NBS rear spring options 2-3" drop

[Dantheman1540]

I currently have Eibach 3882.52 coupled with shock extenders and some old but not 2004 old KYB shocks also, the free travel mod has been done and I do not believe it's bottoming out but I will test that tonight. The rear just rides rough and has been exacerbated by the recent front upgrades. I am fairly set on getting a matching set of Viking double adjustable shocks in the rear but I don't think that's the main problem, I think the spring is just not that great because small bumps and cracks in the road are noticeable and large bumps feel very harsh and can be felt in my lower back/spine.

I suppose I am asking what the best riding rear spring is? I know this is a very subjective question but does anyone have some data to back up their claims?



P.S. I do understand it's a lowered truck with "Sporty" parts and it does ride much better than any other lowered truck I've owned but I think it can be much better.

 

[Dantheman1540]

Come one guys I know people are running other springs besides the Eibach, I know TBSS store sells a "Custom" Belltech spring I'd love to find a part number from someone running them. There's also Maxtrax and I think Ridetech or somebody else makes some.

Plus I've seen some stuff about an OEM PPV spring for the NNBS trucks, anyone know if this will fit the NBS?

 

[iamdub]

PPV spring would only drop about 1.5" and it'd ride firmer.

I think the Trailblazer 2" or 3" DJM drop coils will drop a Tahoe 3" or 4" and they're known for being a tad soft. They're also known for dropping more than advertised. I ran McGaughy 3" coils for a day or so. I thought they rode great but only got me about 2.5" of drop. I might have gotten the full 3" if I ran them longer.

 

[Dantheman1540]

PPV spring would only drop about 1.5" and it'd ride firmer.

I think the Trailblazer 2" or 3" DJM drop coils will drop a Tahoe 3" or 4" and they're known for being a tad soft. They're also known for dropping more than advertised. I ran McGaughy 3" coils for a day or so. I thought they rode great but only got me about 2.5" of drop. I might have gotten the full 3" if I ran them longer.

So NNBS springs will fit the NBS? That's good to know.

I'm torn between getting a nice set of shocks and seeing if that helps and then possibly going through multiple spring setups. Or fabbing mounts for coilovers and having a better bag setup where the factory springs sit.

I don't believe anybody has coilover converted the rear of these trucks and documented it.

 

[iamdub]

So NNBS springs will fit the NBS? That's good to know.

I'm torn between getting a nice set of shocks and seeing if that helps and then possibly going through multiple spring setups. Or fabbing mounts for coilovers and having a better bag setup where the factory springs sit.

I don't believe anybody has coilover converted the rear of these trucks and documented it.

As far as spring fitment, they're pretty much the same from '01 to '20. Them McG 3" springs originally came from a NBS. The BT 5305 I ran for a short time are used on NBS and NNBS. Hell, Jeep Wrangler rear coils fit our rigs! lol

When I first lowered mine, it rode very firm. I thought it was the springs, so I tried a couple other that should NOT have rode firm and it still did. On a hunch, I unbolted the shocks and backed out of the shop and immediately felt a huge difference. Apparently, the BT shocks that many said rode like stock were super firm. slapped some Bilsteins I had kickin around (also from a Jeep, but an XJ) and it's pretty much perfect.

 

[Dantheman1540]

As far as spring fitment, they're pretty much the same from '01 to '20. Them McG 3" springs originally came from a NBS. The BT 5305 I ran for a short time are used on NBS and NNBS. Hell, Jeep Wrangler rear coils fit our rigs! lol

When I first lowered mine, it rode very firm. I thought it was the springs, so I tried a couple other that should NOT have rode firm and it still did. On a hunch, I unbolted the shocks and backed out of the shop and immediately felt a huge difference. Apparently, the BT shocks that many said rode like stock were super firm. slapped some Bilsteins I had kickin around (also from a Jeep, but an XJ) and it's pretty much perfect.

What are BT shocks? I might have to test that, I can't imagine an expensive brand like eibach would produce a shit spring. I've installed their race series coilovers on an FRS and and FD RX7 and I was very impressed on the ride quality, almost put their kit on my tacoma but Bilsteins were a fraction of the price.

However I don't really want to do bilsteins on this mostly because I'd like double adjustable to dial in to my liking and with the shock extenders you can see the bottom of the shock which would look dope AF with those bling bling Vikings.

 

[iamdub]

What are BT shocks? I might have to test that, I can't imagine an expensive brand like eibach would produce a shit spring. I've installed their race series coilovers on an FRS and and FD RX7 and I was very impressed on the ride quality, almost put their kit on my tacoma but Bilsteins were a fraction of the price.

However I don't really want to do bilsteins on this mostly because I'd like double adjustable to dial in to my liking and with the shock extenders you can see the bottom of the shock which would look dope AF with those bling bling Vikings.

