Opinions/experiences, 2" level tire size

[MTDreamin]

275/70/18 BFG K02’s
View attachment 363763
Fit perfectly on the stock 18" wheels, no rub.
1.75" front level with Bilstein 5100's.

This is exactly what I'm looking to do. Looks perfect! Just to clarify, no spacer/lift in the rear, correct? Edited to say, are those stock wheels that are powder coated (I see you said stock wheels numerous times, just haven't seen them in black like that)? Thanks!

 

[Jeff_]

This is exactly what I'm looking to do. Looks perfect! Just to clarify, no spacer/lift in the rear, correct? Edited to say, are those stock wheels that are powder coated (I see you said stock wheels numerous times, just haven't seen them in black like that)? Thanks!

Thank you!
And correct, no spacer or lift in the rear.
And they’re the stock wheels that I had powdercoated satin black, yes.

 

[MikeK1981]

Just to update this thread, I'll be getting the E rated LT265/70r18 nitto ridge grapplers mounted next Wed. 32.87" inch diameter, 10.71" wide. I also have the suspension Maxx lower strut spacers getting delivered tomorrow to level the front 1.5". I'm going to install those myself, probably after the tire install so I can get it aligned with everything installed. I'll update again with how everything fits before and after the leveling kit.

 

[MikeK1981]

Everything fit perfectly, no rub. Before and after the leveling kit. Now I have a question about the ZW7 suspension that my truck is equipped with. I searched first but couldn't find what I needed. I gained the expected height in the front, but it seems the rear passenger corner is riding over and inch higher than the other three corners. Making the passenger side look like it still has rake to it. The driver side is within .5" of level. But when you compare the passenger side im a .5" lower in the front and almost an inch higher in the back. Now it's possible my driveway was causing it by the way the truck was sitting. Or weight of the fuel tank possibly? I'm going to take measurements somewhere else but can someone explain to me exactly how the ZW7 functions and if it could be an issue or not? The instructions for the suspension Maxx 1.5 kit only say to look for Z55 or Z95.

 

[MikeK1981]

The measurements for each corner looked like this from the ground to the fender with the tape running center through the center cap of the wheel. You guys think is is normal from not sitting on a perfectly level surface or not?

Front- 37 & 7/16"______ 37 & 2/16" (1/8)

Rear - 37 & 13/16"_____ 38 & 10/16" (5/8)

 

[89Suburban]

Everything fit perfectly, no rub. Before and after the leveling kit. Now I have a question about the ZW7 suspension that my truck is equipped with. I searched first but couldn't find what I needed. I gained the expected height in the front, but it seems the rear passenger corner is riding over and inch higher than the other three corners. Making the passenger side look like it still has rake to it. The driver side is within .5" of level. But when you compare the passenger side im a .5" lower in the front and almost an inch higher in the back. Now it's possible my driveway was causing it by the way the truck was sitting. Or weight of the fuel tank possibly? I'm going to take measurements somewhere else but can someone explain to me exactly how the ZW7 functions and if it could be an issue or not? The instructions for the suspension Maxx 1.5 kit only say to look for Z55 or Z95.

Where's the pics!!!

 

[MikeK1981]

Where's the pics!!!

Just got back from a long trip in rainy weather. It's going in for an alignment tomorrow morning. I'll get some shots after it's clean lol! Plus my wife took it to get the kids from school.

 

[MikeK1981]

Ok, couldn't help myself. Took a few on the non sunny side. Can't tell how filthy it really is lol. I also trimmed the lower plastic valance right at the bottom of the belly line. Leaving 2.5 inches of material. Little more than the ppv ones, but way less than stock. That alone netted me 4.5 inches more of ground clearance for parking, now it's more with the tires and level. Not sure why these pics didn't come out right on the post but they look better if you click on the thumbnails and view them that way.

 

[MikeK1981]

Got a measurement on a different flat surface. I think it was my driveway causing it. Both front sides were 37 & 1/8" exactly. Rears were 38 & 1/2" and 38 & 1/4", so very close. The original front measurement was 35 & 3/4". I just thought it was odd that I had one corner so far off before. Could have done the full kit with the upper spacers but this looks great to me, and I didn't want to deal with the ball joint issue, or having to use a wheel spacer because I went too high with the stock wheel. Definitely happy with it!

