Lowered Tahoe questions

[wetvette92]

Hello, I am new to the forum and have really enjoyed reading over the posts. I recently was looking for a Tahoe to buy and lower when I came across a deal on one that had already been lowered with wheels that I just couldn't resist.

My first question is I am trying to figure out just how much its been lowered, it has front torsion keys, rear springs with shock relocators. I really like the way it sits even though it has somewhat of a raked look. The previous owner could not recall what brand he used or how much it lowered it.

My second question is how can I improve the ride quality? It seems to be really bouncy, I have had other lowered trucks in the past that rode a lot better than this and they were just as low. Granted the trucks I had before did not have 24" wheels and had a little more sidewall than these tires. I just dont feel like it is all the wheels giving it the rough ride, I can handle the stiffness, I just really do not like all the bouncing.

Any help would be much appreciated, thanks!






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[puckhead]

No clue, just wanted to say really nice ride! Love that color! Someone will be in shortly to help you im sure

 

[LazyAssLou]

Welcome to the forum! That is one nice looking tahoe!... There is a user on here named NorCal SS that would be able to help you, hopefully he chimes in soon.

 

[Physh1]

Looks like a 2/2 drop...you might still be rolling on stock shocks.

Ride quality will really depend on the shocks and some will have to do with parts used (like the rear springs you have). Some ride nice...some ride like junk.

Cameron

 

[blueflamed03]

welcome to the site.
Looks like a 2/3, question, crawl under rear bumper, see if it has shock relocators, like you mentioned, but see if it still has the factory big black shocks.

If it does, replace those with a set of Belltech, Bilstein, DJM, etc, and the rear should lower 1/2 to 1" more.

 

[wetvette92]

Thanks guys, I was pretty much sold on it when the the guy pulled up when I met him to look at it. I wouldnt mind the back being a bit lower though.

It does still have the big factory shocks and relocators, does anyone have a preference on which shocks are the best, I have read a lot of people are pleased with the results of the Belltech. Also where is the best place to get a deal on a set?

 

[Physh1]

BellTechs are nice...I like mine. There is a member here (NorcalSS) who has sold many of us suspension parts. He's the guy to go to. I'm sure he'll post here in a bit.

Cameron

 

[blueflamed03]

yep, Tony, aka NORCALSS...I used Bilsteins, that will drop it another inch or so.

Just noticed, OKC...ha, I'm in Stillwater

 

[wetvette92]

I believe I will look into getting some shocks, more than likely the Bell Tech ones. I think that extra .5-1 inch of lowering will make it look just like I want it to, and hopefully improve the ride like I want.

Blueflame - I lived in Stillwater for a few years when I was finishing up college, great town! Thats back when I had my last lowered vehicle, a '00 GMC Ext Cab on 20's.

 

[Doomsta510]

You should check the bump stops in the rear just above the axle, could be he didn't trim it for clearance?

 

[wetvette92]

The rear bump stops have been trimmed, first thing I checked. Does the front have any that need any tweaking? I know I trimmed some on my '00 GMC truck that were on the A-arms, but I know this suspension is a little different.

 

[blueflamed03]

cool man, holla if you ever head this way again!

The front should have keys only, and depends how cranked they are now, to what else you can do. If the wheel offset is right, you shouldn't need to trim anything.

 

[wetvette92]

Okay, I talked to the guy again and he recalled that it was a DJM 2/3 kit. After looking at shocks some more I am debating on which to get. Any recommendations as to one over the other? Also which shock did you use if you have the model number? I was looking at the Bell Tech Street Performance series.

 

[wetvette92]

Well I finally got some rear Bell Tech SP shocks. It dropped the rear about 3/4" and the ride is a lot better, I am sitting at 32.25 in the front and 33.5 in the rear. I still think I am going to switch to spindles in the front with new shocks, however if I decide I want to go lower I am going to just go ahead and get the DJM A-arms and trailblazer springs. Still debating if I want to go lower.

I had taken my front bumpstops out to see how that ride was, well with only about 5/8" between the A-arm and bumpstop bracket it was bottoming out a lot on the bracket so I cut them in half and reinstalled. That has helped the front, but I believe lowering with either the spindles or a-arms and going back to stock keys will correct the issue I am having with the ride in the front.

Here is the before and after pics from the shock change:

 

[NORCAL SS]

djm tb springs on the back of that thing asap lol

 

[Tahoewhat]

That is a really nice tahoe. Nice color also. Still a little rake, but you can always crank the keys back up a little. I would of been sold on it also when i saw it..

 

[wetvette92]

Yeah I plan on getting the tb springs as soon as I get some money stashed away! But I want to do the front first. The shocks are working out nicely though, thanks again!

Tahoewhat - Thanks alot! Hey I saw on another post you installed spindles, what was your setup before? I have just keys now and I am wanting to either go to control arms or spindles and was wondering how much of a difference it made. I think if I go to just control arms and stock keys I should sit about where I am in the front now but improve ride quality and suspension travel.

 

[Tahoewhat]

pmed you.