Installed aftermarket quick struts, now my front end sitting too high

[Malii Denali]

Hey community,

I’ve got a 2009 Yukon Denali AWD, and about 4,000 miles ago, I replaced my front struts with aftermarket quick struts that aren’t autoride. I’ve been waiting for the springs to settle, but the front still sits higher than before. I’m not a fan of how the truck looks. I’m thinking about getting drop spindles for the front, but I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. I’ve heard that it’s best to do both the front and rear suspensions at once. Do you have any advice? I’d really appreciate it! I’ve attached some photos of the truck for reference.

 

[swathdiver]

My 2009 Yukon XL had a front fender height of about 35.5 inches and 38 1/8 inches in the rear after spring replacement. I used all GM OE parts specific to my VIN.

You could have a shop put your old springs onto the struts or get new OE springs that were made for your truck put onto the struts.

 

[Malii Denali]

My 2009 Yukon XL had a front fender height of about 35.5 inches and 38 1/8 inches in the rear after spring replacement. I used all GM OE parts specific to my VIN.

You could have a shop put your old springs onto the struts or get new OE springs that were made for your truck put onto the struts.

Those springs are long gone. I had the struts replaced by a shop back in February. I figured drop spindles would be less labor.

 

[swathdiver]

Those springs are long gone. I had the struts replaced by a shop back in February. I figured drop spindles would be less labor.

Drop spindles are going to really dump the front end. I can't imagine how they would cost less to install than putting new springs on the struts. Besides, it would be like putting a bandaid on a bandaid. Just do it right. If done wrong, you won't enjoy the car.

 

[Malii Denali]

Drop spindles are going to really dump the front end. I can't imagine how they would cost less to install than putting new springs on the struts. Besides, it would be like putting a bandaid on a bandaid. Just do it right. If done wrong, you won't enjoy the car.

Thanks for the tip. I have another question, I’ve heard of people relocating the struts to the bottom of the control arm. I’m skeptical about that. What do you think about that method?

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks for the tip. I have another question, I’ve heard of people relocating the struts to the bottom of the control arm. I’m skeptical about that. What do you think about that method?

I can only imagine how much stress that would put on the bolts. I don't think I'd even trust Grade 8 bolts to withstand that much constant stress.

 

[Malii Denali]

I can only imagine how much stress that would put on the bolts. I don't think I'd even trust Grade 8 bolts to withstand that much constant stress.

Gotchu

 

[Malii Denali]

Got any recommendations on a good brand of springs?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Got any recommendations on a good brand of springs?

My truck's front end was 1/2"+ higher when I replaced my entire strut assemblies with OEM replacements. It is normal that springs lose some of their strength over many miles with these heavy trucks.

Have you disabled the rear air shocks? The truck should have leveled itself out after you ran the Automatic Level Control (ALC) procedure.

Yes, you can relocate the shock bottoms to underneath of the suspension connection points, but you will need to use quality #10 or #12 strength bolts.

 

[Malii Denali]

I had them replaced at a shop. Not sure if they did an ALC procedure. Actually my first time hearing of such procedure

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I had them replaced at a shop. Not sure if they did an ALC procedure. Actually my first time hearing of such procedure

Is your air system working on the rear shocks? Do you hear a 4-6 second compressor noise within 15 seconds of starting your truck after it sits overnight?

 

[Malii Denali]

My exhaust is too loud for me to hear anything but the engine on cold starts. I’m assuming it’s functional though.

 

[swathdiver]

Got any recommendations on a good brand of springs?

Original Equipment springs that are calibrated for YOUR truck. What you are experiencing is one of the many reasons I do not recommend, "quick struts".

 

[Joseph Garcia]

My exhaust is too loud for me to hear anything but the engine on cold starts. I’m assuming it’s functional though.

I guarantee that my exhaust sound is as loud or louder than your (not bragging), and I can still hear the sound of the compressor firing up from inside the truck. This is a normal part of the suspension leveling procedure.

Don't assume, as that is truly a mistake. Find out if your compressor is operational, if you want a level truck, as that is the whole purpose of the rear air shocks (level truck, regardless of the weight of the load in the truck or hitched up to the truck). Start the truck and immediately stand outside of the truck on the drivers side near the rear wheel and listen for the compressor to start up.

 

[Malii Denali]

I guarantee that my exhaust sound is as loud or louder than your (not bragging), and I can still hear the sound of the compressor firing up from inside the truck. This is a normal part of the suspension leveling procedure.

Don't assume, as that is truly a mistake. Find out if your compressor is operational, if you want a level truck, as that is the whole purpose of the rear air shocks (level truck, regardless of the weight of the load in the truck or hitched up to the truck). Start the truck and immediately stand outside of the truck on the drivers side near the rear wheel and listen for the compressor to start up.

I’ll look into it. Thanks

 

[Malii Denali]

I guarantee that my exhaust sound is as loud or louder than your (not bragging), and I can still hear the sound of the compressor firing up from inside the truck. This is a normal part of the suspension leveling procedure.

Don't assume, as that is truly a mistake. Find out if your compressor is operational, if you want a level truck, as that is the whole purpose of the rear air shocks (level truck, regardless of the weight of the load in the truck or hitched up to the truck). Start the truck and immediately stand outside of the truck on the drivers side near the rear wheel and listen for the compressor to start up.

Would the compressor kick on with the key on and engine off?

 

[Doubeleive]

Would the compressor kick on with the key on and engine off?

yes, turn the key to run and let it sit for a few seconds then "normally" you should here the pump kick on for a few seconds and then shut off
and like joseph said I don't think it's possible to have such a loud exhaust on these truck to not hear the pump, these engines are not that loud even with straight pipes.
maybe if you had straight pipes and were revving the crap out of it then you might not here the pump.
you can also simply look under the truck and visually look at the rear shocks if there blown out then the pump may be fried already.
OR if you reach under there and feel the shock bladder if it is firm as a rock then the pump relief valve is not working