 

[Jeff_]

Looking great! Nicely done

 

[MikeK1981]

Looking great! Nicely done

Thanks!

 

[salisburyv]

looks awesome!! well done!

 

[MikeK1981]

looks awesome!! well done!

Thanks!

 

[Oh Kee Pah]

..I'm going to take measurements somewhere else but can someone explain to me exactly how the ZW7 functions and if it could be an issue or not? The instructions for the suspension Maxx 1.5 kit only say to look for Z55 or Z95.

@MikeK1981 -> the rig's looking great! Like that you kept the chrome lugs with the chrome trim.

Still having that lean issue? I've certainly read about this before on the TYForum, but found a nice little article on the web regarding "ISSUES W/ GM ZW7 Suspension".
Take a look: https://vroomo.co.uk/gm-zw7-suspension-issues/
I'm guessing that you have not thrown any codes because you didn't change the rear suspension (I believe) and the vehicle is NOT equipped with rear air shocks. From reading this article, it sounds like the rear shock absorber needs to be replaced. Has your dealer or mechanic checked this in the past 6 months?

Keep us posted. Amazing what a difference a little chin up, LT tires and a moustache trim will do, huh? Well done!


Safe Travels

 

[MikeK1981]

@MikeK1981 -> the rig's looking great! Like that you kept the chrome lugs with the chrome trim.

Still having that lean issue? I've certainly read about this before on the TYForum, but found a nice little article on the web regarding "ISSUES W/ GM ZW7 Suspension".
Take a look: https://vroomo.co.uk/gm-zw7-suspension-issues/
I'm guessing that you have not thrown any codes because you didn't change the rear suspension (I believe) and the vehicle is NOT equipped with rear air shocks. From reading this article, it sounds like the rear shock absorber needs to be replaced. Has your dealer or mechanic checked this in the past 6 months?

Keep us posted. Amazing what a difference a little chin up, LT tires and a moustache trim will do, huh? Well done!


Safe Travels

Thank you, I'm very happy with it! And the lean issue was just my driveway tweaking the supsension slightly i guess. I checked it at my in law's and it's perfect. I've had thoughts about doing the black grill, but the reason I left the suburban badges was because I still had the chrome lugs with the chrome bow ties so it all kind of flows together I think, even though I blacked out the trim and pulled the LT badges. Cleaned it up without going all black everything.

 

[MTDreamin]

Thank you!
And correct, no spacer or lift in the rear.
And they’re the stock wheels that I had powdercoated satin black, yes.

Hi again @Jeff_ , or anyone else...I finally got my Bilsteins in last month and got around to taking it in to the shop today. Just got a call from them asking if I knew that the current set up is "air ride?" I said I wasn't necessarily aware, I just knew it didn't have the Magneride, which I've read can cause it's own issues when installing any sort of lift, but hadn't read anything that would affect putting Bilsteins on my 2018 Suburban LS 4WD.

They said they could try to put them on, but it would probably throw codes or otherwise. I'm not the most mechanically inclined (hence having a shop do the install), but I guess I don't really know if they're just confused, or if my setup would require something different? Thanks for any guidance.

FYI, this is the same shop I had install Bilstein 5100s (that I supplied) on my 4Runner about 4 years ago.

 

[olyelr]

Hi again @Jeff_ , or anyone else...I finally got my Bilsteins in last month and got around to taking it in to the shop today. Just got a call from them asking if I knew that the current set up is "air ride?" I said I wasn't necessarily aware, I just knew it didn't have the Magneride, which I've read can cause it's own issues when installing any sort of lift, but hadn't read anything that would affect putting Bilsteins on my 2018 Suburban LS 4WD.

They said they could try to put them on, but it would probably throw codes or otherwise. I'm not the most mechanically inclined (hence having a shop do the install), but I guess I don't really know if they're just confused, or if my setup would require something different? Thanks for any guidance.

FYI, this is the same shop I had install Bilstein 5100s (that I supplied) on my 4Runner about 4 years ago.

As long as they are just messing with the front i would think that everything will be just fine. The air ride is just for the rear of the vehicle. MRC is in the rear AND the front.

