Q's regarding SHOCK EXTENDERS -- Do I "need" them?

[KMeloney]

Hey all,

I've been running a rear-only Belltech drop on my '09 Tahoe for half a year now. Personally, I'm happy with it -- but when I have others in the truck, I wonder if the suspension is just a bit too rough for the passengers.

I had the rear springs installed with 5/8" spacers. So, really my rear drop is only @ 1-1/2", not the full 2"+. I did NOT get shock extenders, and I reused the factory shocks.

I'm wondering if I ought to add shock extenders to help the ride a bit. My installer thinks I shouldn't, that the amount of drop I got isn't enough to warrant extenders. What do YOU think?

Also, what about going with new shocks? I have Bilsteins on my lowered '01 Z06, but never swapped out shocks on an SUV.

So, in a nutshell, should I go with:

1. The ride just as it is now
2. Shock extenders w/the factory shocks
3. Shock extenders w/aftermarket shocks
4. Aftermarket shocks w/no extenders

What're your thoughts? Thanks!

 

[macky]

for $65 and piece of mind give them a shot. i have them on my ltz with pedders springs. im only dropped 2 1/4".when you start the car how long does your autoride compressor run? mine runs for just a few seconds. maybe try adjusting your sensor rods a little so youre riding more or less less on air to your liking. my truck actually rode a little better sitting lower(less air).

 

[Modded]

Your guy is right, with only 2" of rear drop, shock extenders will hardly make a difference in ride quality, drop height, shock life, and the possibilty of your coils falling out on accident.
I can tell you, going from no shock extenders with the Pedders 2425 3.25" coils, to having them, made no difference at all, except maybe i future shock life (since the shock is extended out of the piston like it is supposed to be), so it was a waste of $60.

But then again, that was the Pedders coils, which were Progressive like yours and rode good, also the Pedders coils (at uninstalled height) were only 1" shorter than the stock coils in the same instance, whcih stops the possibilty of them falling out during driving, or while being jacked up. Kee in mind they are 3.25" coils, not just 2".

 

[KMeloney]

Thanks for the info, fellas. I'll probably just leave it alone. I tend to defer to my installer's knowledge and experience, and I think you've confirmed what he said.

 

[NORCAL SS]

ive done a lot of local install your same set up. From factory shocks to belltech street performance shocks also with no shock extenders ride does get much nicer.

 

[KMeloney]

ive done a lot of local install your same set up. From factory shocks to belltech street performance shocks also with no shock extenders ride does get much nicer.

What are the characteristics of the street shocks? Are they shorter in length? Are they supposed to even-out the bumpiness? Is there a noticeable difference?

And do you recommend them over, say, a Bilstein shock?

 

[BOSS]

What are the characteristics of the street shocks? Are they shorter in length? Are they supposed to even-out the bumpiness? Is there a noticeable difference?

And do you recommend them over, say, a Bilstein shock?

I love my BT Streets, they really handle well. You'll notice a huge improvement my friend. Much stiffer, better handling of the small bumps you feel due to a lower vehicle and less body roll.

As for the Bilsteins, some recommend them but they are more costly. Not sure if it's worth the price diff.

B

 

[KMeloney]

The handling of the smaller bumps that you mention... Is it better from a "performance" standpoint, or a "comfort" standpoint? (Or both, maybe?) I love the stance of my truck now, so going back to the stock springs isn't an option. And I think the truck handles better JUST by the addition of the rear springs. But, I'm looking to smooth things out some more.

I currently feel like I'm feeling EVERYTHING in the road. That's not to say that it's shaking the truck all over (the larger bumps do) -- it's just that I can feel in the seat of my pants every uneven surface. I suppose I'm looking to do away with that.

I don't mind a stiffer, performance-oriented shock on my lowered Z06 (that car is not my daily driver, so performance-to-comfort is an ok tradeoff there). On my Tahoe, I'm looking to get back a little more comfort with the lowered look.

 

[BOSS]

The handling of the smaller bumps that you mention... Is it better from a "performance" standpoint, or a "comfort" standpoint? (Or both, maybe?) I love the stance of my truck now, so going back to the stock springs isn't an option. And I think the truck handles better JUST by the addition of the rear springs. But, I'm looking to smooth things out some more.

It's both.

I currently feel like I'm feeling EVERYTHING in the road. That's not to say that it's shaking the truck all over (the larger bumps do) -- it's just that I can feel in the seat of my pants every uneven surface. I suppose I'm looking to do away with that.

I went through the same transition. It's a totally different experience driving a lowered truck. Get some shock extenders it can only improve the ride. Just be sure to get the correct length shocks when you do.

B

 

[KMeloney]

Boss -- If I just go with Belltech rear shocks, then I shouldn't need the extenders, should I? Or, is the ride improvement you're talking about from Btech shocks AND extenders?

 

[Modded]

Kmel I say just get some extenders, new shocks are not justifiable with that little amount of drop, shoot s/e are barely justifiable, but then again I don't know the ride qualities you are experiencing.
I have some Belltech 6651 shock extenders that were installed for a week for sale if you want them, $53 shipped.
Better than the $110 you would be paying for new Belltech Street Performance shocks.

 

[tybardy]

my understanding about the shock extenders is as follows....

when you lower your truck, it pitches the shocks at a greater angle which causes hard wear and more fatigue on the shock itself. The extender not only drops the shock down some, but back as well so the shock is positioned properly for maximum effectiveness.

With such a small rear drop, you will likely see a minimal increase in comfort, but might extend the life of the shocks. Not sure what you r budget is, but $65 is usually do-able and probably worth it... as it was said above... peice of mind

 

[KMeloney]

Hmm... Some conflicting opinions on this, it sounds like...

Even with the shock extenders, I'd be using the stock shock with a progressive spring, which still might not be the best set up.

If the COST of the shocks weren't a deciding factor, would you all recommend different shocks?

 

[BOSS]

Shocks are meant to go up and down, not be sideways having side pressure against them. That limits the shock's ability to function properly.

With any amount of drop, you are increasing the angle of the shock. To say there is no improvement by having extenders is false. The extenders bring the angle closer to up and down. It's just simple geometry guys.

You will be very happy with extenders and new BT Street Perf shocks. I think your total spend is $260 or so. Well worth it from a guy who has done it.

B

 

[Modded]

If the COST of the shocks weren't a deciding factor, would you all recommend different shocks?

Like Boss said, I would def. recommend new drops shocks if you are not worried about cost, you might as well go all out and do the exact setup Boss mentioned, it will give you the best ride, but backkick your wallet!
S/E with Belltech SP shocks should run $160ish from the vendor on here.