Downside to Altered Suspension and Big Wheels

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That Guy
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Hey guys,

It's been a while I posted. I recently did a rear shock change on my Yukon because the ride just wasn't very good lately.

Keep in mind the car is lowered with Belltech spindles up front, then coils out back with shock extenders. I also have a Hotchkiss rear sway bar. Also have 26s with the GM Brembo BBK.

Anyways, upon inspection, every shock/strut on the car was blown! They were all leaking oil to varying degrees, especially the front passenger and rear drivers side. I am a bit overdue for shocks though at 80k miles with these heavy wheels.

So, knowing what I know from the extensive amount of setups I ran with my 2007 Tahoe, I ordered Bilstein 5100 shocks for the rear, and then Bilstein HDs for the front because the 5100 fronts are backordered far too long and my Yukon needs struts ASAP.

After installing the new rear shocks, the rear end is back to being planted! It rides far better and firm. A good firm though.
I'm waiting on the fronts to arrive and I'll post additional pics.

Here's the rear before and after.

20201127_183304.jpg 20201127_183349.jpg 20201127_190403.jpg 20201127_192447.jpg 20201127_192513.jpg
 

STORMIN08

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if i can ...WHY 5100 IN THE REAR ???

i understand the backorder, but the 5100 typically is 2" longer than stock...that will cause the shock to bottom out on a lowered vehicle.

how much up travel does the shock have from ride height ?
 
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That Guy
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if i can ...WHY 5100 IN THE REAR ???

i understand the backorder, but the 5100 typically is 2" longer than stock...that will cause the shock to bottom out on a lowered vehicle.

how much up travel does the shock have from ride height ?

Years ago, I opted to use the 5100 shock with my lowering coils and discovered it offered the best rude quality amongst all my other setups.
The 5100 shock is the exact same length as the stock shock. Also, keep in mind I am using shock extenders in the rear also so the factory shock geometry is maintained.

The HD and 5100 are very similar shocks, outside the 5100 having the capability of lifting the vehicle with strut spacers, and a different final production color.
 

mb1500

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There are some modes of stock replacement 5100 rear shocks that have an extra inch of extension capability, which is probably what he is referring to. I’m not sure if every application is like this, as you said yours are the same length as OEM.
 

Captain Insaino

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There are some modes of stock replacement 5100 rear shocks that have an extra inch of extension capability, which is probably what he is referring to. I’m not sure if every application is like this, as you said yours are the same length as OEM.

Same length, they allow for an extra inch of travel INTERNALLY by degign.
 

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