2008 Suspension Upgrades - Bilstein's or Height Adjustable Shocks

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usdlawstudent

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This is my set up. I am pleased with it. I previously had a suspension maxx kit on it that retained the autoride and magneride. it was fine, but my stock shocks and struts were quite old and I decided to go this route rather than replace with stock.

2007 GMC Yukon XL Denali
Icon 2.5 Coilovers at 2.5" lift front (71505) I really wanted to go the reservoir w/ CDCV route because I drive in really varied conditions and loads/ towing, but availability was really bad at the time, and they're pricy. I'm happy. A little harsh in town if anything. I only got to take them on a trail once prior to adding the winch/ bumper. Might need to change my springs for the added weight.
Icon 2.0 rear shocks (76526) - they aren't anything special. similar to Bilstein's. Rebuildable, but probably not worth it at the price point.
Cognito Upper Control Arms
Dobinson 2" lift rear springs (C09-045) - the stock coils with autoride are quite soft, if you delete those shocks you will sag. Moog springs and a spacer probably work just as well.
I added Air Lift helper bags for towing (you'll need 60912 or 60913 for Dobinson springs)
SDE magneride and autoride delete shockdeletes.com
View attachment 369926
Looking good! I’m looking into the e bilstein 5160s for the rear of my 2010 Yukon Denali. I found the shocks online, but I can’t seem to find the autoleveling delete kit for the rear shocks. Can someone point me to that?
 
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SunnyInCo

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Here is my update:
I installed the 5100's, both front and rear, at 115,000 miles on 12/20/2022. It is currently at 147,000. This is now our 3rd vehicle as I purchased a Sierra in 12/30/2024. In 2023 and 2024, I towed a "light" trailer with total weight including cargo about 1,500lbs on I-70, up and down the mountains about 6 trips. I never liked the handling. It felt very soft and the Yukon would drift.

The initial feeling of the suspension up until recently was great. Felt factory but could tell they absorbed some light off-road, (think forest service/BLM roads) bumps great.

I still drive the Yukon around town and for the past month or so, the ride feels very harsh. Not sure if I am imaging things, but my sense is I am feeling every bump. Its is kind of like driving a sports car if that makes sense.

I unfortunately do not know a whole lot about vehicles but I plan on getting under it this weekend and see if I can see anything. I might also call Bilstein and ask if they have some suggestions on what to look for. I might be imaging things, just disapointed right now. Nothing much as changed expect for newer all-season tires. I just took off the Blizzaks and the ride feels the same between both sets of tires.

As I was writing this, I thought there could be other issues. I kept the OEM struts, leaf springs, and all other components are original. Could be other parts just getting old possibly??
 

SpareParts

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4600's are better in my opinion for town/ highway and light off road. I loved em. 5100's would have been too stiff for me but i drive it like i own it, not stole it.
 

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