2015 GMC YukonXL- Fox Coilovers

[RB_Trucker]

I’m interested in seeing how your build goes, I have a 4wd ‘19 suburban Im looking to setup as a “prerunner”. 4” max height.

 

[gat0r]

I was to go with one of the 18x9.5 forged wheels in a matte black. The thing weighs 28lb and the nitto 34” tire weighs 50lb so I was going to be saving 25lb of weight on each wheel compared to 20x10 and 10 ply tires. Figured that might help
Compensate for the 5.3 instead of 6.2 a little.They’re still like $300 a wheel for an 18x9.5 so I was hoping black rhino was on par with Fuel and Hostile. I hate hearing that you had issues. We’re they by chance 22 or 24”? I had so many issues with my 24’s before holding air.
The wheel rep told me it was normal with 24’s to have to check air pressure frequently as they lose air. I never did 24’s again.

mine were 22x9.5
a guy down the road from me had same rims, but in 24.
i stopped by to inquire w/ him... he had issues too. he got Dub rims & hasnt had issues since.

 

[olyelr]

I put 2.0 fox shocks in the front of my wifes denali and pretty sure they netter all of 3” of lift at there preset lift height. I had 1.5” leveling kit on it first, but took it off when I installed the fox shocks. So I was not exactly sure how much height I originally got from the shocks. I have them lowered down to somewhere around 2” now, because I wanted to leave the rear at factory height. My point is, you should not need any leveling kit with the fox shocks. They will already adjust too high for the factory control arms/suspension cycle.

 

[STORMIN08]

i have spoke with Shock Surplus staff several times...
the 2.0 fox comes PRESET AT 2", the 2.5 i cannot recall but i believe it is set at 3"....both are adjustable, but those measurements are stated as MAX height due to shock internals.

i dont recall what was said about ICON, but generally there parts are just more expensive and no real difference in performance.

the best ride will come from the 2.5" or 3" Fox or King, versus the 2.0...but that said, the 2.0 has plenty of performance for most daily drivers.

 

[Oh Kee Pah]

I'm putting the 4" BDS kit on my '15 Tahoe next month, BUT...
I've done a fair amount of research and it sounds like we are on a similar page.
I believe that +4" is exactly where the Tahoe/Yukon needs to sit for a solid overlanding vehicle.
I currently am running Fox 2.0 - out of the box +2" ride height actually gave me about 3" up front when first installed. I cranked them down just a bit (was worried about angles) so I am sitting at +2.25" from stock.

Chevy, Fox and BDS Suspension have ALL told me in phone conversations that these trucks' geometry is pretty much maxed out at +2.5", anything over should have serious wear on the suspension components.

Yes, a new UCA is a must for anything over 3" IMO.
I liked the look of the Fabtech 4" kit or the ReadyLift Suspension SST 4" kit.
These kits come with new UCAs, diff drop brackets and spacers for front and back.

Now, since you were liking the Fox shocks...
I had the idea to go with one of the 2 kits above and then instead of using their front strut spacer; I wanted to install my current Fox Coilovers. However - FOX told me directly that they "DO NOT RECOMMEND ANY SPACERS ON THE TOP OR BOTTOM OF OUR COILOVERS."
However, I have found a Fox product that I thought could work with both 4" lift kits AND save some money. The 2.5s are really nice, but are they necessary? I've been on a bit of a budget build so buying new 2.5s when I already have 2.0s seems a bit ridiculous (at least to some of my family members)

Cognito Fox Shocks 2.0 (4-6" adjustable ride height)
https://cognitomotorsports.com/cogn.../sierra-1500-performance-series-coilover.html

Fox 2.0 PSCO Single Front Coilover Shock For 4-6 Inch Lifts On 07-18 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Performance Series Coilover

 

[olyelr]

I'm putting the 4" BDS kit on my '15 Tahoe next month, BUT...
I've done a fair amount of research and it sounds like we are on a similar page.
I believe that +4" is exactly where the Tahoe/Yukon needs to sit for a solid overlanding vehicle.
I currently am running Fox 2.0 - out of the box +2" ride height actually gave me about 3" up front when first installed. I cranked them down just a bit (was worried about angles) so I am sitting at +2.25" from stock.

Chevy, Fox and BDS Suspension have ALL told me in phone conversations that these trucks' geometry is pretty much maxed out at +2.5", anything over should have serious wear on the suspension components.

Yes, a new UCA is a must for anything over 3" IMO.
I liked the look of the Fabtech 4" kit or the ReadyLift Suspension SST 4" kit.
These kits come with new UCAs, diff drop brackets and spacers for front and back.

