2020 Tahoe LT build

[GroceryRunnr]

Greetings yall!

So I just recently sold my 2019 Raptor and have now taken over my wife’s Tahoe. I’ve been lurking here for the last few weeks…

I just purchased the Cognito Elite kit.
Can anyone out there with this set up let me know what’s the largest size tires I can put? I’m seeing 295 as the highest, however I thought I read about a few people running 305.

What off set are you guys running? I’m seeing some with a 0 or +18

And lastly, I have also read about some people adding a ready lift 1” spacer in the rear to maintain the rake. Any input would be appreciated.

I do not intend to tow, however we often camp and I carry gear regularly.

 

[duke90]

Good looking ride, and sorry, but no experience with the Cognito Elite Kit.

 

[BeenChevy]

Is that the 3" kit with fox 2.0 shocks? If so, I recommend a 1.5" extended link on the lower rear shocks and clearancing the rear bump stops with sumo springs to match stock stops for your gear and/or option of towing a trailer because it's a tahoe. Cognito front and rear sway bar links + fresh bushings to match the factory angles would be a nice touch. You should be able to run 305 at 0 or +18 offset but may rub a little on the cognito upper control arms at full lock. Should be a nice setup though. Let me know the specifics on the elite kit if it's different than above.

 

[GroceryRunnr]

Is that the 3" kit with fox 2.0 shocks? If so, I recommend a 1.5" extended link on the lower rear shocks and clearancing the rear bump stops with sumo springs to match stock stops for your gear and/or option of towing a trailer because it's a tahoe. Cognito front and rear sway bar links + fresh bushings to match the factory angles would be a nice touch. You should be able to run 305 at 0 or +18 offset but may rub a little on the cognito upper control arms at full lock. Should be a nice setup though. Let me know the specifics on the elite kit if it's different than above.

Fox 2.5 and rear 2.0

I did read that some people have done the 1.5 rear spacer. So it makes sense with what you’ve mentioned.

I did end up getting this exact kit and the rig is currently at my buddy’s shop getting the suspension installed. He asked me as well regarding any rear coils… Which I currently don’t have at this time.

I’ll be picking it up as is in 2 days and will end up adding a spacer to the rear in the next few weeks.

I appreciate that info you’ve shared!
Will definite consider the sumo springs and sway bar end links as well.

I ended up getting some Toyo RT 295s and a set of 17” Black Rhino’s wit 0 off set. I definitely wanted 35s but that would’ve way too much especially with only a 3” level up front.

 

[GroceryRunnr]

Love how this turned out!

Ended up just adding 2” coil spacers to the rear. Would’ve preferred longer coils, but the spacers were available the next day… opposed to a 3-4 day wait with coils.

Just in time for our LDW camping trip.

 

[BeenChevy]

Looks great. Lemme know how you think it rides.

 

[Oh Kee Pah]

Looking great!
Can you supply the full specs for the newly leveled ride please? ie: new parts, wheel and tire combo, etc.
Or add to your signature line? I know you have parts posted, but one spot please. That would be great for me and others...

I'm sure it's ridin' better than stock.
On the camp trip, watch out for rub on the rear side of the front wheel wells (below your side view mirrors next to the side steps). May be slight potential for rub when reversing over a dip with wheels turning, FYI...
Also, don't be afraid to cut that front air deflector. Provide a little extra front clearance. Or check out the PPV air deflector, about half the width of your current.

Have a terrific Labor Day trip

Safe Travels

 

[GroceryRunnr]

Looking great!
Can you supply the full specs for the newly leveled ride please? ie: new parts, wheel and tire combo, etc.
Or add to your signature line? I know you have parts posted, but one spot please. That would be great for me and others...

I'm sure it's ridin' better than stock.
On the camp trip, watch out for rub on the rear side of the front wheel wells (below your side view mirrors next to the side steps). May be slight potential for rub when reversing over a dip with wheels turning, FYI...
Also, don't be afraid to cut that front air deflector. Provide a little extra front clearance. Or check out the PPV air deflector, about half the width of your current.

Have a terrific Labor Day trip

Safe Travels

Thanks! Had blast this weekend camping and hangin at the lake.

Of course!

Current build specs:

Suspension:
Cognito UCAs
3” Level w/ Fox 2.5 up front
rears Fox 2.0 + 2” coil spacers

Wheels:
Black Rhino Calico 17x8.5
0 offset 4.75 BS

Tires:
Toyo RT 295/70/17

 

[duke90]

Looks great!

 

[GroceryRunnr]

Looks great. Lemme know how you think it rides.

Rides great! My previous vehicle was a 2019 Raptor, so it’s definitely a hard comparison.

However, on the pavement I would say the new suspension is very plush and about 75% comparable to how my Raptor felt on the road.

