Shock question

[LS1_Disciple]

Ok, I just picked up an 02 Yukon for the wife. It has 54k on the clock and when I shut the door, it seems to rock back and forth for a while. Seems like to me it may be time for new shocks, but maybe it's just a characteristic of SUVs :dunno:

Anyway, I need to know which shocks you would recommend. Please keep in mind these criteria:

1. The truck is not/will not be lowered
2. It's a girl's car, so ride comfort is a must
3. "Sports car handling" is definitely not a priority

Honestly, I'd be satisfied if it just rode like a brand new Yukon. I saw some slightly used Bilsteins off an 04 Z71 Tahoe on eBay. Would these bolt right up? I've also seen folks recommend the Edelbrocks. How are they on ride comfort?

Oh, and how do I tell if I have the self-leveling suspension? Is there an option code for it in the glove box?

Thanks all.

[BigKID]

I would have to say the Biltstens. Those you mentioned off that 04 will be fine. The Edlebrocks will be quite a bit stiffer so the wife may not like them.

[Dogmeat]

Bilsteins will make that thing ride like a tank, rest assured.

I have never ridden in any pickup where somone has put those on, and it didn't ride so stiff it was just almost too much for a daily driver..... Bilstein truck shocks are stiff, and I can't immagine it would be any different for the Suburban/Tahoe.

If you are totally concerned with getting the best ride, you really need to get a set of GM-factory replacement shocks. I've read several places that GM-spec shocks on their pickup trucks, SUV's, etc, are all "custom spec" for that particular suspension / chassis / cab application. RE, the GM factory spec shocks on a half-ton-extended-cab Z71 are NOT the same part number as a regular-cab half-ton short bed 4x4 .... they're all valved specifically for that application to come outta the factory riding like a Caddillac ;)

But, the downside to the GM-factory shocks are, They don't tend to last very long, and 54,000 miles would be consistent with my experience and from what I can tell, a lot of other people's too. I replaced my shocks at roughly that time too ... and the other downside is, they are really expensive :( Like you can pay almost $100 a shock buying them from a dealer.

I would really shy away from brands like Bilstein and Rancho if you are concerned about it not riding like a tank ... I don't personally have any experience with the Edlebrock shocks, so I can't say if they are rough or soft ....

But, from previous experience, if youre gonna put a set of aftermarkey shocks on it, just get a regular set of generic old Monroe shocks, or even the "sensitrac" ones. They're not too pricey and not too stiff usually...

[LS1_Disciple]

Makes sense that GM would spec shocks to each particular application. However, I doubt there's a difference in a Z71 Tahoe and Z71 Yukon. Pickup truck or Escalade definitely.

The reason I had considered these stock Z71 Tahoe shocks is because I've ridden and driven my dad's Z71 Avalanche. It definitely does not ride like a tank. I've also ridden in a Z71 Extended cab which did not ride like a tank. Is a Z71 Tahoe/Yukon that much different that it rides stiffer? I wouldn't think so or else they wouldn't sell any of them. :dunno:

Thanks for the help, guys.

[Dogmeat]

I have only ridden in 1 Z71 Tahoe (it was an 01), and it did honestly feel to me like it rode a little softer than my Z71 pickup, but that probably has more to do with the leaf springs in the truck and the coil-overs on the Tahoe ...

I don't know, but I would really do some looking around before buying a shock. I put a set of those Rancho RSX's on my truck and now the thing rides like a friggen sherman tank. It does handle very well off-road with them, especially in really rocky terrain. However, it a little uncomfortable to drive around town in ...

I would really get the factory replacements if I had a Tahoe ... You don't need a stiff shock on one of those because you never have more than like 200 pounds of cargo ...

The only reason I can see putting a set of stiffer shocks on one of those is if you pull about a 5,000-lb trailer with it every weekend :dunno:

[Siggy Smalls]

I know absolutely nothing about shocks, however, I will tell you this much: My '99 (2dr. 4wd) I purchased used and it has Bilsteins on it. At first I was happy to have a reputable truck shock on it, but these things are rocks! I would not recommend them for a female driver. At first I didn't notice it because I wasn't accustomed to the truck, but as anybody knows, the longer you own a vehicle, the more you become accutely aware of its behavior and after riding in other OBS Tahoes, I think Bilsteins are especially stiff.

