Front End Steering Rebuild Kits
Package kits bundle the wearing front end parts for this truck in one order, usually for less than buying them one by one.
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD Suspension Diagram
This interactive diagram shows the front suspension, steering linkage, driveline and rear suspension of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4x4. Hover over or tap any part to see what it does, the signs that it is worn, and the replacement parts we carry that fit your truck, down to the side and position.
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD Suspension Diagram (Full Chassis)
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD Front Suspension and Steering Diagram
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD Rear Suspension Diagram
We carry parts for it Not stocked yet Hover or tap any part.
The 2001 to 2007 Classic Silverado 2500 HD 4WD uses independent front suspension with upper and lower control arms. Torsion bars take the place of front coil springs, running from the lower arms back to keys in a crossmember. CV axles drive the front wheels from a frame mounted differential. One straight center link joins the pitman arm and the idler arm, with inner and outer tie rods at each end. The rear is a solid axle on leaf springs with staggered shocks.
We carry replacement parts for 41 of the 46 components on this diagram, 164 parts in all. See every part for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD.
Packages and kits
Shock Absorber Sets
Front and rear shock sets for the whole truck.
Complete Suspension Bushing Kits
One kit with the suspension bushings for the whole truck.
Add-On Rear Sway Bar
An add-on rear sway bar that clamps to the axle and bolts to new frame brackets, to reduce body roll when towing or loaded.
Front Suspension
1 Upper Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The upper ball joint is the top pivot between the upper control arm and the steering knuckle. It lets the knuckle turn and move with the suspension.
Signs of wear: Clunking over bumps, wandering steering, uneven tire wear, or play when the wheel is rocked top to bottom.
Tip: Stock upper arms have the ball joint pressed in. Many owners replace the whole arm with a new joint already fitted.
See all Front Upper Ball Joint parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
2 Lower Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The lower ball joint carries the weight of the front of the truck from the lower control arm to the steering knuckle.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, a loose feel in the front end, or play when the wheel is rocked top to bottom with the truck on a jack.
Tip: Support the lower arm before separating the joint, because the torsion bar is still loading it. Get an alignment afterward.
See all Front Lower Ball Joint parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
3 Upper Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
A forked arm that holds the top of the knuckle. Its two inner bushings pivot on cam bolts on the frame, and the ball joint is at the outer end.
Signs of wear: Clunks, torn inner bushings, a worn ball joint, or an alignment that will not hold.
Tip: An assembly with new bushings and a new ball joint saves pressing each one.
See all Front Control Arm parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
4 Lower Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
The large forked arm that carries the load. The torsion bar twists against its rear pivot, the shock bolts to it, and the sway bar link passes through it.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, torn bushings, a loose ball joint, or uneven tire wear.
Tip: Left and right lower arms are different parts. Unload the torsion bar before removing one.
See all Front Control Arm parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
5 Upper Control Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Rubber bushings pressed into the inner ends of the upper arm. They let the arm pivot on its bolts without metal to metal contact.
Signs of wear: Clunks on braking or over bumps, visible cracks in the rubber, or caster and camber that drift out of spec.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
6 Lower Control Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Two different bushings in the lower arm, a forward one and a larger rearward one. They locate the arm and take braking and bump loads.
Signs of wear: Clunks when braking or turning, wandering, or torn rubber at the arm pivots.
Tip: The forward and rearward bushings are not the same size. Check which one you need.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
7 Alignment Cam Bolts
The upper control arms mount on cam bolts and plates. Turning them moves the arm to set caster and camber.
Signs of wear: An alignment shop cannot reach spec, or the truck pulls after front end work or a lift.
Tip: Adjustable kits add range for leveled trucks.
See all Front End Alignment Kit parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
8 Steering Knuckle (driver and passenger side)
The forged casting that joins the upper and lower ball joints, holds the hub and takes the tie rod on its steering arm.
