber bushings between the body, and frame. When they start to wear, you're going to hear different rattles, clunks, and creaks. If there's any movement you will have a scary ride. If they're just collapsed, you're going to have jarring micro shocks, making the ride crap. Probably you already have a combination of both. Get OEM GM bushings, and your truck will reward you, with an as new ride. Factory bushings should be around $200.00.

Oil coat the underside of the vehicle. When it’s wet with the undercoat take it down a dusty road. No rust for at least a year or two.

Just found your videos. Enjoyed this one expect for the “Head-Bangers Ball” between you talkin. Great job on the rust repair. See that you are a high trained repair technician and use vice-grips when needed. Have a 2007 GMC Sierra with 160K which is named Ye Ole Sweaty Balls which is another story. Anyways, looked under YOSB this summer and saw what I thought was a large chunk of mud. Crawled under it and discovered that it was the left side bumper stop for the axle that had dry rotted. Rolled over and touched the right side and it fell out as well. So, bought and installed new front and rear bumper stops when I put new shocks on it. Though, it rides rougher now that it did or my old back hurts more.

Amazing content as usual. Tahiti never ceases to amaze me. Following along to upgrade my Tahoe.

I felt the pain when you were changing the steering shaft bushing. Looked like the same one I just put in my Tahoe. The biggest struggle ever! Luckily mine didn’t bake but good grief it was ridiculous. Making me think I should get a different one.

I’m concerned about the amount of skin I’m losing!!! 😂😂😂😂 dude you are funny!

I replaced my steering bushing and it also exploded when I first installed it. I took it back off and put it all back together with a healthy amount of grease. Works fine. Didn't have to throw it away. It still functions

I hope you are now out driving and enjoying the fruits of your arduous labours! Superb video!

Sliced my hand badly on sharp edges of the new upper intermediate shaft bearing also. It took close to an hour before I figured out to rotate the new plastic steering bushing on the steering column until the side notches lined up and it will just fall in easy. If you are grabbing a hammer or tool then you don't have it lined up correctly. Ohhh the joy of a tight steering column and no more clunking.😁

So crazy this is all in real time… someone hire this man!!!!!!!!!

The steering collar was hilarious. I swapped out something similar on my car and was pissed at how funking tight things are under there! Eventually, things fell into place.

Great video I’ll be buying all this stuff for my 2001 Sierra 2 door

Please order a stainless steel brake line kit. Yours look terrible and will probably fail soon! Dorman makes a great kit and its cheap.

I did something similar with my 31+ year old DSM, but kept all the original subframes, control arms, sway bars and springs as they were in good condition, only needing a good derusting, rust treatment and paint. But all new bushings, ball joints, connectors, struts, mounts and insulators, basically anything that wears over time. Took a few years and lots of effort to get to all of it but it's done, and the car rides nicely now, with like-new handling. Obviously being a performance car it doesn't have a soft luxury ride, but you don't expect or want that in such a car. I cheaped out and used Rustoleum on the first set of parts but eventually switched over to POR-15 and KBS RustSeal, so I'll probably redo the former as the paint is coming off and they're starting to rust again, but it should be a lot easier this time as nothing needs to be replaced.

I took a shot every time you said " there's nothing wrong with it" and now I'm drunk !

I did I did the exact same thing to my '98 lifted all-wheel drive Astro and now I'm doing the same thing too a 2003 all wheel drive Express

This is one of the most satisfying videos I have ever watched. Many thanks.

Did that in my old body on frame Explorer 4x4. After all that work, you know what addressed the old age suspension issues???? Wheel bearings. Replaced them in all 4 corners and it made a noticeable difference over replacing all the suspension bushings....

@22:34 every man here as said that same line...many-a-time in many a projects...every time I'm crammed in a foot well doing something under the dash...I know I'm always saying that. ohh I had to edit....from 22:40 on is just COMEDY GOLD...thanks for making me pee my pants a bit!

Can you add up how much money you have into Tahiti? Interested on cost to get it in that shape.