Belltech. I bought their Street Performance shorter shocks for my drop. I just got the wrong ones, apparently. They have two styles and I went with the bigger ones cuz I was trying to keep it as close to original fit and feel as possible. The Bilsteins from the XJ I had were exactly the same dimensions as the other BT shocks that I should have gotten. (pure luck). I pressed out the crossbar, drilled the bushing a little to fit the sleeves in, then bolted them in. And, no, Eibach is good shit. I'd blame old KYB shocks before the Eibachs, unless they're not intended for your application/use.

 

[Dantheman1540]

Belltech. I bought their Street Performance shorter shocks for my drop. I just got the wrong ones, apparently. They have two styles and I went with the bigger ones cuz I was trying to keep it as close to original fit and feel as possible. The Bilsteins from the XJ I had were exactly the same dimensions as the other BT shocks that I should have gotten. (pure luck). I pressed out the crossbar, drilled the bushing a little to fit the sleeves in, then bolted them in. And, no, Eibach is good shit. I'd blame old KYB shocks before the Eibachs, unless they're not intended for your application/use.

Well, you are quickly talking me into shocks, so I guess I gotta get with Atomic and get some more Vikings on the way and go from there

 

[Dantheman1540]

I can't imagine a spring is supposed to be near full compression like this at ride height. Although I suppose with only 4.5" of up travel remaining there isn't a need for much more spring compression. Either way seems wrong, anybody care to post pics of their rear springs at ride height?

@iamdub @Rocket Man

 

[iamdub]

I can't imagine a spring is supposed to be near full compression like this at ride height. Although I suppose with only 4.5" of up travel remaining there isn't a need for much more spring compression. Either way seems wrong, anybody care to post pics of their rear springs at ride height?

@iamdub @Rocket Man

View attachment 268511

What springs are those? They look like the BT 5305, but black. I can't remember if it was the 5305 or another one, but it was originally a drop coil for the Trailblazer. It gave more drop in the fullsize SUVs but was also known for being soft. Now I'm quite sure that your firm ride issue is due to the shocks. It shouldn't matter, but everyone always said the tighter coils that would compress and touch go to the top.


I could post a pic of mine, but I don't see how that would be relevant. I have Jeep TJ coils.

 

[Dantheman1540]

What springs are those? They look like the BT 5305, but black. I can't remember if it was the 5305 or another one, but it was originally a drop coil for the Trailblazer. It gave more drop in the fullsize SUVs but was also known for being soft. Now I'm quite sure that your firm ride issue is due to the shocks. It shouldn't matter, but everyone always said the tighter coils that would compress and touch go to the top.


I could post a pic of mine, but I don't see how that would be relevant. I have Jeep TJ coils.

Im fairly certain they are Eibach 3882.52. Can't seem to find the order in my summit history but I may have ordered as a guest.

I think I agree it's the shocks because I took a buddy who sets up chassis for some serious drag cars for a ride. He had me getting on it hard in 1st-2nd to feel how it handles the abrupt abuse of the shifts and it's very noticeable that the rear bounces and struggles from traction and stability. It's even more noticable if I leave hard in a turn, makes the back end feel like a john boat side ways in white caps. So hopefully the new Vikings fix this and I can dial in the setting to perfection. I found it amazing how feel the front stays steady and controlled even with no sway bar right now. The coilovers are vastly superior than decranked t bars.

On the spring theory I checked out my other buddies abrolanche (the brodozer D bag version of an avalanche) and his "Ebay" springs actually ride good and hes on 24s. Heres a pic of his springs you can tell the coils are not touching like mines.

Lastly in defense of my springs possibly being installed upside down I actually had summit ship these straight to the PO to have installed before I flew in. Granted I did remove and reinstall them for the axle swap but that's besides the point

 

[iamdub]

I really don't see how there is a "top" or "bottom" to the pigtailed springs. Maybe they meant the compressed "dead" coils go to the top if you were to cut some off for more drop? That would make sense cuz the pad on the axle is too small and needs the pigtailed end on it.

 

[Dantheman1540]

I really don't see how there is a "top" or "bottom" to the pigtailed springs. Maybe they meant the compressed "dead" coils go to the top if you were to cut some off for more drop? That would make sense cuz the pad on the axle is too small and needs the pigtailed end on it.

Yeah gravity doesnt care what side of the spring is up lol. Guess I'll see in a few weeks when the shocks get here if it fixes it.

 

[Rocket Man]

I can't imagine a spring is supposed to be near full compression like this at ride height. Although I suppose with only 4.5" of up travel remaining there isn't a need for much more spring compression. Either way seems wrong, anybody care to post pics of their rear springs at ride height?