Signs of wear: Rarely wears out. Replace it after accident damage, or if a tapered ball joint hole is worn.
See all Front Lowering Spindles parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
9 Front Bump Stop (driver and passenger side)
A rubber bumper mounted at the frame pocket that the lower control arm lands on at full compression.
Signs of wear: A harsh bang when the suspension bottoms out, or a cracked or missing bumper.
See all Front Bump Stops parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
10 Front Shock Absorber (driver and passenger side)
The front shock runs from the lower control arm up through the upper arm to a frame bracket. It controls the bounce of the torsion bar suspension.
Signs of wear: Bouncing after bumps, nose dive on braking, leaking fluid, or cupped tires.
Tip: Replace in pairs. A leveling kit may call for a longer shock.
See all Front Shock Absorber parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
11 Torsion Bar (driver and passenger side)
The torsion bar is the front spring on this truck. It runs from the lower control arm back to a key in a crossmember, and it twists as the suspension moves.
Signs of wear: Front ride height that sags and cannot be corrected at the adjuster.
Tip: Each bar is stored under heavy load. Unload it with the right tool before touching the key or the lower arm.
We don't carry a torsion bar for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
12 Torsion Bar Key (driver and passenger side)
The key holds the rear end of the torsion bar in the crossmember. A bolt under it sets the front ride height, and leveling keys raise the front further.
Signs of wear: Front end sits low or uneven, the adjuster bolt is seized or at the end of its travel.
Tip: Use a torsion bar load tool to take the pressure off the key. Get an alignment after changing ride height.
See all Torsion Bar Key Lift Kit parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
13 Torsion Bar Bushing
Bushings that support the torsion bar at its crossmember and stop metal to metal noise.
Signs of wear: Creaks or clunks from under the cab area when the suspension moves.
See all Front Torsion Arm Bushings parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
14 Front Sway Bar
A steel bar across the front of the truck, ahead of the steering, that links the two lower arms to reduce body roll.
Signs of wear: Extra body roll, or a bar that is bent or loose.
See all Front Sway Bar parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
15 Front Sway Bar Bushing
Two rubber or polyurethane bushings clamp the sway bar to the frame.
Signs of wear: Clunks or squeaks over bumps, or a bar that shifts side to side.
Tip: Bar size varies by truck. Measure yours, because several diameters were fitted.
See all Front Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
16 Front Sway Bar End Link (driver and passenger side)
A long bolt, spacer sleeve and stack of bushings that connects the end of the sway bar to the lower control arm.
Signs of wear: Rattles over small bumps, torn bushings, or a broken bolt.
Tip: Replace both sides together.
See all Front Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
Steering
17 Outer Tie Rod End (driver and passenger side)
The outer tie rod end connects the tie rod to the steering arm on the knuckle, with its stud pointing down. It threads straight onto the inner tie rod, with no adjusting sleeve.
Signs of wear: Loose steering, tire wear on the inner or outer edge, or play when the wheel is shaken side to side.
Tip: Count the threads when you remove it, then get an alignment. Replace in pairs.
See all Front Outer Tie Rod End parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
18 Inner Tie Rod End (driver and passenger side)
The inner tie rod threads into the end of the center link and carries steering movement out toward the wheel.
Signs of wear: Clunks or looseness in the steering, or wandering at highway speed.
Tip: Inner rods also come assembled with a new center link.
See all Front Inner Tie Rod End parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
19 Center Link
One straight link across the truck. The pitman arm moves it side to side, the idler arm holds up the other end, and the tie rods run from each end.
Signs of wear: Loose steering, wandering, or play at the studs.
Tip: A worn idler arm wears the center link faster, so check them together.
See all Tie Rod Center Link parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
20 Pitman Arm
The pitman arm turns the steering gear output into side to side movement of the center link.
Signs of wear: Loose steering, or play at the stud when someone turns the wheel.
Tip: These trucks use different spline patterns. Check the groove count on your gear, 3 or 4, before ordering.
