Bilstein

[Mike2012]

Deleting z55 air crap as I’m having issues with it. Wanted to know what everyone is changing out to that deleted the air suspension? It seems a lot of guys are going with bilstein. 4600, 5100? What springs and top mounts are you using? Thanks

 

[PG01]

5100’s imo

@SpareParts what ya think?

Shock length. Spacer or not?

So if anyone was watching my RC 4in lift fail, I have a question for anyone really. I ended up putting a 2in lower spacer on the front struts. I found it was a little low looking in the rear. So i made the rods longer using the auto level air shocks, making the rear sit just a hair higher than...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[Joseph Garcia]

You will need to replace the rear springs with non-Z55 springs (from the same model year or generation, but with a non-Z55 trim level), as your current rear springs are softer, as the air shocks provided some of the support of the rear of the truck.

Folks here use both the 4600 and 5100 shocks, but I cannot comment on the difference. Other folks will chime in.

 

[Mike2012]

You will need to replace the rear springs with non-Z55 springs (from the same model year or generation, but with a non-Z55 trim level), as your current rear springs are softer, as the air shocks provided some of the support of the rear of the truck.

Folks here use both the 4600 and 5100 shocks, but I cannot comment on the difference. Other folks will chime in.

What I’ve researched too. Just not sure if I should go with standard slt springs or upgrade to something different. We camp a lot so light off-road and camping gear

 

[SpareParts]

No experance with the 5100s. I have used 4600s on a couple GMT400s and loved em.
Worked great for the light to moderate off roading i was doing and a nice ride on the street.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Deleting z55 air crap as I’m having issues with it. Wanted to know what everyone is changing out to that deleted the air suspension?
It seems a lot of guys are going with bilstein. 4600, 5100? What springs and top mounts are you using?

Never deleted air suspension, but for a cushy ride, 4600.
If you prefer a stiffer ride, especially if you plan on improving the handling or carrying more extra weight around than just your family, 5100.

... not sure if I should go with standard slt springs or upgrade to something different. We camp a lot so light off-road and camping gear.

If the 'upgrade' springs are stiffer than normal, 5100. If the GM OE SLT springs are one of GM OE's softer options, 4600.

 

[Mike2012]

But what would that upgrade spring be? if I go 4600, yes, oe gm slt spring. If I go 5100, what would that spring be. What have you guys used.same with rear, I could go oe slt in rear, but will carry loads for camping, so looking at that upgrade

 

[LSCALADE]

I went with 4600 and used some brand new cheap units off Rockauto to tear down and use as spare parts for the build. Turned out awesome. I do however have a new rear air compressor which works as it should so did not have to get the rear springs changed. They are easy to change if needed or you can use a spacer to compensate but to be honest the unloaded stock ride height does not change if the air system is disabled.

The ride is absolutely awesome soft and compliant and it slows down body movement greatly due to the monotube shock design. Worth it!

 

[Bill Barnes]

My 2005 Yukon XL was equipped with the ZW7 Premium Smooth Ride option. It's not an air suspension, but a special shock absorber and spring combo. After replacing the factory shocks at 60K and again at 125K, I had had enough. I installed the 4600 shocks, which required replacing the springs. Bilstein offered the correct springs for about $100 for the pair. I just changed the Bilsteins for a new pair at 290K! Best move I ever made for this vehicle.

 

[Fless]

My 2005 Yukon XL was equipped with the ZW7 Premium Smooth Ride option. It's not an air suspension, but a special shock absorber and spring combo. After replacing the factory shocks at 60K and again at 125K, I had had enough. I installed the 4600 shocks, which required replacing the springs. Bilstein offered the correct springs for about $100 for the pair. I just changed the Bilsteins for a new pair at 290K! Best move I ever made for this vehicle.

Related to the NBS only (not really applicable to the other posts in this thread); it's not just the Bilsteins that mandate a spring change; it's the conversion from the Nivomat self-leveling shocks to conventional that causes the need for the spring change. Should have been done the first time.

 

[22ECO]

I went with the 5100s,

I have a 2" spacer in the front and rear, Used THESE springs, unplugged the compressor, and disabled the CEL with HP Tuners. it rides good and the ride height is perfect for me...

I go camping a lot too, haul jet skis, Uhaul trailers for camping, small 12 ft trailer..

You can get away for a short time with not replacing the springs if all you put in the back is groceries, if you plan on hauling anything even a car load of people, you need to get some sort of new springs. The air shocks were designed to take some of the load so the springs were intentionally light.