 

[Oh Kee Pah]

@MTDreamin - can you post up your GM RPO Sticker? (codes on sticker in glove box)
With that, we can get a look at your OE suspension. I agree with @olyelr that only the REAR shocks would have the air ride. And the ZW7 does NOT use external air pressure...

I'm assuming the Bilstein shocks you purchased are for the front suspension, correct?
Do you have the Bilstein part#?
Are you keeping the front leveling kit with the new front shocks?

 

[MTDreamin]

@MTDreamin - can you post up your GM RPO Sticker? (codes on sticker in glove box)
With that, we can get a look at your OE suspension. I agree with @olyelr that only the REAR shocks would have the air ride. And the ZW7 does NOT use external air pressure...

I'm assuming the Bilstein shocks you purchased are for the front suspension, correct?
Do you have the Bilstein part#?
Are you keeping the front leveling kit with the new front shocks?

Thanks for the replies @Oh Kee Pah and @olyelr. I will grab my RPO sticker this evening and report back.

I did actually buy both the front and rear Bilsteins and was intending to have all 4 installed, though the fronts were the important ones. I did/do not have any additional front leveling kit at this point, was just planning to use the front height adjustable Bilsteins to achieve that, as @Jeff_ had done in this thread, and I did previously on a 4Runner. But just figured I'd do all 4 to match at the same time.

Here are the links and part #s. I ended up ordering the fronts and rears from different sites based on stock availability at the time.

Front
Mfg Part #:24-253253

Pardon Our Interruption

Rear
Mfg Part #:24-253260

Bilstein B8 5100 - Suspension Shock Absorber (24-253260)

B8 5100 - Suspension Shock Absorber (24-253260)

www.offroadwarehouse.com

After having written the below, I just found reference of the air leveling suspension with regard to the max trailering package. Is that what I was missing, that the max trailer package has the air leveling and without does not? Because mine does have the max trailer package. Thanks again for any insights.

What I still don't understand is, after entering my year, make, model, trim and drivetrain, that multiple websites said, "Yes, this fits your vehicle," including on the rears. I now see the caveat, "Without Air Leveling Suspension" (specifically for the rears), but do all of these Suburbans/Tahoes regardless of trim have this "air leveling suspension", and if so, why would any show that they work or are compatible? Again, at this point I'm just interested in making sure I can get the front done, but I'm also hoping I can educate myself enough for a discussion with offroadwarehouse to make sure I can get a full refund still now that the return period has ended. This is for the rears:

 

[olyelr]

Thanks for the replies @Oh Kee Pah and @olyelr. I will grab my RPO sticker this evening and report back.

I did actually buy both the front and rear Bilsteins and was intending to have all 4 installed, though the fronts were the important ones. I did/do not have any additional front leveling kit at this point, was just planning to use the front height adjustable Bilsteins to achieve that, as @Jeff_ had done in this thread, and I did previously on a 4Runner. But just figured I'd do all 4 to match at the same time.

Here are the links and part #s. I ended up ordering the fronts and rears from different sites based on stock availability at the time.

Front
Mfg Part #:24-253253

Pardon Our Interruption

Rear
Mfg Part #:24-253260

Bilstein B8 5100 - Suspension Shock Absorber (24-253260)

B8 5100 - Suspension Shock Absorber (24-253260)

www.offroadwarehouse.com

After having written the below, I just found reference of the air leveling suspension with regard to the max trailering package. Is that what I was missing, that the max trailer package has the air leveling and without does not? Because mine does have the max trailer package. Thanks again for any insights.

What I still don't understand is, after entering my year, make, model, trim and drivetrain, that multiple websites said, "Yes, this fits your vehicle," including on the rears. I now see the caveat, "Without Air Leveling Suspension" (specifically for the rears), but do all of these Suburbans/Tahoes regardless of trim have this "air leveling suspension", and if so, why would any show that they work or are compatible? Again, at this point I'm just interested in making sure I can get the front done, but I'm also hoping I can educate myself enough for a discussion with offroadwarehouse to make sure I can get a full refund still now that the return period has ended. This is for the rears:


View attachment 378242

Your factory rears are air shocks, those are not. They will not work unless you delete the rest of that stuff.