See all Pitman Arm parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
21 Idler Arm
The idler arm mirrors the pitman arm on the passenger side and holds up that end of the center link. This is a well known wear item on these trucks.
Signs of wear: Loose or wandering steering, play when you lift the center link by hand, or a clunk when turning.
Tip: Upgraded greaseable idlers and brackets are available. Keep it greased.
See all Idler Arm parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
22 Idler Arm Bracket
The bracket that bolts the idler arm to the passenger frame rail, with a grease hose that reaches the arm from the wheel well.
Signs of wear: A worn or wobbling idler pivot, or a loose stud at the frame.
See all Idler Arm Bracket parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
23 Steering Damper
A shock absorber for the steering. It mounts on the center link and reduces shake from the road.
Signs of wear: Shake in the wheel over bumps, or a leaking or seized damper.
See all Steering Damper parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
24 Steering Gear Box
The power steering gear on the inside of the driver frame rail. It turns the steering shaft into the swing of the pitman arm.
Signs of wear: Free play in the wheel, or a power steering leak.
We don't carry a steering gear box for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
Driveline
25 Front CV Axle (driver and passenger side)
The independent front suspension drives each front wheel through a CV axle. It bolts to the differential by a six bolt flange and splines into the hub.
Signs of wear: Clicking when turning in four wheel drive, grease thrown from a torn boot, or a vibration.
Tip: Both sides use the same part.
See all CV Joint Parts - Front parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
26 Front Driveshaft U-Joint at Front Differential
The U-joint at the front differential end of the front driveshaft. Straps hold it to the yoke.
Signs of wear: Clunks when shifting into four wheel drive, or a vibration in four wheel drive.
See all U Joint parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
27 Front Driveshaft U-Joint at Transfer Case
The U-joint at the transfer case end of the front driveshaft.
Signs of wear: Clunks or a vibration in four wheel drive.
See all U Joint parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
28 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Transmission
The U-joint at the front of the rear driveshaft.
Signs of wear: A clunk when shifting from park to drive, or a vibration that rises with speed.
Tip: Joint size depends on the driveline. Check your truck, because more than one size was fitted.
See all U Joint parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
29 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Support Bearing
The joint at the center support bearing, which carries the middle of the two piece rear driveshaft.
Signs of wear: A vibration at highway speed, a rumble under the cab, or a torn bearing mount.
See all U Joint parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
30 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Rear Axle
The U-joint at the rear differential.
Signs of wear: A clunk when taking off, or a vibration under load.
See all U Joint parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
Rear Suspension
39 Rear Leaf Spring (driver and passenger side)
The rear springs are multi leaf packs that sit on top of the axle, outboard of the frame rails, and locate the axle as well as carry the load.
Signs of wear: A sagging rear end, cracked or shifted leaves, or a clunk from a broken center bolt.
Tip: Spring packs vary with capacity.
We don't carry a rear leaf spring for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
40 Rear Leaf Spring Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Bushings in the eyes of the leaf spring, at the front hanger and at the shackle.
Signs of wear: Squeaks over bumps, clunks when taking off, or rear steer.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Bushings parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
41 Rear Leaf Spring Shackle (driver and passenger side)
The shackle links the rear eye of the spring to the frame bracket, so the spring can change length as it flexes.
Signs of wear: Squeaks, worn bolt holes, or a shackle at an odd angle.
Tip: Longer and shorter shackles change rear ride height a little.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Shackles parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
42 Rear Axle U-Bolts (driver and passenger side)
U-bolts clamp the leaf spring and spring pad to the axle tube.
Signs of wear: A clunk on take off, or an axle that has shifted on the spring.
Tip: Fit new U-bolts when the old ones are removed.
We don't carry a rear axle u-bolts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
43 Rear Shock Absorber (driver and passenger side)
The rear shocks are staggered, one ahead of the axle and one behind it, to help control axle wrap.
