Leveling kit on smooth ride

YXLSLT · Feb 25, 2018

I have a 2001 Yukon with ZW7 smooth ride. It has 150k on it. I'm going to replace the shocks. While I'm there I'm thinking I might has well throw on a 3" leveling kit. What's worked for other people? Kits, shocks, springs etc....
Anything special I need in replacing the smooth ride? I can keep the original wheels for now, right?
Anything bad with a levelingkit?

richs1 · Feb 25, 2018

YXLSLT said:
I have a 2001 Yukon with ZW7 smooth ride. It has 150k on it. I'm going to replace the shocks. While I'm there I'm thinking I might has well throw on a 3" leveling kit. What's worked for other people? Kits, shocks, springs etc....
Anything special I need in replacing the smooth ride? I can keep the original wheels for now, right?
Anything bad with a levelingkit?

If this is the ZW7 code(premium smooth ride), I believe you will need to replace the rear springs with a stiffer spring, otherwise it will sag in the rear and ride crappy. If it’s 2wd, rough country sells a 3 inch lift spindle that will work well on the front, you can then buy taller springs for the rear or use a spacer. You can also buy aftermarket keys for the front torsion bars, you can get 2-3 inches that way. Spindles are the best way to go. If it’s 4wd, only option is aftermarket keys and spacers, or a full suspension lift($1500.00 plus). I have a 04 Z71 and used the keys and spacers. I’m sitting at about 39.5 at all four corners. It does put the suspension geometry at a more severe angle, not really a problem for 2wd and not a problem for 4wd unless you are doing hard off roading. Good luck.

YXLSLT · Feb 25, 2018

richs1 said:
If this is the ZW7 code(premium smooth ride), I believe you will need to replace the rear springs with a stiffer spring, otherwise it will sag in the rear and ride crappy. If it’s 2wd, rough country sells a 3 inch lift spindle that will work well on the front, you can then buy taller springs for the rear or use a spacer. You can also buy aftermarket keys for the front torsion bars, you can get 2-3 inches that way. Spindles are the best way to go. If it’s 4wd, only option is aftermarket keys and spacers, or a full suspension lift($1500.00 plus). I have a 04 Z71 and used the keys and spacers. I’m sitting at about 39.5 at all four corners. It does put the suspension geometry at a more severe angle, not really a problem for 2wd and not a problem for 4wd unless you are doing hard off roading. Good luck.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it is 4x4, didn't even think about adding that.

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richs1 · Feb 25, 2018

YXLSLT said:
Thanks for the reply. Yes, it is 4x4, didn't even think about adding that.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Then definitely full suspension lift or keys and spacers. Check around for some springs off of a Z71 suburban. They are a little taller than regular Tahoe and suburbans. I have the keys and 1.5 inch spacers in the rear. Prior to new keys and spacers I was about 1/2 inch lower in the front with keys cranked as far as they would go. I am running 33x11.50x20 and still have a little rub in the rear around the shock mount, but only under heavy articulation.

Taavi · Feb 26, 2018

I have a 2004 Tahoe 4x4 with rear autoride system that is working fine. I would like to have a small lift, around 2 inches in rear and a bit additional in front for leveling, also I would like to keep the autoride. Can I also just use spacers for rear springs, new lifting keys in front and spacers for all shocks? Or is it somewhat more complicated with autoride?

Leveling kit on smooth ride

YXLSLT

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richs1

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YXLSLT

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richs1

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Taavi

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