Now, since you were liking the Fox shocks...
I had the idea to go with one of the 2 kits above and then instead of using their front strut spacer; I wanted to install my current Fox Coilovers. However - FOX told me directly that they "DO NOT RECOMMEND ANY SPACERS ON THE TOP OR BOTTOM OF OUR COILOVERS."
However, I have found a Fox product that I thought could work with both 4" lift kits AND save some money. The 2.5s are really nice, but are they necessary? I've been on a bit of a budget build so buying new 2.5s when I already have 2.0s seems a bit ridiculous (at least to some of my family members)

Cognito Fox Shocks 2.0 (4-6" adjustable ride height)
https://cognitomotorsports.com/cogn.../sierra-1500-performance-series-coilover.html

Fox 2.0 PSCO Single Front Coilover Shock For 4-6 Inch Lifts On 07-18 Silverado/Sierra 1500 Performance Series Coilover

Yea, I am pretty sure I gained all of 3” in height with the fox 2.0’s in there preset configuration, if not more like 3.5”.

I think fox’s preset numbers are for the trucks, as they are not really marketed for the suv’s.

 

[Fullnelson]

I did stock wheels powered coated. Have a one off Kelderman set up for the ride keep it stock look. Running airlift 3h controller was going to lift but use for every day so stock is nice. Black grill is in the design stage hope to have it done soon

 

[olyelr]

I did stock wheels powered coated. Have a one off Kelderman set up for the ride keep it stock look. Running airlift 3h controller was going to lift but use for every day so stock is nice. Black grill is in the design stage hope to have it done soon View attachment 265642View attachment 265643

Well hells bells, I wouldn’t mind knowing more about your suspension setup.

 

[Nokturnal]

I had a 16” Denali Yukon previously and had the Fabtech 4” kit. The front came with a 2” strut top spacer and UCA’s but nothing to drop the differential. I also swapped my front shocks after 150k miles on the fabtech 4” for the Fox 2.0 coilover. We could no longer utilize the front top spacer from fabtech but the Fox 2.0 did come out of the box at 2” higher and it came out to be 2” after installed. I left my 1” lower strut spacer on with the coilovers and the CV geometry was fine. I think you can see a couple other guys in the forum who have gone even 1.5” lower strut spacer and still had good geometry angles. I know
The 2.5 are wayyyyy overkill for my
Highway queen but I like the idea of having 3” lift out of the box with the 2.5. Fox rep said the 2.0 is perfect for the highway cruiser that still
Likes to go off-road and have better handling and towing weights. The 2.5 I think is for clients REALLY doing some off-roading and mountain climbing.

Ive still seen different sites saying different things see the Fox 2.5 coilover. Some day 0-2” adjustment and some says 3”.

 

[Nokturnal]

I’m also a gonna squeeze in a 35” tire like the suburban at the very top. My install shop said they can make it fit if that’s what I want. The suburban up top only has the king 2.5 up front and UCA’s and said he got 3” lift up front. They did some cutting but the 35’s fit and look amazing.

 

[Fullnelson]

Well hells bells, I wouldn’t mind knowing more about your suspension setup.

Wish it was available to all. They stopped making and sale if it a few years ago. Was sold as a leveling lift kit to fit 22-24’s for old body style. Helps to be an inside at Kelderman to build my kit. I added airlift to it and made other mods to make it fit.

 

[olyelr]

Wish it was available to all. They stopped making and sale if it a few years ago. Was sold as a leveling lift kit to fit 22-24’s for old body style. Helps to be an inside at Kelderman to build my kit. I added airlift to it and made other mods to make it fit.

Gotchya.

 

[Nokturnal]

Spoke with fox today and the fox 2.5 coilover is 0-3”. So now I think I have all the kinks worked out and the setup I’m ordering is:

Fabtech 3” K1081
This kit will drop the differential in the front and have a UCA I can use instead of buying the Zone UCA. It has the front strut spacer that I won’t be using as I’m going with the Fox 2.5 part #883-02-028 and can achieve the same height up front.
In the rear the kit will give me a 3” coil spacer to get the rear up and the bump stop and sway bar stuff to keep everything in check. I won’t need the Fabtech shock extenders in the rear bc im going to replace my factory air ride shock with the Fox 2.0 shock designed for vehicles with 4-6” lift (part #985-24-194). I’ve bypassed the air ride feature by using the Xineering engineering bypass instructions to keep the check suspension light off)

Fabtech 4” K1081 $770
Fox 2.5 Coilovers Front $1400
Fox 2.0 4-6” Back $170 x 2
$2500 for 4” lift and coil overs doesn’t sound so bad

That puts me at 3” lift up front on coilovers and 4” lift out back on lengthened Fox 2.0’s. Going to see how it looks after install but may go to the 2” rear coil spacer from Fabtech if the rear is sitting too high.

I’ll update everyone as this gets put on right after the new year.

