Some PICS of my rear lowered --->

[KMeloney]

Hey all,

Finally snapped some quick & dirty iPhone pics of my Tahoe with just the rear lowered. Sorry for the quality and dirtiness. I'll take better and more-level pics when she's clean.

The rear was lowered on Belltech springs with a 1" spacer (that was trimmed and bored so that it would sit properly at the bump stop and hold the springs in place like stock). I only wanted an inch or so taken out of the rear (wanted it to ride like stock, but just not look so raked). The installer took 1-3/8" out of the rear, and I think it looks great. I'm going to see how this grows on me, and may possible take another 1/2" out.

I had Ford keys put in my '02 so that I could raise the front on it. When it was perfectly level, it actually appeared to me to sag in the rear. I want to avoid that look with this truck -- but can still probably take 1/2" out and have it closer to level without "leaning."

Check out how much more level the running boards/body side molding are now. So much better, imo.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/kjmeloney/TahoeLevel2.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/kjmeloney/TahoeLevel.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/kjmeloney/TahoeLevel3.jpg

/< / /2 /<

[Modded]

It looks perfectly level now!
The only reason lowering level kits seems to sag at times if from stuff like the gas tank being completely full (alot of weight).

[KMeloney]

Thanks! And I hear you about the full tank -- but won't autoride try to level that out?

Incidentally, here's a comparison pic to show just how much gap in the rear there was. I know it's not the same angle, but you get the idea. Wow, all that gap is nasty looking!

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/kjmeloney/ComparisonPic.jpg

---------- Post added at 09:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:48 AM ----------

Compare this new pic to the old pic above. Much nicer, huh? Subtle, but what a difference.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/kjmeloney/Level.jpg

[blueflamed03]

dang man, that turned out awesome!

[KMeloney]

dang man, that turned out awesome!

Thanks! I have to agree with you! LOL

[USMC1102]

Looks great!

[nc6600]

That looks really nice, anymore plans?

[KMeloney]

That looks really nice, anymore plans?

Thanks, folks. I appreciate it!

Anymore plans? Of course! LOL I have some Escalade chrome side moldings that I think I'll swap in for the stock Tahoe ones. They are more 3-dimensional, are a hair longer, and they're thicker [than the chrome portion of my stock molding]. They also taper slightly front to back, so it should make for a nice look.

I also like the G3 LED tail lights...

And wheels could be in the future...

Does it ever really end?

[BlackDenali]

Great Choice!!! Looking Good!

[mlwald79]

could you take pics of the springs and spacer set up? also, did you have to bend or modify the air-link rod for autoride? thinking about doing this to my 08 denali. thx

[AtomicHoe094]

looks better, i think you should still go lower :) lol

[nc6600]

Does it ever really end?Good point LOL

[wmgood64]

looks real nice!!! Great job!!!

[KMeloney]

could you take pics of the springs and spacer set up? also, did you have to bend or modify the air-link rod for autoride? thinking about doing this to my 08 denali. thx

I will see if I can get a pic of it for you. My installer made it sound as though he "moved" the air links as opposed to bending them. So, I'll ask him about that specifically.

---------- Post added at 08:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 AM ----------

looks better, i think you should still go lower :) lol

I hear you. LOL I may, I may...

[AtomicHoe094]

is it a 4x4 or no?

[KMeloney]

is it a 4x4 or no?

Yes, it is.

[Cooter]

Could you help a guy out with some part numbers for what you used to create such awesomeness? That looks fantastic!! Well done!!
Ben

[KMeloney]

Awesomeness? Why, thank you! LOL Let me check out my receipts when I get home.

Thanks again!

[Cooter]

Awesomeness? Why, thank you! LOL Let me check out my receipts when I get home.

Thanks again!

Sounds like a great plan. I am anxious to see as I have been trying to figure out a way to do this since I got the Tahoe a few weeks ago. I hate the fender gap but I also don't care for the whole vehicle being lowered. This is the ticket for sure. You are my hero!! :hail:

[KMeloney]

Dear faithful serf Cooter,

(Just kidding!)

Ok, looks like my shop got and installed:

Belltech 5321 rear coils

and

Energy 26103G coil spacers.

These spacers were used to 1) keep the rear from dropping the full spring amount, and 2) because the shape off them would retain the springs like the stock isolators. I'll have to double-check with my installer as to exactly what he did, but seems to me that he had them bored out and trimmed so that they would sit (around the bumpstop, maybe?) and keep the springs centered as they should be.

I'll get more info on the install, but these are the parts.

Hope this helps!!!

[Lil CacAzn Nick]

looks sick

[Cooter]

Dear faithful serf Cooter,

(Just kidding!)



LOL That's good stuff right there. Good times!


Ok, looks like my shop got and installed:

Belltech 5321 rear coils

and

Energy 26103G coil spacers.

These spacers were used to 1) keep the rear from dropping the full spring amount, and 2) because the shape off them would retain the springs like the stock isolators. I'll have to double-check with my installer as to exactly what he did, but seems to me that he had them bored out and trimmed so that they would sit (around the bumpstop, maybe?) and keep the springs centered as they should be.

I'll get more info on the install, but these are the parts.

Hope this helps!!!

That is exactly the info I was looking for. I can finally end my search campaign. I'm going to have to try them.
If you get a chance, please check with the installer about the spacers. Did you notice much difference in ride quality? My better half is worried that we will lose our ride quality. Gotta keep her happy. You know the old saying.
Thanks again. You have been very helpful.

[KMeloney]

I'll see if I can get ahold of him today. I'll keep you posted!

