| 2006 Gmc Sierra logo
Cognito may not be one of the most well-known suspension suppliers to some, but it is definitely on the need-to-know list. Coming in later in the game allowed Cognito to see what kinds of suspension systems other better-known manufacturers were fabricating, so it may improve upon the competition's designs. What Cognito came up with were more strength and better parts supplies to allow customers' trucks to stay on and off the road longer and to ensure its customer service agents were taking sales instead of complaints. Norcal Truck in Fremont, California, had just the truck we needed to do a Cognito installation. The owner of the truck opted for a custom-colored candy-red powdercoat on all of the aftermarket parts to make a few additional heads turn. After Norcal Truck, we suggested a couple of additional parts needing color to complete the total visual package. The truck's owner opted to do it, but unfortunately for us it was after our scheduled shoot. Ten inches of lift made plenty of room for the planned 37-inch tires, but 38s could have been squeezed in, if we had desired. One of the positives that make Cognito such a hit is the company's steering support pieces. Cognito offers a heavy-duty tie-rod steering kit with ultra tough heims, an idler pivot assembly with weld-on gussets, and a pitman/idler arm support kit, again with heim joints. With all of these parts, it's an involved installation but in the end, it was worth every second. Check out the story on how we lifted an '06 GMC sky-high for a truly custom look.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED Time Spent Working: Approximately 10 hours Degree of Difficulty: Intermediate (R&R suspension, bleed brakes, cut frame mounts)
PARTS USED Cognito FSLK101001 10 to 12 Inch Lift.....MSRP $2,150.00 Cognito TRK100006 Tie Rod Kit MSRP $340.00 Cognito IPAWG8 Idler Pivot MSRP ${{{200}}}.00 Cognito PISK2008 Idler Pivot Assembly w/ Gusset MSRP $216.00 Cognito UCAK 100001 Upper Control Arm Kit MSRP $450.00 Cognito DSHK100002 Shock Hoop Kit.....MSRP $325.00 Cognito DRIVELINE3194-9801 CV Front Driveshaft.....MSRP $420.00 Custom Powdercoating.....MSRP $750.00 Deaver LSDEAVER-{{{G15}}} 8-Inch Spring Pack.....MSRP $800.00 Candy Red DOT Braided Stainless Brake Line Kit.....MSRP $185.00 {{{Fox}}} Racing Shox 980-99-030-A 2.0 6.5-inch Travel Shocks (4) MSRP ${{{740}}}.00 Fox Racing Shox 980-99-035-A 2.0 14-Inch Travel Shocks (2) MSRP $410.00 Fox Racing Shox Upgrade 2.0 Chrome Upgrade(6) MSRP ${{{300}}}.00 Fox Racing Shox Clamp black 2.0 Billet Shock Clamps(12) MSRP $360.00 Toyo 37x13.50R20 Open Country {{{M}}}/T Tires(4) MSRP $1,709.60 KMC XD-Series 20x10-Inch Black Rockstar Wheels(4) MSRP $1,356.00 Total Cost: $10,711.60
From The Driver SeatRunning the stock torsions with the dual Fox Racing Shox made for one nice ride, once we got the valving and nitrogen charge just so. We hesitate to call it a Cadillac-like ride, but darn it, it's close. The Deaver springs aren't too bad, but arched for 8 inches of lift, they sure weren't helping. Even with the shocks set right, the ride was noticeably stiffer. We'll just write it off as an unladen 3/4-ton truck. At first, the steering felt a little skittish, but we soon learned that the Cognito components in the steering were working wonders on the once-flexi original set up. Adding 37 inches worth of rubber and 20 inch wheels was a tax the stock brakes couldn't afford. It comes as no surprise then, that we are saying loud and clear, upgrade the brakes!
