[06b9beca]

Hi,

I plan on replacing the front and rear struts on the Tribeca and was wondering what I should do while in there that effects alignment so I can knock those items out while in there. I don't want to do overdo it in terms of time of money but wanted the basics.

What would you do while in there? I have an unlimited alignment policy but really want to limit my trips there as well. Still, if it isn't broke I am not sure I want to fix it. I want to keep it simple but with around 190k on the body I want to do what isn't horribly time consuming but is likely to be worn regardless.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[Flat6er]

check bushings in suspension, most likely - rear upper control arm ones are bad.
check steering rack - might be leeking into rubbery "guards"?(not sure how are they called.
probably also engine and transmission mounts are bad...

 

[Turtles_ride]

Front struts have tophats with bearings in them that are known to wear out so I would change those when changing the suspension. Also a good time to put some riser blocks in the back end to level out the look of the vehicle, I hate how it looks like they droop low in the back end. I hear you can easily add an inch or more without having to purchase specializied parts to be able to adjust rear camber...

 

[06b9beca]

Definitely want to replace the hats. I should have mentioned that too. One thing I could never figure out by searching around is how high I can lift it and still be able to align without specialized parts. Is that 30mm?

Thanks so far.

 

[Turtles_ride]

There is a thread in here somewhere about max height of blocks to go easily… I’ve also seen other members put lowerstruts or tighter springs in the front, like from an outback or something to even out the look

 

[06b9beca]

There is a thread in here somewhere about max height of blocks to go easily… I’ve also seen other members put lowerstruts or tighter springs in the front, like from an outback or something to even out the look

When you say "go easily" did you mean max height without having to add parts for an alignment?

 

[Turtles_ride]

yes, with little effort, just buying the riser kit which comes with the longer bolts as well and installing without doing anything else. I've also seen people making the risers themselves by just purchasing a chunk of 1 inch plastic (i think its maybe HFPE or something like that, can't remember exactly what type), tracing the top of the strut onto it, cutting it themselves, and then just replacing the bolts that came with the strut with some that are an inch longer, and then reinstall. You may have to go this route because I'm not sure whats still available on the market for our vehicles. I'd imagine if you cross reference the strut part number to find out which other vehicles they fit on you'd be able to find more readily available risers for a vehicle that isn't as obscure as the Tribeca, especially the pre-2008 version. But if you want a more dramatic effect, you could do a combo of both. Outback suspension upfront (I think this is the vehicle other members take them from) for an inch drop in the front, and risers in the back to raise it up an 1-1 1/2 inches in the back. Once again this should all be just bolt on, without needing to purchase aftermarket adjustable control arms.

 

[06b9beca]

yes, with little effort, just buying the riser kit which comes with the longer bolts as well and installing without doing anything else. I've also seen people making the risers themselves by just purchasing a chunk of 1 inch plastic (i think its maybe HFPE or something like that, can't remember exactly what type), tracing the top of the strut onto it, cutting it themselves, and then just replacing the bolts that came with the strut with some that are an inch longer, and then reinstall. You may have to go this route because I'm not sure whats still available on the market for our vehicles. I'd imagine if you cross reference the strut part number to find out which other vehicles they fit on you'd be able to find more readily available risers for a vehicle that isn't as obscure as the Tribeca, especially the pre-2008 version. But if you want a more dramatic effect, you could do a combo of both. Outback suspension upfront (I think this is the vehicle other members take them from) for an inch drop in the front, and risers in the back to raise it up an 1-1 1/2 inches in the back. Once again this should all be just bolt on, without needing to purchase aftermarket adjustable control arms.

Did you just call my beautiful b9 obscure?????

 

[Turtles_ride]

Not yours specifically 😉, just Tribecas in general up here in Canada

 

[Flat6er]

people in russia use top hats from hyundai santa fe (if anybody interested - I can look up those part numbers and altercations required) - those do a little lift.