@iamdub @Rocket Man

View attachment 268511

That’s fu**ed up. Something is wrong there. No wonder your back is feeling the bumps. Here’s my Belltech 2” lowering springs just now with the truck on the ground. I’m running Bilstein Autoride shocks I bought from Arnott back when they were available. It’s a pretty decent ride considering.

 

[Dantheman1540]

That’s fu**ed up. Something is wrong there. No wonder your back is feeling the bumps. Here’s my Belltech 2” lowering springs just now with the truck on the ground. I’m running Bilstein Autoride shocks I bought from Arnott back when they were available. It’s a pretty decent ride considering. View attachment 268832

Yeah, something is screwy with these Eibach, that's what I assumed it should look like lol. If the shocks don't fix it then those Belltechs look like a good option.

Thank you for the pic!

 

[Rocket Man]

Yeah, something is screwy with these Eibach, that's what I assumed it should look like lol. If the shocks don't fix it then those Belltechs look like a good option.

Thank you for the pic!

You’re welcome. It’s not easy for an old dude like me to get under there but I figured it was worth it.

 

[73Vetteman]

I started with the Belltech 34324 lowering kit that sells for about $210. It also includes shock extenders and bumpers. On my 2015 Tahoe it lowered it almost 4" with the autoride rods adjusted for no supplemental lift from the air shocks. I used a 2" spacer under the springs and readjusted the rods to give the desired ride height of 2" drop. Those gave the very soft ride that I wanted however they were just a bit soft for trailering my car hauler.

i then bought the Belltech 5321 springs for about $180. No spring spacers were needed with those. They gave me the correct drop with the slightly stiffer ride needed for trailering without sway. The ride is still very acceptable and better than factory. The description states these springs are not compatible with autoride but that is false. They work perfectly for me. With only a 2" drop I don't think the shock extenders are needed but they were installed with the first Belltech spring kit so I left them.

If you have the autoride (autolevel) as I do, you want to adjust the sensor rods so the feature functions as designed. I bought 3" long 1/8" diameter all thread stainless bolts from Home Depot and cut the heads off to make adjustable rods.

 

[Dantheman1540]

I started with the Belltech 34324 lowering kit that sells for about $210. It also includes shock extenders and bumpers. On my 2015 Tahoe it lowered it almost 4" with the autoride rods adjusted for no supplemental lift from the air shocks. I used a 2" spacer under the springs and readjusted the rods to give the desired ride height of 2" drop. Those gave the very soft ride that I wanted however they were just a bit soft for trailering my car hauler.

i then bought the Belltech 5321 springs for about $180. No spring spacers were needed with those. They gave me the correct drop with the slightly stiffer ride needed for trailering without sway. The ride is still very acceptable and better than factory. The description states these springs are not compatible with autoride but that is false. They work perfectly for me. With only a 2" drop I don't think the shock extenders are needed but they were installed with the first Belltech spring kit so I left them.

If you have the autoride (autolevel) as I do, you want to adjust the sensor rods so the feature functions as designed. I bought 3" long 1/8" diameter all thread stainless bolts from Home Depot and cut the heads off to make the rods adjustable.

John, thank you for the feedback that's exactly what I was looking for. I don't have autoride in fact my rear setup is kind of a mix of several different brands and parts that don't belong to this generation truck anyway. I had my eye on those 34324 springs with spacers but I do tow a lot and don't really want a 4" drop so it sounds like the 5321 should be about perfect assuming the drop amount is similar between the different generations. Do you happen to have the 34324 springs anymore? I'd consider taking them off your hands for research purposes.

 

[73Vetteman]

John, thank you for the feedback that's exactly what I was looking for. I don't have autoride in fact my rear setup is kind of a mix of several different brands and parts that don't belong to this generation truck anyway. I had my eye on those 34324 springs with spacers but I do tow a lot and don't really want a 4" drop so it sounds like the 5321 should be about perfect assuming the drop amount is similar between the different generations. Do you happen to have the 34324 springs anymore? I'd consider taking them off your hands for research purposes.

Yes, I do still have them. Will PM you.

I forgot to mention both sets of Belltechs are variable rate springs so a few coils are almost fully compressed, with more space between other coils. That premium design gives a stronger spring rate as the spring compresses, affording a better ride.

 

[oh05ext]

Can onyone in here give me some help please. hate to threadjack. Im looking to lower the rear of my 05 denali roughly 2". I tow a pontoon boat every other weekend when the weather is nice and will have 3-7ppl in the truck. the boat weighs roughly 4500lbs loaded. I was looking on rockauto at the heavy duty avalanche springs with a higher spring rate but overall shorter height. Or would you recommend the Belltech 5321 with my autoride shocks adjusted?
Load Rate Rear 1300
Wire Diameter 0.640"
Load Rate Rear 590
Rear Spring Inside Diameter 4.4"
Spring Rate Rear Variable
Rear Spring Relaxed Length 17.2"