Signs of wear: Bouncing, a loose rear end under load, leaks, or cupped rear tires.
Tip: Replace in pairs.
See all Rear Shock Absorber parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
44 Rear Bump Stop (driver and passenger side)
A rubber bumper under the frame rail that the axle reaches at full compression.
Signs of wear: A hard bang over big bumps when loaded.
We don't carry a rear bump stop for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
Brakes and Hubs
31 Front Wheel Bearing and Hub (driver and passenger side)
A sealed bearing and hub bolted to the knuckle with four bolts. The CV axle splines through it and the wheel bolts to its eight studs.
Signs of wear: A growl that changes when you swerve, play at the wheel, or a wheel speed sensor fault.
See all Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
32 Front Brake Rotor (driver and passenger side)
The 325 mm vented front rotor. It slips over the hub and is held on by the wheel.
Signs of wear: Pulsing in the pedal, grooves, or a shake when braking.
Tip: Replace in pairs.
See all Front Brake Rotor parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
33 Front Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
The caliper squeezes the pads against the rotor.
Signs of wear: Pull to one side when braking, uneven pad wear, or a brake fluid leak.
See all Front Brake Caliper parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
34 Front Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
Friction pads on either side of the rotor, shown lifted out of the caliper.
Signs of wear: Squealing, grinding, or a longer stopping distance.
See all Front Brake Pads parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
35 Rear Brake Rotor (driver and passenger side)
The 330 mm vented rear rotor. The parking brake drum is inside its hat.
Signs of wear: Pulsing when braking, or scoring on the surface.
See all Rear Brake Rotor parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
36 Rear Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
The rear caliper squeezes the rear pads against the rotor.
Signs of wear: Dragging, uneven pad wear, or a leak.
See all Rear Brake Caliper parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
37 Rear Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
Rear friction pads, shown lifted out of the caliper.
Signs of wear: Squealing, grinding, or a soft pedal.
See all Rear Brake Pads parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
38 Parking Brake Shoes (driver and passenger side)
Small shoes inside the hat of the rear rotor, shown pulled out past the hub. They hold the truck when parked.
Signs of wear: The parking brake will not hold, or the lever travels too far.
See all Parking Brake Shoes parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
Body and Mounts
45 Body Mounts
Rubber cushions between the frame outriggers and the body.
Signs of wear: A clunk or shift from the body over bumps, or a cab that sits unevenly.
See all Body Mount Bushings Kit parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
46 Transmission Mount
A rubber mount between the transmission and its crossmember.
Signs of wear: A clunk on shifts, or a vibration at idle in gear.
See all Transmission Mount parts for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD
Questions about the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD suspension
What are the most common front end wear items on a 2006 Silverado 2500 HD?
The idler arm is the best known one. The heavy front end also wears ball joints, tie rod ends and the center link. Check them with the wheels off the ground, because a worn idler or tie rod end shows up as play you can feel by hand.
How do I raise the front of a 2006 Silverado 2500 HD?
The front ride height is set by the bolt under each torsion bar key. Leveling keys add more range. Use a torsion bar load tool to take the pressure off, keep both sides even, and get an alignment afterward.
Does the 2006 Silverado 2500 HD 4x4 have coil springs?
No. The front springs are torsion bars, and the rear springs are leaf springs.
Do I need an alignment after replacing front end parts?
Yes. Replacing tie rods, the center link, ball joints or control arms changes the alignment. Toe is set at the tie rods, and caster and camber are set with cam bolts on the upper arms.
Which years share this suspension?
The 2001 to 2007 Classic Silverado and Sierra 2500 HD 4WD share this layout. Parts can still change by cab, engine and options, so the parts shown here are the ones listed for the 2006 4WD truck.
Printable 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD suspension diagrams
Numbered diagrams to print or save for the shop. The numbers match the numbered parts on the interactive diagram.