Side note - I don't want to hijack the thread but I ride higher than any other 2dr. that I've pulled up next to and I'm only on 265's. Does anybody think that my ride height and harsh ride could mean they are spec'd wrong for my truck?

[Dogmeat]

Your springs are what support the load of your truck, not the shocks ... I am wondering if the person you had before you has cranked your torsion bars up a little bit, which would more than likley account for the increased ride height.....and would account for some of the extreme stiffness.

Can you take some pics of your truck and post em? That'd tell us for sure....

[LS1_Disciple]

Ok, thanks for the input guys. Here's another few questions for you. Do I need to replace the rear springs at the same time I do the shocks? Do springs wear out like shocks? If so, does anyone have the part # for the OEMs or another suggestion?

Also, I've never really messed with a torsion bar setup before. What is involved in swapping the front shocks? The shocks themselves look fairly easy to just unbolt and remove, but do I need to put a jack under the A-arm to keep the torsion bar loaded?

Thanks.

[Siggy Smalls]

LS1_Disciple - apologies again for the hijack.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/117033911/122321145PDVubr

I don't believe that my torsion bars have been cranked as I don't ride level - the front does sit lower than the rear as all stock Chevy's do...

[Dogmeat]

Originally posted by LS1_Disciple
Ok, thanks for the input guys. Here's another few questions for you. Do I need to replace the rear springs at the same time I do the shocks? Do springs wear out like shocks? If so, does anyone have the part # for the OEMs or another suggestion?

Also, I've never really messed with a torsion bar setup before. What is involved in swapping the front shocks? The shocks themselves look fairly easy to just unbolt and remove, but do I need to put a jack under the A-arm to keep the torsion bar loaded?

Thanks.

You virtually NEVER have to replace springs throughout the life of a vehicle..... Torsion bars CAN go flat, but that's generally only after a life of pretty tough use ....

The front shocks, all you gotta do to replace them is put the front of the vehicle on jack stands, take off the tires, and there's only 2 bolts to get the shocks off.

You kinda gotta horse around with getting them off, but once you take the wheel off and look at it, it's pretty self-explanitory. The only hard part is kinda that you gotta hold one wrench through the wheel well and come in with another one through the hood....so if you are a shorter person that might not be as easy for some, I dunno ....

But on the rear, it's the same thing only easier, cuz it's just 2 big nuts and bolts that hold the shocks on ....

[Dogmeat]

Originally posted by Siggy Smalls
LS1_Disciple - apologies again for the hijack.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/117033911/122321145PDVubr

I don't believe that my torsion bars have been cranked as I don't ride level - the front does sit lower than the rear as all stock Chevy's do...

That doesn't look cranked to me, but I am honestly wondering if maybe the Tahoe's were supposed to be a little bit lower than the pickups?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm....

You might try posting that pic on www.fullsizechevy.com, there are a lot of guy's with Tahoe's over there who would probably be able to help you out more there than I would.

[LS1_Disciple]

Originally posted by Dogmeat
You virtually NEVER have to replace springs throughout the life of a vehicle..... Torsion bars CAN go flat, but that's generally only after a life of pretty tough use ....

The front shocks, all you gotta do to replace them is put the front of the vehicle on jack stands, take off the tires, and there's only 2 bolts to get the shocks off.

You kinda gotta horse around with getting them off, but once you take the wheel off and look at it, it's pretty self-explanitory. The only hard part is kinda that you gotta hold one wrench through the wheel well and come in with another one through the hood....so if you are a shorter person that might not be as easy for some, I dunno ....

But on the rear, it's the same thing only easier, cuz it's just 2 big nuts and bolts that hold the shocks on ....

Great, thanks Dogmeat. Rears definitely will be easy. They look just like my Camaro except I won't have to remove carpet or trim to get to the top bolts. :thumbup: