2012 PPV, new to forum

[StevenW30]

Howdy all,
First off, glad to be here. I've been reading and following threads since Oct 24 when I got my Tahoe. Since then I've learned a lot and have a few questions still.
Since purchased, I've done all fluids/filters, f/r diffs and transfer, oil and tranny cooling lines, x4 Mich defenders, MBRP cat back, KnF CAI, AFM/VVT delete. Upgraded interior and all rear lighting to LED.
Next up is suspension. I like the ride as is (original stock) but wouldn't mind a little softer ride for highway (NC to PA frequently) or even a little lower stance. Suggestions?
After suspension, brakes. Just need pads soon, but may swap out rotors for drill/slotted. I have ACDel gold ceramics in mind but I've seen a few other members post good reviews of other brands as well. Again, thoughts?
Happy Easter y'all, and thank you in advance!
SW

 

[Marky Dissod]

... like the ride as is (GM OE), but wouldn't mind a little softer ride for highway (NC to PA frequently),
or even a little lower stance. Suggestions?

Which size Michelin Defender tires did you buy? (More than one type of Michelin Defender available, but nevermind that.)
GM OE PPV tire size is not necessarily GM OE civilian tire size.
Civi tire is 265/70R17, which will ride softer, and is also taller than PPV size tire.

 

[StevenW30]

Which size Michelin Defender tires did you buy? (More than one type of Michelin Defender available, but nevermind that.)
GM OE PPV tire size is not necessarily GM OE civilian tire size.
Civi tire is 265/70R17, which will ride softer, and is also taller than PPV size tire.

Hey Marky, they're the 265/70/17
MS2 defenders. Definitely a noticeable improvement already from the old 265/60/17's that were on it, but the shocks/struts are originals and are due to get changed out.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

 

[StevenW30]

I

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Hey Joe, thank you! I definitely plan on being active here, I have some projects to do yet and will rely on y'all for advice.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Hey Marky, they're the 265/70R17
MS2 defenders. Definitely a noticeable improvement already from the old 265/60R17's that were on it,
but the shocks/struts are originals and are due to get changed out.

More sidewall always helps.
I'd actually recommend 255/75R17, if you weren't interested in lowering it.

Can say from experience, that if you're after a cushier ride
(which confuses me a bit - buying a PPV and wanting a cushy ride is like confusing Elizabeth Banks with Scarlett Johannson),
then the Bilstein 4600 will make you very happy.

HOPING FOR BETTER HANDLING, bought a set of Bilstein 4600 last year.
For me, they were a mistake - I want to improve my Z71's ability to swerve and change lanes without making me more nervous.
Must admit that the Bilstein 4600 make very badly maintained / uneven / rough roads feel like the repairs can be delayed awhile longer.

 

[StevenW30]

More sidewall always helps.
I'd actually recommend 255/75R17, if you weren't interested in lowering it.

Can say from experience, that if you're after a cushier ride
(which confuses me a bit - buying a PPV and wanting a cushy ride is like confusing Elizabeth Banks with Scarlett Johannson),
then the Bilstein 4600 will make you very happy.

HOPING FOR BETTER HANDLING, bought a set of Bilstein 4600 last year.
For me, they were a mistake - I want to improve my Z71's ability to swerve and change lanes without making me more nervous.
Must admit that the Bilstein 4600 make very badly maintained / uneven / rough roads feel like the repairs can be delayed awhile longer.

Marky, I was thinking of lowering the rear stance by 1", and using Belltech 752sp kit for the front coils and shocks/struts. Since I put the Defenders on, I definitely feel the wear in the suspension. Luckily all the other components (arms, bearings, joints ect) are all in good shape. I totally agree with your point of a cushy ride in a PPV, but honestly I'm pretty happy with it overall.

 

[PPV_2018]

Sweet ppv. Don’t see many clean GMT900 ppv’s anymore. Welcome

 

[StevenW30]

Sweet ppv. Don’t see many clean GMT900 ppv’s anymore. Welcome

Thank you! She's a DHS out of Texas... Hendrick Chevy did the bumper to bumper when I bought it, and the mechanic tried to buy it off of me on site... She's in great condition!

 

[Miami-Dade]

Welcome from Queens NY&Miami

Your 2012 PPV definitely looks to be in excellent condition and very well maintained.

@StevenW30 Out of curiosity [unless I missed it somewhere] how many miles on your PPV. Nice find!

 

[StevenW30]

Hey there Miami... thanks, I definitely got lucky on this one. She had 152k when I picked her up in Oct, riding at 155k now. Just had the delete completed and tuned, she's pushing 265hp at the wheels now. Also, I had the shop switch out the flex fuel and am running 93 in it.
Whereabouts in Queens? I spent alot of time in Broad Channel during Sandy....

 

[Miami-Dade]

Hey there Miami... thanks, I definitely got lucky on this one. She had 152k when I picked her up in Oct, riding at 155k now. Just had the delete completed and tuned, she's pushing 265hp at the wheels now. Also, I had the shop switch out the flex fuel and am running 93 in it.
Whereabouts in Queens? I spent alot of time in Broad Channel during Sandy....

Astoria. Trying to sell my condo down there so I could just can stay in NY. so going back and forth until I do.

 

[StevenW30]

Astoria. Trying to sell my condo down there so I could just can stay in NY. so going back and forth until I do.

Only been there once, my buddy took me to a BBQ place... this was years ago, not sure if it's even still there. Pig something BBQ, I can't exactly remember the name of it. Nice area though!

 

[DesertfoxAZ]

I just redid most of my suspension, will do the upper control arms sooner then later. I went way overboard on mine, but I have a specific plan. That being said, I dropped mine an additional 1" front and back and then went to a 70r17 tire. I love the look of the tire tucked up a bit and filling the wheel well.

I also went with adjustable shocks. Right now, I have it set on 2, (1 is softest), and I am enjoying driving a cloud at the moment. I do have a little more nose dip at the moment, and notice some roll till the swaybar kicks in.

 

[StevenW30]

I just redid most of my suspension, will do the upper control arms sooner then later. I went way overboard on mine, but I have a specific plan. That being said, I dropped mine an additional 1" front and back and then went to a 70r17 tire. I love the look of the tire tucked up a bit and filling the wheel well.

I also went with adjustable shocks. Right now, I have it set on 2, (1 is softest), and I am enjoying driving a cloud at the moment. I do have a little more nose dip at the moment, and notice some roll till the swaybar kicks in.

Howdy Desertfox... when I got the 70r/17's put on, both the mechanic and I check the suspension and it all looked good, except the struts/shocks which are the originals and worn. I'm on the fence between OEM Monroe or the Bell Tech 752sp kit, although I do want to lower the stance by 1". Bilstein 4600 seems to be popular as well, I just don't have any experience with them. What did you put in yours? Did you change the coils or just the struts/shocks?
SW

 

[DesertfoxAZ]

Howdy Desertfox... when I got the 70r/17's put on, both the mechanic and I check the suspension and it all looked good, except the struts/shocks which are the originals and worn. I'm on the fence between OEM Monroe or the Bell Tech 752sp kit, although I do want to lower the stance by 1". Bilstein 4600 seems to be popular as well, I just don't have any experience with them. What did you put in yours? Did you change the coils or just the struts/shocks?
SW

My decision on the shock/struts was based on who I work for and my company discount. That being said, these Fox Shocks are the bomb....but don't have anything to compare them to. My suspension was so shot......I went coil overs on front and did replace the spring in the back cause I also wanted to lower it 1".