 

[olyelr]

Spoke with fox today and the fox 2.5 coilover is 0-3”. So now I think I have all the kinks worked out and the setup I’m ordering is:

Fabtech 3” K1081
This kit will drop the differential in the front and have a UCA I can use instead of buying the Zone UCA. It has the front strut spacer that I won’t be using as I’m going with the Fox 2.5 part #883-02-028 and can achieve the same height up front.
In the rear the kit will give me a 3” coil spacer to get the rear up and the bump stop and sway bar stuff to keep everything in check. I won’t need the Fabtech shock extenders in the rear bc im going to replace my factory air ride shock with the Fox 2.0 shock designed for vehicles with 4-6” lift (part #985-24-194). I’ve bypassed the air ride feature by using the Xineering engineering bypass instructions to keep the check suspension light off)

Fabtech 4” K1081 $770
Fox 2.5 Coilovers Front $1400
Fox 2.0 4-6” Back $170 x 2
$2500 for 4” lift and coil overs doesn’t sound so bad

That puts me at 3” lift up front on coilovers and 4” lift out back on lengthened Fox 2.0’s. Going to see how it looks after install but may go to the 2” rear coil spacer from Fabtech if the rear is sitting too high.

I’ll update everyone as this gets put on right after the new year.

Weeeeeeell, seeing how the factory rake is already horrendous, I cant imagine wanting to add another inch more to it.

If you are going with 3” in the front, I would do either a 1” or 1.5” spacer in the rear.

 

[olyelr]

Also, seems like you will have very minimal down-travel/droop available if you are set at 3” with stock control arm location. I think I would pony up and get a 4” kit that actually drops the control arm mount, so you can get your travel back.

 

[STORMIN08]

i would ask specifically about the UCA...reason being, the center opening area is key to clear the 2.5 or larger coil over.

just raising a concern that i was informed of, i was told the Icon ( https://iconvehicledynamics.com/acc...07-16-gm-1500-tubular-uca-dj-kit-large-taper/ ) is what most seem to recommend.

if i recall the last set of Zone UCA's that i purchased, they were beefy bout a boxed design that may not have enough clearance. the Fabtech look very similar in design to the Icon.

 

[Nokturnal]

Weeeeeeell, seeing how the factory rake is already horrendous, I cant imagine wanting to add another inch more to it.

If you are going with 3” in the front, I would do either a 1” or 1.5” spacer in the rear.

On my Denali I lost an inch of height in the rear when I swapped from my magnetic/air ride shocks to the Fox 2.0. I think the air compressor kicks on and pushes the factory shock up most of the time and without that extra air you lose an inch. I’m guesstimating it will do the same with I switch to Fox 2.0 in the rear so I was thinking 2” spring spacer but figured I’d let them put the 3” supplied Fabtech rear spacer on and see how it came out. But I’m with you, I’m really thinking it’s gonna be a quick look and then confirmation is too high.

 

[Nokturnal]

Also, seems like you will have very minimal down-travel/droop available if you are set at 3” with stock control arm location. I think I would pony up and get a 4” kit that actually drops the control arm mount, so you can get your travel back.

the Fabtech kit USED to be labeled a 4” kit but so many people complained that the back came out to 5” and the front only a true 3”. I think they finally got tired of people calling them out on not getting the height up front (without adding a lower strut spacer). On my 2016 Denali Yukon i just added a suspensionmaxx 1” lower strut spacer and it jumped up an inch to get the true 4” and when I swapped out my
Factory magnetic strut for an aftermarket Monroe I actually got another inch of height bringing my front up 5” to match and level the rear height. My front and rear fenders matched at 42”. Most guys with the BDS or similar 4” kits measure 41” at the fender.

it’s when I started swapping the Monroe’s for Fox 2.0 that I created a shit storm of ride height loss issues unexpectedly.

I’m expecting the front to be 38” with the Fox 2.5 and the rear to be 41” with the 3” rear spring spacer and Fox 2.0. The install shop said to get everything on there and see first but I’ve kind of been down this road before. I’m pretty sure we will be swapping to a 1-2” spring spacer in the rear to get achieve leveling

 

[Nokturnal]

i would ask specifically about the UCA...reason being, the center opening area is key to clear the 2.5 or larger soil over.

just raising a concern that i was informed of, i was told the Icon ( https://iconvehicledynamics.com/acc...07-16-gm-1500-tubular-uca-dj-kit-large-taper/ ) is what most seem to recommend.

if i recall the last set of Zone UCA's that i purchased, they were beefy bout a boxed design that may not have enough clearance. the Fabtech look very similar in design to the Icon.

excellent point! I need to check if the beefy 2.5 will slide through the Fabtech UCA

 

[Nokturnal]

i would ask specifically about the UCA...reason being, the center opening area is key to clear the 2.5 or larger soil over.

just raising a concern that i was informed of, i was told the Icon ( https://iconvehicledynamics.com/acc...07-16-gm-1500-tubular-uca-dj-kit-large-taper/ ) is what most seem to recommend.

if i recall the last set of Zone UCA's that i purchased, they were beefy bout a boxed design that may not have enough clearance. the Fabtech look very similar in design to the Icon.

It shows the icon 2.5 (basically same as Fox 2.5) is available also in the small taper UCA. It’s way over my head the difference in why someone would want a large taper vs small taper. However, it does show at least the 2.5 is compatible w small Taper UCA