Heavy duty coil springs 2008 yukon xl

[mohshard]

I use a 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 two wheel drive as a work truck, and keep about 500 lb of tools and materials in the back cargo area at all times. Rear of the truck is noticeably lower, had a local shop changed out the shocks to Ranchos, and replace the coil springs but the factory coil springs just aren't doing it.
Would like to know if there's a heavier-duty spring I can use, as well as new shocks. Also willing to put in a decent airbag leveling kit. Any suggestions?

 

[GreyStone]

I use a 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 two wheel drive as a work truck, and keep about 500 lb of tools and materials in the back cargo area at all times. Rear of the truck is noticeably lower, had a local shop changed out the shocks to Ranchos, and replace the coil springs but the factory coil springs just aren't doing it.
Would like to know if there's a heavier-duty spring I can use, as well as new shocks. Also willing to put in a decent airbag leveling kit. Any suggestions?

The strongest shocks I have ever used were Bilstein Heavy Duties - they are "high pressure" Nitrogen charged and exceptionally well built...definitely worth a look. I have enclosed a link for you with some great options for your truck -

https://shockwarehouse.com/index.cf...elected_make=GMC&model_name=Yukon+XL+1500+2WD

https://shockwarehouse.com/site/pro...uburban-1500-GMC-Yukon-XL-1500-Rear-24-186834

 

[mohshard]

The bilstein's look good, and I'll probably go with those shocks but at this point my Springs are so compressed the shocks basically can't work

 

[swathdiver]

I use a 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 two wheel drive as a work truck, and keep about 500 lb of tools and materials in the back cargo area at all times. Rear of the truck is noticeably lower, had a local shop changed out the shocks to Ranchos, and replace the coil springs but the factory coil springs just aren't doing it.
Would like to know if there's a heavier-duty spring I can use, as well as new shocks. Also willing to put in a decent airbag leveling kit. Any suggestions?

The rear HD springs on a 4x4 are 25783733 - 45H2164 and on mine easily hold 500+ pounds without setting level still. My truck has the plain ZW7 suspension without auto-level.

You will likely want to add airbags to your springs from Air Lift, #60769 if I remember right.

 

[mohshard]

The rear HD springs on a 4x4 are 25783733 - 45H2164 and on mine easily hold 500+ pounds without setting level still. My truck has the plain ZW7 suspension without auto-level.

You will likely want to add airbags to your springs from Air Lift, #60769 if I remember right.

I used the Airlift kit previously for towing my boat, and had one of the airbags blow at the boat ramp. Not a fun experience is there a tougher or better airbag kit?

 

[swathdiver]

I used the Airlift kit previously for towing my boat, and had one of the airbags blow at the boat ramp. Not a fun experience is there a tougher or better airbag kit?

I've blown them too but wouldn't hesitate to buy again and keep the air pressure lower. But, Firestone and someone else... can't remember their name, makes them. Timbren?

 

[akbrener]

I put the MOOG 80169 in the back of my tahoe 2WD, picked up a little lift to offset the front leveling kit I installed. would be a good spring to pair with the Yellow Bilsteins or the Red KYB monomax shocks which are made for loads.

 

[akbrener]

Heres a pic of my Tahoe on 33s with the MOOG springs and a whatever ACdelco shocks that rockauto said were Heavy duty (not really though). car and trailer are probably 5,000 plus a week's worth of luggage, golf clubs, tools, and a full cooler in the back. The 2" level really makes the front look high, but if you are stock stuff up front I bet the rear would sit about 3/4-1" higher than the factory springs unloaded.

 

[OR VietVet]

That Moog spring #80169 is a universal heavy duty spring that do do fine and with the air springs, I would use Firestone, they combination would be great, IMO. May not even need the Bilstein shocks if you go that route.
Whatever way you go make sure you redo the alignment.