I was able to put in about 600 miles with the new set up this past weekend. I tested out the adjustable dampening with the front shocks a bit. The first 300 miles was set to the softest setting which made for a very comfortable ride, however a tad bit more sway on curves with higher speeds. I had the shocks set to the middle setting for the 300 miles back home, which were more firm and made the higher speeds more controllable. I have yet to test out the firmest setting.

I’d highly recommend this kit! If not, definitely recommend the adjustable Fox 2.5s

 

[duke90]

Yeah I messed up, should have gone the fox 2.5s in front instead of the 2.0s

 

[GroceryRunnr]

Yeah I messed up, should have gone the fox 2.5s in front instead of the 2.0s

The Gen 2 Raptors (17-20) come with Fox 2.5s from factory. Considering my familiarity with their capability, this route was a no brainer for me.

I’d highly recommend the 2.5s up front if you seek improvement with handling. I’m sure you can upgrade them and sell your 2.0s here, however at around 70-80% of what you paid.

 

[duke90]

The Gen 2 Raptors (17-20) come with Fox 2.5s from factory. Considering my familiarity with their capability, this route was a no brainer for me.

I’d highly recommend the 2.5s up front if you seek improvement with handling. I’m sure you can upgrade them and sell your 2.0s here, however at around 70-80% of what you paid.

It the wife’s mall crawler 95% of the time but my ocd kicks in having 2.0 fronts and 2.5 rears lol

 

[GroceryRunnr]

It the wife’s mall crawler 95% of the time but my ocd kicks in having 2.0 fronts and 2.5 rears lol

I too would be bugged by that

I’d have to agree that you need 2.5s up front!! Lol

 

[Kerronic]

Great looking truck looking to do the same thing. Where did you purchase this kit? I haven’t seen it

 

[GroceryRunnr]

Recently had a custom tube bumper fabricated. Loving the look and stance. Although I feel I need to upgrade to atleast some 35s now!

 

[BigBoyZ71]

Recently had a custom tube bumper fabricated. Loving the look and stance. Although I feel I need to upgrade to atleast some 35s now!

Looks so good! There's no real good off-the-shelf bumper options that aren't ginormous

 

[GroceryRunnr]

Looks so good! There's no real good off-the-shelf bumper options that aren't ginormous

Thanks!

Oh totally. I understand the functionality of some of the ones on the market, which have a full front gaurd.. but none of them are low profile.

The closest I found is the Baseline Overland front bumper. However, it's almost $2k and doesn't look amazing for that price.

 

[Oh Kee Pah]

@GroceryRunnr - Do you have information you can provide on the light setup you have behind the front grille?
I've been wanted to do similar the past few years, but have not found the time to start that project. You're the first I've seen with the light bar installed behind the grille.
The more info you can provide the better; very appreciated. Wondering about the lights themselves and what mounting unit you used. How do you have them wired up? Do they have their own switch or come on with something else?
Terrific idea on the front bumper! The trim work from front fender to new bumper bar looks really clean too.

 

[GroceryRunnr]

@GroceryRunnr - Do you have information you can provide on the light setup you have behind the front grille?
I've been wanted to do similar the past few years, but have not found the time to start that project. You're the first I've seen with the light bar installed behind the grille.
The more info you can provide the better; very appreciated. Wondering about the lights themselves and what mounting unit you used. How do you have them wired up? Do they have their own switch or come on with something else?
Terrific idea on the front bumper! The trim work from front fender to new bumper bar looks really clean too.

Of course! So I used an old LED bar I had from a previous vehicle, which is a curved 30" Rigid light bar. I utilized simple L brackets from the hardware store and cut them to the height I wanted. Which I basically eye balled with holding the grill and bumper in place.




Upon initial install of the bar, the grill and bumper were pushed too far forward being unable to put back in place. So I had to move the light bar as far back as possible and had to cut the bottoms 2 rows on the radiator shutter. (No picture shown of the cut shutters). I have read from others that without the shutter being cut or trimmed, there will be an ongoing alert for the active shutters.

The wiring is installed into an Auxbeam RGB RA80 switch panel. Which was mounted in the location where the second battery would be. Ideally the Auxbeam (or any switch panel) would be as close to the battery as possible, however I did not find any feasible location. There's plenty of space at the driver side battery location (if you don't run a second battery). It is also close to the fuse box when will be utilized for the install.





The battery cable which came with the Auxbeam was too short, so I purchased an extended cable from Harbor freight.

There is a single power cord that I fished through the firewall which then attaches to the control panel. I installed the control panel to the left of the steering wheel. However I am considering relocating it, as I have hit it a few times with my knee getting out of the vehicle. It's a bit bright, so I personally prefer the unit out of my line of sight.

As far as the Auxbeam itself, it's a pretty decent unit for its cost and functionality. I also have ditch lights wired to it.