Bought Tahoe with TBs Cranked, How bad?

[Toomanyhobbies]

Nice truck. Most of the Internet says 1.5" is max safe crank before you start ripping though half shafts so you are right about there. I did about 1" front and 1" shackles in the rear. Ride is good.

I did 4600's as well. I am a huge fan of bilsteins and don't believe in skimping on shocks because good ones cost like .01 cent per mile more if you do the math. I heard there are 5100's for our trucks but you have to call as ask them what model to buy because it's not published. I have them on my '04 and love them. I would have done them on my '98 had I known.

 

[Moresnowdays]

After making calls to Bilstein and then Summit, I ordered 4600's for the front and 5100's for the rear.

I was told that if the front is stock, just cranked TB, then 4600 is the only option. With blocks in the rear I needed 5100. We'll see how it goes. Hoping to put them in this weekend. Still debating swapping the current 2.5 lift block for a 1.5.

 

[Moresnowdays]

I’ve been thinking of an aftermarket/larger diameter stabilizer bar but am not sure if there would be any better control. The stabilizer bar bushings are original (end links are new) so I’ll probably swap those out first to see if it improves things.

Interesting that you say yours wallows in the curves. I was thinking about that, because I don't think mine really does and my shocks are currently toast. I'm wondering if your issue could be more in your tires than your suspension, maybe add more air pressure to firm them up a bit?

 

[east302]

It really could be, they’re about six years old and getting worn. Thanks for the suggestion, will keep it mind.


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[Moresnowdays]

I opted for the 265's, but one of things of that kept me from trying the 285's was the added weight. I think it was something like 21lbs per tire, mainly because of the E rating that the larger 285's were. I was concerned for the extra strain on my high mileage drive train, as I need it to last a few more years before I can afford a rebuild/restoration.

E rated tires are built heavier and I would think have much stiffer side walls that could help with handling. Another option would be to move to a larger diameter rim that would decrease side wall height giving better handling. Down side would be a harsher ride maybe.

 

[east302]

It has D rated tires on it now. Not sure what was required, I could have sworn it was on the door label.

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[Moresnowdays]

E rated is not required. My current tires are not. Unless your towing really heavy E rating is overkill I believe. I'm just saying that if you considered them in the future they may have stiffer side walls that would possibly improve the handling your looking for. Although ride might suffer a bit.

I don't know what PSI your running at, but again you could just bump that up some and see what it does for you as well.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

After making calls to Bilstein and then Summit, I ordered 4600's for the front and 5100's for the rear.

I was told that if the front is stock, just cranked TB, then 4600 is the only option. With blocks in the rear I needed 5100. We'll see how it goes. Hoping to put them in this weekend. Still debating swapping the current 2.5 lift block for a 1.5.

Bilstein told you that? Plenty of guys here with 5100 on stock or leveled trucks. The 5100s are adjustable from 0-2.5" of lift.

 

[Moresnowdays]

I called them on two separate occasions, talked with two separate tech service people, got the same answer. Bilstein does not offer a 5100 series front shock for 98 Tahoe that is not lifted beyond torsion bar cranking. They also say that the 5100 and 4600 are the same other than length. That makes no sense to me as one is progressive and the other is digressive.

The only ones that I saw listed said it was for a 4-6inch lifted truck. Any idea what model number they are using? Also, a 98 Tahoe front IFS uses a shock, not strut. It's my understanding that only struts are adjustable. Would love to know if there is a 5100 I could use up front...Although I'm still not sure which would be preferred. It seems which one rides better just depends on who you talk to. I've been reading up on the forums trying to figure it out, but there is to much conflicting info for me to get a clear picture on this one.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

I called them on two separate occasions, talked with two separate tech service people, got the same answer. Bilstein does not offer a 5100 series front shock for 98 Tahoe that is not lifted beyond torsion bar cranking. They also say that the 5100 and 4600 are the same other than length. That makes no sense to me as one is progressive and the other is digressive.

The only ones that I saw listed said it was for a 4-6inch lifted truck. Any idea what model number they are using? Also, a 98 Tahoe front IFS uses a shock, not strut. It's my understanding that only struts are adjustable. Would love to know if there is a 5100 I could use up front...Although I'm still not sure which would be preferred. It seems which one rides better just depends on who you talk to. I've been reading up on the forums trying to figure it out, but there is to much conflicting info for me to get a clear picture on this one.

Forgot you were OBS. This is the adjustable front 5100 for an NBS. It is a shock. Hmmm.

Bilstein 24-186643 Front Bilstein 5100 - 0-2 inch for Leveling, Torsion Keys and Stock Height Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer

Old Part No: F4-BE5-C153-H0

The Bilstein 5100 24-186643 is a high-pressure monotube shock specifically built and valved for your leveled or lifted vehicle. The high-pressure nitrogen gas monotube shock gives you Bilstein's ride and performance-enhancing engineering with no aeration. Great for hauling and off-roading. Limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.

Bilstein B8 5100 24-186643

Collapsed Length (IN) - 12.54
Extended Length (IN) - 16.3
Upper Mount Type - Stem
Lower Mount Type - Clevis