I did not notice any loss in ride quality. As soon as I pulled out of the installer's shop, all I could do was look for changes in the ride (as would anyone who changes the suspension). It's a bit tough to describe the slight changes, so bear with me. It seems that maybe the rebound coming out of a dip in the road is "tighter." That is, as the rear comes out of a dip back onto a level surface, whereas the stock suspension would absorb that transition, I'd say that there's a little more of a tight bounce feeling there. But it's not a harsh or jarring sensation -- it feels more like my Corvette feels in the same situation. The ride and handling just feels more secure, like it's sensing the road better. It's tough to describe, but you'll actually want to throw your truck into curves with more confidence. LOL

As far as your wife being concerned about the ride, I don't think she'll even know that the suspension was done. If there's a way that you could have this done without telling your wife it was done, I bet she doesn't notice. I had my stereo stuff from my '02 put in my '09 around the same time I had the rear done, and I think my wife thinks that I only had the stereo installed.

...And if you found that you DIDN'T like the way this turned out for some reason, it's completely and easily reversible.

[Cooter]

That sound great!! Thanks for the detailed info on the ride quality. That sounds like something that I can live with. Sounds like an improvement in some aspects.

As for the wife, it always makes me feel better knowing that there are others like me that believe what she doesn't know won't hurt her. That comes with limitations though. LOL

Knowing that this is reversible and doesn't cost a ton of money is what makes this decision so much easier. Thanks again for all your help.

[KMeloney]

Hey, no problem! If I hadn't gone ahead and done this myself, I'd be asking 10,000,000 questions of someone else who had. So, I'm glad to be able to help.

Spoke to my installer, and whereas I know I was bothering him in the middle of another project, and over the phone, I think I got what he was saying. Seems to me that the spacer he used along with the springs were 5/8" spacers. That makes sense, since the springs are marketed as a 2" drop kit, and he said that the truck dropped @ 1-3/8" in the rear (2" - 5/8" = 1-3/8"). He bored out the center of these spacers so that they would fit the same way that the stock rubber "isolators" fit (which must have a hollowed out center that must allow the bump stop or something to pass through the center). He put these atop the stock isolators (if I have this all correct).

Yes, the ride has improved in aspects. At worst, it is the same as stock, I'd say.

Let me know if there's anything else I can help with.

Assuming I did this correctly, I've attached another pic from today (raining, and the truck's dirty, but it shows levelness).

Get it done!

/< / /2 /<

[luvmychevy]

Thanks, folks. I appreciate it!

Anymore plans? Of course! LOL I have some Escalade chrome side moldings that I think I'll swap in for the stock Tahoe ones. They are more 3-dimensional, are a hair longer, and they're thicker [than the chrome portion of my stock molding]. They also taper slightly front to back, so it should make for a nice look.

I also like the G3 LED tail lights...

And wheels could be in the future...

Does it ever really end?


I'd be interested in your stock 09 Tahoe side moldings with the chrome trim. I have an 07 and can't seem to find the part number. Any help would be appreciated.

By the way, your Tahoe looks great!!

[Cooter]

Hey, no problem! If I hadn't gone ahead and done this myself, I'd be asking 10,000,000 questions of someone else who had. So, I'm glad to be able to help.

Spoke to my installer, and whereas I know I was bothering him in the middle of another project, and over the phone, I think I got what he was saying. Seems to me that the spacer he used along with the springs were 5/8" spacers. That makes sense, since the springs are marketed as a 2" drop kit, and he said that the truck dropped @ 1-3/8" in the rear (2" - 5/8" = 1-3/8"). He bored out the center of these spacers so that they would fit the same way that the stock rubber "isolators" fit (which must have a hollowed out center that must allow the bump stop or something to pass through the center). He put these atop the stock isolators (if I have this all correct).

Yes, the ride has improved in aspects. At worst, it is the same as stock, I'd say.

Let me know if there's anything else I can help with.

Assuming I did this correctly, I've attached another pic from today (raining, and the truck's dirty, but it shows levelness).

Get it done!

/< / /2 /<

Thanks a million man. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet. Someone else had mentioned lowering it an inch with shock extenders and shortened air sensor rods. But knowing your feelings on your kit, I am inclined to give the kit you have a try. Like you mentioned, I can always change it back if I don't like it. Won't be right away because we are starting a new business and am nickel and diming right now but soon. I'll be sure to keep you posted. By the way, I really like the escalade roof rails. Might have to take that idea from you too. You are making this way to easy on me. Thanks again.

[KMeloney]

Cooter -- Glad to be of help/no help whatsoever. (Sometimes getting too many ideas on how to blow money on mods does you a real disservice!)

And don't worry about taking my idea on Escalade roof racks. The truth is that I stole the idea from the last guy to steal it. Might as well keep the trend going!

[macky]

this is exactly what i need. do you remember if anything had to be done to "trick" the autoride from raising the rear?

[KMeloney]

this is exactly what i need. do you remember if anything had to be done to "trick" the autoride from raising the rear?

Yes. The autoride sensors are either "bent" or relocated (don't recall which it is) so that the sensors think that the new, lower height is the optimal ride height. Otherwise, the compressor will be trying to raise the rear constantly.

[R.Beezy]

cant really tell the difference. but the truck still looks good!!

[KMeloney]

cant really tell the difference. but the truck still looks good!!

Haha Well, trust me, it's different. Whereas it may not look "lowered," it definitely no longer has that high-in-the-air stock look anymore. That was my goal. Thanks!