You’re so lucky you live in an area where a truck that old looks that clean underneath. I like in western New York and I have a 2010 Tahoe that looks so much more rotten than what you have. Nice work. Looks good man

A very quick and easy way to mask off lines and connectors from paint is with aluminum foil, easy to apply and remove, don’t even need tape

Those dang bushings will always be the Bain of my car work 😂

I have a 2007 Hummer H3 I am just starting all this process of doing the suspension, starting with the front and will work my way to the back and at the same time go after the rust and try to mitigate a lot of that with Black Star.. I just bought the Hummer a few months ago.. It was a one-owner, but was taken to beaches, so the rust is pretty invasive in spots.. Also going to change the steering shaft as that has rusted bad, but that is a normal issue on H3's.. Wasn't thinking about replacing the bump stops, but will do those now as well.. Thanks for the vid

Great job. 1k sounds expensive to put in on an older 250k mile car but like you said a new Tahoe payment is about 1 month payment. I am currently doing doing something similar to my Tacoma with 275k miles.

Hey Matt, nice video! One favor please, when you do the brake lines video, would you mind making it extremely very detail (showing tricks, tips and any required tools)? Thank you!

Not gonna lie. Your stupid dad joke at the beginning got me 😂

I’m glad I’m not the only one who is meticulous about their Tahoe. I have the same year, keep up the good work.

I’m glad to see someone else get their shit kick while working on cars. I’m not alone

It is very rare that we see a mechanic in it's nature habitat inventing new swears here on YT. Thanks for the laugh Matt

My '94 2-door Yukon I've had over 20 years. Everybody says get something newer. When a newer car payment is as much as the whole repair. Got new tires brakes shocks rearend 5spd Jegs crate motor motor peripherals. So why not do the front end now. Thanks man.

Love to see this old dog get some love, looking fresh!

"This is some shit out of Saw"...funny stuff.

“Whose ass did this come out of?!” I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who’s asked that! Great work, man

I've got an '05 Yukon XL with 247k miles. All original suspension parts, aside from a torsion 3in leveling kit and shocks. I can't imagine the change if I swapped everything to new parts.

I enjoy watching u fix rust and def will watch the body work. I need to do some work on 87 Camaro rebuild, so this channel is helping me plan all that a lot. Keep it up man! Love this channel!

Killer video. 2005 Avalanche and need to get on it. Had that problem with the steering arm thing. High cuss content day and the damn thing still rattles anyway. Like you said, bullsh*t Liked & subscribed

I upgraded the whole suspension on my 02 tahoe as well and it rides so smooth. I can do up to 30mph over speed bumps and just get a little chirp. I love it.

Excited about the brake episode. My Tahoe is hurting in that department.

I replaced everything on my Acadia with 180k on the clock. CV axles, knuckles, struts, wheel bearings, everything. The only things I kept were the calipers. Didn't notice any difference except for the clunking noise when turning was gone. The ride quality was exactly the same. Slightly disappointed, but then I remembered why I buy new GM anymore.

A few months ago I did the same thing to my 74 Charger. It's funny because everyone is used to driving an old vehicle with old steering and suspension. So we kind of get it in our heads that it's just they way there are but that's nowhere near true. That thing is so tight and planted around corners it's surprising. It seems obvious but I still think it needs to be said, cars don't drive the same old as they did when all the components were new. I say this is worth it on any car that a person is planning on keeping for a long time.

Ive never cared for that body but damn that hd front makes it look sharp

The intro 🤭😂 haha can't wait to watch the rest of the vid!

I have most of that parts for my silverado, upper and lower arms etc. Was planning to do the job on my vacations, but went on a actual vacation and haven't done it. Just got lazy with it. Been 2months ha But after I checked the truck, now I have to get back into it.

Wow I'm surprised on how all those bolts came loose quite easily for a N.Y. truck👍🏾

Spohn Performance Suspension in the rear with Belltech Springs & Shocks, Atomic Fabrication & Performance in the front for a coil-over setup, thus getting away from that dreadfully horrible torsion bar garbage. IJS. It's what we did to our '04 Avalanche & we're putting the finishing touches on the '11 Escalade in much the same manner.