I can't answer on behalf of the OP, but I was thinking of using my set of ZR2 shocks on a 2014-2018 truck build. The Multimatic DSSV dampers are arguably the best passive shocks on the market. Would I remove a fully functional Magneride system on a street cruiser in favor of the Multimatics? No, but I think for an offroad application, especially on a T1XX truck, you'd be hard pressed to find anything better in the ~2-3" lift range at any price. I haven't driven a ZR2/AT4X, but everything I've read says they're the best riding leaf spring offroad oriented trucks available.
I put ZR2 shocks on my Yukon - need advice
- Thread starter Favored
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Perhaps I should have stated mission in the beginning. We live in Colorado Springs, we have a large family and this is our adventure vehicle. We love going into the mountain, nothing extreme as far as trails yet but we definitely do off-road.
How much physically longer are the ZR2 struts vs your OEM Yukon ones?
The ZR2 is 2" taller than a standard T1 pickup, not sure what that equates to in Yukons. I can say my '19 T1 1500 with 2" taller suspension (Bilstein 5100's for a Trail Boss) sits noticeably taller than my wife's '22 Yukon 4wd. Both are taller than the previous generation trucks/SUV's. So I wonder if you're trying to wedge a much taller strut into a smaller space and that is causing this issue? A 2" level strut on a T1 is probably more on a previous generation truck/SUV.
The ZR2 is 2" taller than a standard T1 pickup, not sure what that equates to in Yukons. I can say my '19 T1 1500 with 2" taller suspension (Bilstein 5100's for a Trail Boss) sits noticeably taller than my wife's '22 Yukon 4wd. Both are taller than the previous generation trucks/SUV's. So I wonder if you're trying to wedge a much taller strut into a smaller space and that is causing this issue? A 2" level strut on a T1 is probably more on a previous generation truck/SUV.
The ZR2 rear shocks measure 25-7/16" fully extended and 16" fully compressed (measurements taken from center of mounting holes). The front struts measure 22-7/8" from the top mounting surface to the bottom of the lower mounting stud.
Unfortunately I do not have K2 parts in front of me for comparison.
Unfortunately I do not have K2 parts in front of me for comparison.
Attachments
I think there’s the problem. I was just digging around on RockAuto and every front strut for a ‘16ish Tahoe/Yukon measures about 17” extended.
The rears are about the same as the ZR2 Shocks.
Yeah, the T1's certainly have the upper strut mount up higher, and therefore have longer struts for any given ride height.
I think if @Favored has room to bolt the lower strut mount below the A-arm (which supposedly lowers the truck 1.5-2" according to another thread on this forum), he could end up with ~3" lift vs stock, which would allow him to drive the truck and see how it feels.
I think if @Favored has room to bolt the lower strut mount below the A-arm (which supposedly lowers the truck 1.5-2" according to another thread on this forum), he could end up with ~3" lift vs stock, which would allow him to drive the truck and see how it feels.
I’ve made a decision to not go further with the front ZR2 shocks/struts at this time. Likely going to order some Fox 2.0’s for the front and keep the ZR2 rear shocks as they feel great!
Any alternative recommendations vs the Fox’s are welcome but from what I’ve researched they seem to be the way to go for the money and I’m not looking to spend Kings shocks money at the moment.
Any alternative recommendations vs the Fox’s are welcome but from what I’ve researched they seem to be the way to go for the money and I’m not looking to spend Kings shocks money at the moment.
Oh Kee Pah
Full Access Member
@Favored - I personally think you are making a good decision; in the long run hopefully you will look back and think so too. Bravo
I have spent more $ than I would have liked trying to get something to "work" instead of just doing it correct the first time. That's one major reason I ask people what their overall plans/goals for the ride changes are. Over time, better to spend more money and less of your time up front than too much of both down the road "fixing" things or "adjusting" others to make the overall setup work.
Also, I think that our SUVs are more than capable for what you are talking about doing, but they are no rock crawlers. However, they will certainly handle themselves with improved off-road suspension components and larger tires. 33-34" rubber will get you an extra 1" of ground clearance alone. Going too big will eat at the power and your transmission. I have not read of many on the TYForum that have done so, but regearing to 3.73 would probably be the best thing for an off road rig. That opens a whole new can of worms though. Probably best to just work with what you have...
Now that I know you're from CO Springs, I'm definitely vested in helping you get the ride you're looking for. I'm born and bred 5280, bleed orange and blue, just happen to live in Maine the past 9 years..
Since you're looking at Fox, I would suggest researching the remote reservoir coilovers w/ dampening control, as well as the 2.0 IFPs. I have not run a RR, but sounds like many people really like them. I have had BDS techs tell me straight up that the RR are probably overkill. But, if you're running bumpy gravel roads often and for extended periods of time, then the RRs might be well worth the extra $.
If you're raising the front ride height anything more than 1.5", I would suggest looking at a new pair of UCAs suitable for a 1-3" front level. Cognito sells a nice all around kit. Depending on the wheels you run, the aftermarket UCAs could have some rub involved. More research...
Keep us posted how things are progressing and call out for any questions/help! Welcome to the TYForum
Safe Travels
I have spent more $ than I would have liked trying to get something to "work" instead of just doing it correct the first time. That's one major reason I ask people what their overall plans/goals for the ride changes are. Over time, better to spend more money and less of your time up front than too much of both down the road "fixing" things or "adjusting" others to make the overall setup work.
