2007 Denali AWD Lowering Advise

Good Morning Forum Friends

I recently purchased a 2007 AWD Denali w/80k original miles. Typically I would never buy an AWD, but the price was too good to pass up. I have a lot of experience lifting these in 2wd, I have owned 2 2008's and 3- 2004-2005's.

It seems lifting the AWD is more hassle than its worth, so lowering it seems to be the best option. There are several different options for lowering it, then I'll ask about wheels...

Lowering

I was thinking 2" spindles and 2" springs for the front and 5" DJM rear springs that are actually for a 2005. The rear springs appear to be the same, although they have different part numbers. However Im not positive and I only want to do this once so any input is very appreciated. I have also heard going too low would put the front CV Axles on a weird angle thus causing harder wear, has anyone else heard of this?

My objective is to go with as low of a static drop as I can...

Wheels

I really like the Snowflake wheels, my last lowered SUV was a 2005 Escalade 2wd with 5" DJM rears, spindles and lowered torsion bars w/24" snowflakes running a 275/35/24.

I prefer to run a 26, with either a 295 or 305 has anyone experienced rubbing or clearance issues?

Overall

the drop could be 1 of 2 scenarios, 4" front using springs and spindles, rear could be 4" or 5" springs assuming the DJM 5" spring from a 2005 is the same fitment as a 2007. Worst case everyone has a 4" rear spring... so 4/5 ideally or 4/4 meh...

would I ba happier with 24's or 26's?

I appreciate your input in advanced.

If you use Belltech Adjustable 2 inch +/- 2 drop/raise struts there is no need to change the front springs when paired with the Belltech Spindles. That gives you 2 inches on the spindles and up to 2 inches of drop on the struts. If you want to go 5 to 6 in the rear be prepared to do the free travel mod because your frame will impact the axle without it. The one thing about lowering an AWD I remember is having to trim the top ball joint bolt when you put the spindles on because it impacts the boot on the axle. I am torn right now between a 24 and 26 inch wheel since they are so close in price. I am likely going to go with a 24 though. My truck is lowered 3/5, but I will probably put it at 4/6 once the wheels are on.

Like he said. I’m 2/3 with spindles so I can use struts to go lower. As stated the decision to cut the bolts is important think of the size of your spare if you get a flat or if you get a flat on Grotius can move rear to front and put spare on rear.

The main reason I was using springs is bc the Denali has the auto-ride system with the wires that run to the top of each strut. I didnt think the Bell kit was capable of replacing the auto ride..

My truck had auto ride, but I removed it and put diodes in the sensors.

Blue Rock said:

My truck had auto ride, but I removed it and put diodes in the sensors.

Click to expand...

I need the auto ride, esp the rear as I tow a 5000lb boat often. I assume the autohide will level the rear when its under load?

Blue Rock said:

If you use Belltech Adjustable 2 inch +/- 2 drop/raise struts there is no need to change the front springs when paired with the Belltech Spindles. That gives you 2 inches on the spindles and up to 2 inches of drop on the struts. If you want to go 5 to 6 in the rear be prepared to do the free travel mod because your frame will impact the axle without it. The one thing about lowering an AWD I remember is having to trim the top ball joint bolt when you put the spindles on because it impacts the boot on the axle. I am torn right now between a 24 and 26 inch wheel since they are so close in price. I am likely going to go with a 24 though. My truck is lowered 3/5, but I will probably put it at 4/6 once the wheels are on.

Click to expand...

Quinn,

I noticed your in Tallahassee and Im in Panama City Beach

Yes I have the same truck you do and still have auto ride and pull a boat about the same weight auto ride airs up the rear as for the front auto ride works well with spindles. Both front and back need the actuators shortened

superstarsteveo said:

Quinn,

I noticed your in Tallahassee and Im in Panama City Beach

Click to expand...

Yeah buddy! Just right down the street.

Well....

Its ordered!

I went with the Street Edge 3/4 lowering kit that utilizes front springs and spindles ad rear springs and shock extenders. I went with 26" machine finished snowflake wheels with 295/30/26's. I hate chrome and not a fan of black on a black Denali...

Pics to come...