 

[swathdiver]

Heres a pic of my Tahoe on 33s with the MOOG springs and a whatever ACdelco shocks that rockauto said were Heavy duty (not really though). car and trailer are probably 5,000 plus a week's worth of luggage, golf clubs, tools, and a full cooler in the back. The 2" level really makes the front look high, but if you are stock stuff up front I bet the rear would sit about 3/4-1" higher than the factory springs unloaded.

View attachment 242255

I'd bet you'd be surprised if you put that setup on the scales!

 

[dougo]

i installed an air ride mounted the compressor inside behind the left rear panel and gauge next to the gear shiftier on my 06 , Work great especially when loaded with adults, couple hours of work

 

[mohshard]

i installed an air ride mounted the compressor inside behind the left rear panel and gauge next to the gear shiftier on my 06 , Work great especially when loaded with adults, couple hours of work

Ordered the Moog Springs, the Bilstein shocks, and another air lift kit.

Should have everything in hand on Tuesday, I'll get it installed Wednesday or Thursday and see how much of an improvement that makes.

 

[mohshard]

Last question for now. What are the best bump stops I can put in while I'm under the truck? Anybody have the part number for the 2500?

 

[73Vetteman]

I suggest buying 1" spacers to raise the rear end one inch. The pair only costs about $50. That would be perfect for leveling a fixed load like you carry. You might find that spacers are needed even after your replacement parts are installed.

Most people are under the impression that different shock absorbers can change vehicle height. That is false unless you install air shocks. The primary function of shock absorbers is to stop oscillation (bouncing). If you have ever seen a vehicle continue bouncing after hitting a bump you will understand why properly functioning shocks are needed.I

Regarding bump stops, they are only there for EXTREME motion when the vehicle "bottoms out"

 

[mohshard]

My bump stops at this point are original and in very bad shape and deteriorated. I'd like to order a new set for the front and back, and I've heard the 2500 versions are much heavier Duty and longer-lasting. I'll keep the spacers in mind, and if this doesn't take care of the leveling issue, I'll order it set and install them.

 

[Tozan]

When you are hauling more weight the best approach is to get a heavier spring. Adding a spacer may bring the height back up but, it will normally reduce suspension travel and make the ride harsher. With a heavier load you have two problems the spring is to light and the shock dampening is to light. For the best ride you will need to address both problems.

The best bet is to get a heavier spring rate to raise it back to a normal ride height then get a shock with stiffer dampening to help control the extra weight.

My Tahoe is weighing in around 7800 pounds and so I am running heavier springs and shocks to get a very comfortable ride.

Bump stops are not used for suspension they are for the end of the suspension travel. If your suspension is set up correctly bump stops really shouldn't matter.

 

[73Vetteman]

When you are hauling more weight the best approach is to get a heavier spring. Adding a spacer may bring the height back up but, it will normally reduce suspension travel and make the ride harsher. With a heavier load you have two problems the spring is to light and the shock dampening is to light. For the best ride you will need to address both problems.

The best bet is to get a heavier spring rate to raise it back to a normal ride height then get a shock with stiffer dampening to help control the extra weight.

My Tahoe is weighing in around 7800 pounds and so I am running heavier springs and shocks to get a very comfortable ride.

Bump stops are not used for suspension they are for the end of the suspension travel. If your suspension is set up correctly bump stops really shouldn't matter.

You are correct about most of what you said. Where you are wrong is "Adding a spacer --- will normally reduce suspension travel and make the ride harsher". Neither is true. You were probably thinking of a spacer under a coil spring utilized with control arms such as on the front suspension. Because of the geometry, a 1" spacer gives a much different change in height and alters ride when used on the front.

When a spacer is used under the rear spring of a straight axle vehicle like ours, the change in vehicle height is exactly the same as the height of the spacer. The ride will also be the same, there is ample space between the coils so coil bind is not a problem, and suspension travel remains the same.

In his case, a 1" spacer would return the rear to desired height without any undesirable effects or problems.