How Can I Soften Suspension on PPV Tahoe

[KS03tahoe]

Do the Belltech ride better than stock? Where can I get them and what is the part #?
Also, do have a PPV and have done this?

Thanks

I have a BT 2/4 drop spindles on the front and drop coils on the rear on my '03. I've tried both BT Nitro Drop and Street Performance, both have died after about 6 months. After about 6 months rear started bottoming out and fronts have a harsh ride.

 

[A123]

Hi, I wanted to know if anyone knows how these shocks ride?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014VZLC2E/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012PQZC4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QZL5AS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

They are ACDelco Professional. Do they ride softer than PPV shocks?
Also, do I need to replace any other parts to soften the suspension (ex. Sway bar, Control arms, Valve etc)?

 

[kbuskill]

Hi, I wanted to know if anyone knows how these shocks ride?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014VZLC2E/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012PQZC4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QZL5AS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

They are ACDelco Professional. Do they ride softer than PPV shocks?
Also, do I need to replace any other parts to soften the suspension (ex. Sway bar, Control arms, Valve etc)?

If those parts you listed are for a non-ppv/civilian Tahoe then yes they will ride softer. The shocks and struts on the PPV are valved differently making them stiffer... that is why they are pursuit rated.

 

[A123]

If those parts you listed are for a non-ppv/civilian Tahoe then yes they will ride softer. The shocks and struts on the PPV are valved differently making them stiffer... that is why they are pursuit rated.

Do I need to replace anything else (ex. Swaybar... valving..control arms...) to make it more softer ?

 

[kbuskill]

Do I need to replace anything else (ex. Swaybar... valving..control arms...) to make it more softer ?

No, you shouldn't.

 

[A123]

Hey guys,
I want to find out if Yukon denali Air suspension or Escalade Shocks arre compatible with PPV Tahoe to improve ride? Has anyone done this? Do I need extra parts to swap?

Thnx

 

[wjburken]

Hey guys,
I want to find out if Yukon denali Air suspension or Escalade Shocks arre compatible with PPV Tahoe to improve ride? Has anyone done this? Do I need extra parts to swap?

Thnx

The air ride suspension on the LTZ’s, Escalades and Denali’s are part of the auto-level system that has ride height sensors on all four corners that tell the computer to either air-up the rear shocks or let air out to level the vehicle. I would imagine trying to retro this system on to a PPV Tahoe would be pretty serious surgery and programming.

 

[balln2k11]

I wouldn’t recommend adding Denali Auto Ride suspension as it would be a crazy retro fit, plus you would have to purchase many parts including the air compressor.

Now... I did do this before on a 2003 Yukon for my dad. Added the rear shocks in the back, retro fitted the compressor, but had to add a manual switch to flip to air up. Does the job, but not how it was to perform from the factory. 2007+ Denali’s also have the magnetic ride control. Anyway, stupid idea i did and stay away from it.

 

[Eod1]

Hello,
I have a 2010 PPV (EX-Police) Chevy Tahoe and would like to soften the suspension because it has a very harsh and has a stiff ride.
I would like to make my ride quality like a 100% stock Tahoe and would like to know what needs to be replaced/changed to do so.

Please let me know if you know anything about it..

Thanks

Find a salvage tahoe. Something that was submerged in water. Strip everything off the frame as suspension and use it to replace all of your ppv suspension. Then you can turn around and sell all your ppv suspension for some cash. That's the only way you are going to get it to ride like a civilian model cheap.

 

[A123]

Which shocks Belltechs or anything have the smoothest ride but at PPV or Civilian height?

 

[swathdiver]

Which shocks Belltechs or anything have the smoothest ride but at PPV or Civilian height?

The XFE model Tahoes and Yukons have the same ride height as the PPV/SSV, all were RWD. They have basic suspension but ride is smoother obviously.

Biggest affect on PPV ride is wheels and tires.

 

[STANKHOE]

All of this info is so confusing. Some people say front PPV springs are different from civilian, and others say they are the same and difference is the struts. I just bought a 2013 PPV. I want to stay at the same height but have a softer, smoother ride. What would be my best combo? I'm thinking stock front springs (depending upon whether the PPV or civilian are really the same) with Bilstein 4600 front struts and then use the Belltech drop spindles to get a 1" or 2" drop up front, and then the Bilstein 3" rear lowering springs and shocks. Can you guys let me know what you think and what the truth is about the front PPV springs?

 

[1BADI5]

From GM Press Room:

"The 2WD Chevrolet Tahoe PPV has a number of features that sets it apart from its civilian counterpart. Tahoe PPV is lower to the ground, delivering improved handling, especially at high speeds. The front and rear suspensions feature stiffer springs and shocks, and there’s also a stiffer jounce bumper that is more ideally suited for police loads."

https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/tahoe_ppv/2012.html

 

[swathdiver]

All of this info is so confusing. Some people say front PPV springs are different from civilian, and others say they are the same and difference is the struts. I just bought a 2013 PPV. I want to stay at the same height but have a softer, smoother ride. What would be my best combo? I'm thinking stock front springs (depending upon whether the PPV or civilian are really the same) with Bilstein 4600 front struts and then use the Belltech drop spindles to get a 1" or 2" drop up front, and then the Bilstein 3" rear lowering springs and shocks. Can you guys let me know what you think and what the truth is about the front PPV springs?

Run your VIN here and have a look at what you have and then at the options available. Read post #51 again.

https://parts-catalog.acdelco.com/catalog/catalog_search.php

 

[RichardCranium]

I think I may have replied to a few threads with confusing information, as the PPV springs are definitely more stiff.......but the ride height is the same.

 

[1BADI5]

I've been searching long and hard to find the spring rate of the PPV springs

 

[Nima]

any luck?

 

[kevlac]

Hello,
I have a 2010 PPV (EX-Police) Chevy Tahoe and would like to soften the suspension because it has a very harsh and has a stiff ride.
I would like to make my ride quality like a 100% stock Tahoe and would like to know what needs to be replaced/changed to do so.

Please let me know if you know anything about it..

Thanks

Hello. I know this thread is getting old, but I am wondering what you ended up doing and what were your results. I want to soften the ride on my 2014 PPV a bit, too.

Like the O/P, I like the stance of the PPV. I definitely don't want to lower it. I don't mind if it ends up sitting a little higher. I just want it to keep it simple and ride smoother.

There are so many suspension threads! It sounds like I can leave the PPV springs alone and simply use OEM Tahoe LS shocks/struts. Is that correct? Even better, it sounds like I can use Bilstein 4600's for a Tahoe LS instead of the OEM stuff, right?

In regards to the springs, how do you know when they need replacement? How long do springs last? If the shop I use indicates I need new springs, should I have them use the PPV springs with the shocks I mentioned above (OEMs or 4600s for a LS) or the springs for a Tahoe LS?

Thanks in advance everyone. And, yes, you are correct, I have no mechanical skills.

 

[cj6913]

I’m in same boat. Don’t wanna change stance of vehicle cuz it looks mean, BUUUUT, as any of our metro Detroit folks can attest, some roads around here you run into the danger of losing a filling

 

[swathdiver]

Yes, I replaced my Tires for stock size Goodyear Wrangler HP 265/70r17

It's been a little over 2 years, how are the tires holding up?