Also, I think that our SUVs are more than capable for what you are talking about doing, but they are no rock crawlers. However, they will certainly handle themselves with improved off-road suspension components and larger tires. 33-34" rubber will get you an extra 1" of ground clearance alone. Going too big will eat at the power and your transmission. I have not read of many on the TYForum that have done so, but regearing to 3.73 would probably be the best thing for an off road rig. That opens a whole new can of worms though. Probably best to just work with what you have...
Now that I know you're from CO Springs, I'm definitely vested in helping you get the ride you're looking for. I'm born and bred 5280, bleed orange and blue, just happen to live in Maine the past 9 years..
Since you're looking at Fox, I would suggest researching the remote reservoir coilovers w/ dampening control, as well as the 2.0 IFPs. I have not run a RR, but sounds like many people really like them. I have had BDS techs tell me straight up that the RR are probably overkill. But, if you're running bumpy gravel roads often and for extended periods of time, then the RRs might be well worth the extra $.
If you're raising the front ride height anything more than 1.5", I would suggest looking at a new pair of UCAs suitable for a 1-3" front level. Cognito sells a nice all around kit. Depending on the wheels you run, the aftermarket UCAs could have some rub involved. More research...
Keep us posted how things are progressing and call out for any questions/help! Welcome to the TYForum
Safe Travels
I can get 2.0 Fox IFP on Amazon for about $950, or Rough Country 2.5 2” lift Vertex RR for about $1,300. Haven’t seen Yukons run those yet but they have some nice reviews on other platforms, what do y’all think between those 2 options, Fox 2.0 or RC 2.5 for $350 more?
Fox.
Oh Kee Pah
Full Access Member
I had the same thoughts. The Rough Country Vertex product is VERY tempting. I mean, a RR coil-over with ride height increase for a bit more than Fox's 2.0s, right?
After several weeks of going back and forth and speaking with a few 4x4 shops around...took my own advice.
I went with my 3rd set of Fox 2.0 IFPs. Still happy. If I had more money in the budget than I would have certainly gone for the Fox 2.0s with remote reservoir and DSC. They're about $1600-1800 directly through BDS suspension. The difference in price of the 2.0 IFPs vs RR coil-overs covered nearly 6 hrs of install cost. Fair trade-off for me.
BTW - IMO the Rough Country products are not very high quality and for the base of your suspension, probably better to not mess around and go with the tried and tested brand.
Although I have to admit, I think the RC Vertex RR coil-overs would look really, really good on our rigs, especially black paint. I saw a Silverado 1500 lifted couple weeks ago at the Chevy service center with the RC Vertex on. Looked slick, really slick. Plus, there are a fair amount of nice aftermarket products for us that come powder coated red, so the black/red color combo is something that one could easily go a little crazy with
FYI - I was running a 33" tire on my Fox 2.0 IFPs and OE wheels. No rub.
After several weeks of going back and forth and speaking with a few 4x4 shops around...took my own advice.
I went with my 3rd set of Fox 2.0 IFPs. Still happy. If I had more money in the budget than I would have certainly gone for the Fox 2.0s with remote reservoir and DSC. They're about $1600-1800 directly through BDS suspension. The difference in price of the 2.0 IFPs vs RR coil-overs covered nearly 6 hrs of install cost. Fair trade-off for me.
BTW - IMO the Rough Country products are not very high quality and for the base of your suspension, probably better to not mess around and go with the tried and tested brand.
Although I have to admit, I think the RC Vertex RR coil-overs would look really, really good on our rigs, especially black paint. I saw a Silverado 1500 lifted couple weeks ago at the Chevy service center with the RC Vertex on. Looked slick, really slick. Plus, there are a fair amount of nice aftermarket products for us that come powder coated red, so the black/red color combo is something that one could easily go a little crazy with
FYI - I was running a 33" tire on my Fox 2.0 IFPs and OE wheels. No rub.
jd08
Full Access Member
I am interested in them. PM me a price shipped to 53012.
olyelr
Full Access Member
I will admit, im not fully up on the specs of these zr2 shocks. But, arnt they electronically controlled by the trucks computer as far as dampening goes? Meaning, the truck changes the dampening as it see’s fit? If so, if you dont have the programming for that, which a yukon denali certainly dosnt, isnt it possible the shocks are dampened to their stiffest setting thus giving you minimal travel and a stiff ride? Just spitballing here…
Dropping the lower control arms would surely help at getting back your proper angles/alignment, and is highly recommended at that height, however it would still ride stiff given the current situation, if that makes sense.
Dropping the lower control arms would surely help at getting back your proper angles/alignment, and is highly recommended at that height, however it would still ride stiff given the current situation, if that makes sense.
The ZR2 shocks do not use any electronics. They're unique in that they use spool valves rather than deflective disks to control damping.
olyelr
Full Access Member
Well gotchya, thanks for the info. Surprised they didnt compress more then for the OP…cant imagine the denali weights much less at all. Very odd.
They’re about 5-6” longer than his original struts.
I’ve played with multimatics for a while.
I could go into tons of details. I know the guys at Gm behind the programs.
I have played with colorado zr2 and gmpp and Silverado zr2 shocks.
I run them on my trailer now. I run ads shocks on my vehicles
I could go into tons of details. I know the guys at Gm behind the programs.
I have played with colorado zr2 and gmpp and Silverado zr2 shocks.
I run them on my trailer now. I run ads shocks on my vehicles
Are those Colorado shocks on a K2 Yukon? Did you have Multimatics on the front as well?
Can you please go into some detail on how you like them for the street and light off roading?
