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Old 11-05-2017, 09:11 PM   #1
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Lightbulb ZL1 Cradle into SS lessons learned

I just wanted to make this because it would have helped me with my small issues I ran into during my (ZL1) rear cradle + drive shaft swap.

Assuming you have,
  • Disconnected the large rear harness on the passenger side near the front-rear cradle mount
  • Unbolted your calipers from the spindle and unbolted the brake line retainers that tuck them away.
  • Disconnected your driveshaft
  • Prayed you are ready to move the heavy son of a bitch
  • Unbolted the 4 Cradle mounts
  • (If applicable) transferred all of your SS harness to the ZL1 cradle. (In my application I COULD NOT use the ZL1 speed sensors. You may be different. But I had to swap mine.)
  • Bolted the new cradle back up in a criss-cross tightening motion as to prevent getting it in a bind.
  • Connected Harness, Bolted back up Calipers and lines, reconnected your NEW Drive Shaft (Know that the SS shaft will not work without (In my opinion) Sketchy modification.)

You will notice a few things when looking over your finished job.
  • The rear cradle mounts DO NOT touch the mounting surface with the black rubber bushing, front two mounts DO touch.
  • You may have a TCS/ Stabilitrak light come on= I needed to straighten up my alignment and it went away.
  • Notice a Vibration when driving the car at certain speeds= Rotate your Driveshaft -> Differential mount 1/3 of a turn and if that doesn't work, try the next 1/3 of a turn
  • Your factory SS pipes are touching the fatass ZL1 differential= modify (bend) the pipe to allow clearance.
  • Go get a f***ing alignment for sure. Its not okay for you to drive like how it sits. Your contact patch is off and you will break things if you dont square it up eventually.
  • (If applies) Your speedo is off track. Not too big of a deal. Just get a passenger to check Waze or any other GPS app on your phone that displays your speed, and memorize your speed at 10,30,45,55, and 65ish to give a rough estimate of what you're actually doing until you drop by the stealership and pay 70-90$ for them to plug in their computer and type a few digits.
  • Change tires because your new Diff and Axles can withstand burnouts once again.
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Old 11-07-2017, 07:49 AM   #2
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So, tell me again why you put yourself through this hell?
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Old 11-07-2017, 08:04 AM   #3
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So, tell me again why you put yourself through this hell?
Same reason I did, got a great price on it, someone else did the work and my mods required the upgrade.
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Old 11-13-2017, 10:44 PM   #4
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So, tell me again why you put yourself through this hell?
Well, I like learning more and more about this stuff, as well as my car was broken because of the weak SS rearend failing around 500whp, so I felt like this was the best option! Yes it definitely could have gone smoother, but lessons were learned and here are the lessons for everyone to enjoy!
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Old 11-14-2017, 08:28 AM   #5
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Where did you guys pick up the ZL1 cradle?
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Old 12-06-2017, 10:05 PM   #6
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Where did you guys pick up the ZL1 cradle?
Hawks Performance. Like I said the Arm was bent but Bruce fixed me up all good at the drop of a phone call!
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Old 12-07-2017, 10:21 AM   #7
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I did this too, Power demands... cradle was cheaper for me than the pumpkin axles and seals nuts etc required....plus I got the better swaybar mount upgrade and other suspension upgrades in the purchase.

Good job getting her in, alignment is needed 100%. No ABS here, but the alignment made it night and day better.
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Old 12-28-2017, 06:33 PM   #8
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I just bought a hub to hub cradle setup. So do you guys think it would be easier/better to do the z28 suspension, Pegasus bushings in the Zl1 setup then install get alignment. Or tear apart zl1 cradle and swap components in car?
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Old 12-29-2017, 12:55 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by 93TAWicked1 View Post
I just bought a hub to hub cradle setup. So do you guys think it would be easier/better to do the z28 suspension, Pegasus bushings in the Zl1 setup then install get alignment. Or tear apart zl1 cradle and swap components in car?
If you are comfortable swapping the cradles, probably a bit easier to do it all out of the car. If it is your first time through, swap components on the car.
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Old 12-29-2017, 01:28 PM   #10
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Thanks Pete, first time working on the rear of a 5th gen but have done alot of my own work on multiple engine t56 and rear swaps in 4th gens and C5 and a weak 7 months with a IRS terminator cobra.

Biggest thing is the weight. I may just build the zl1 setup and take it to a shop to swap. Just hate other people worming on my car
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