Replacement Shocks

[1xd5]

Atomic fabrication makes a coil over conversion to delete the torsion bars all together for lifted and lowered applications.
He uses Viking coil overs which actually in the research is a pretty decent coil over for the money and haven’t seen any complaints about them.

You can swap to bilsteins they should have some for a 0-2” lift on eBay or Amazon. You’ll need dummy sensors for the air ride so you don’t get lights in the dash. Mines lit up like a Christmas tree but I don’t really care
If you wanted to keep the air ride you could also use shock extenders
Stocks nice but I always try to find a way to upgrade when I replace a part if I’m able I’ll spend the extra money to get something that’s going to be stronger last longer and ride better especially if I’m driving it every day.

So if you wanted a 2” lift which method would you go with that would be considered an upgrade ? Thank you for your reply.

 

[Trey Hardy]

So if you wanted a 2” lift which method would you go with that would be considered an upgrade ? Thank you for your reply.

If your on a budget torsion keys and shock extenders are your cheapest route
If you got 1000$ to drop in it go with the atomic fabrication coil over/torsion bar delete and maybe down the road invest into some nice upper control arms and you will be amazed by the difference in ride quality and handling

 

[Trey Hardy]

99-06 Torsion Bar to Coilover Kit - Atomic Fabrication

This is a package that will include everything you need to do the coilover swap on GMT800 99-06 torsion bar equipped 1500 GM truck wanting from 5in of drop to 7in of lift. More details below.

atomicfabandperformance.com

Front Upper Control Arms for 1-3" Lift Uni-Ball #FO-G702FU-UB

Explore Freedom Off-Road— the premier off-road store for high-quality off-road suspension products. From lift kits to control arms, our local suspension parts are built for adventure. Upgrade your vehicle's performance & stability today!

freedomoffroadusa.com

2000-2006 Chevy Tahoe 2wd/4wd 2" Rear Lift Coils - MaxTrac 731020

MaxTrac Suspension Store Lowering Kits, Lift Kits & Leveling Kits

maxtracstore.com

FAPO Front 1-2.5" Lift Sway Bar Links Fits Jeep Wrangler JK JL 2007-2022 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for FAPO Front 1-2.5" Lift Sway Bar Links Fits Jeep Wrangler JK JL 2007-2022 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Says this is for a Jeep but it fits our Tahoes also. Again if moneys no option they make nicer adjustable heim joint style ones for around 100-140$
I’ve had my 40$ ones for a couple years now no problem.

This should be all you need minus a set of rear shocks which you could run the bilstein 5100 0-2” lift shocks

Kit 2 Bilstein B8 5100 Rear 0-3" lift shocks for Chevrolet/Dodge/Gmc 1994-2013 | eBay

2 Rear Bilstein Shocks with your purchase! For performance, leveling, touring & 4x4 offroadVerified fit 1994-2013 Chevrolet/Dodge/GMC (1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013)Rear Lift: 0-3"Extended Length: Rear 26.14 Inch; Collapsed...

www.ebay.com

 

[1xd5]

99-06 Torsion Bar to Coilover Kit - Atomic Fabrication

This is a package that will include everything you need to do the coilover swap on GMT800 99-06 torsion bar equipped 1500 GM truck wanting from 5in of drop to 7in of lift. More details below.

atomicfabandperformance.com

Front Upper Control Arms for 1-3" Lift Uni-Ball #FO-G702FU-UB

Explore Freedom Off-Road— the premier off-road store for high-quality off-road suspension products. From lift kits to control arms, our local suspension parts are built for adventure. Upgrade your vehicle's performance & stability today!

freedomoffroadusa.com

2000-2006 Chevy Tahoe 2wd/4wd 2" Rear Lift Coils - MaxTrac 731020

MaxTrac Suspension Store Lowering Kits, Lift Kits & Leveling Kits

maxtracstore.com

FAPO Front 1-2.5" Lift Sway Bar Links Fits Jeep Wrangler JK JL 2007-2022 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for FAPO Front 1-2.5" Lift Sway Bar Links Fits Jeep Wrangler JK JL 2007-2022 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Says this is for a Jeep but it fits our Tahoes also. Again if moneys no option they make nicer adjustable heim joint style ones for around 100-140$
I’ve had my 40$ ones for a couple years now no problem.

This should be all you need minus a set of rear shocks which you could run the bilstein 5100 0-2” lift shocks

Kit 2 Bilstein B8 5100 Rear 0-3" lift shocks for Chevrolet/Dodge/Gmc 1994-2013 | eBay

2 Rear Bilstein Shocks with your purchase! For performance, leveling, touring & 4x4 offroadVerified fit 1994-2013 Chevrolet/Dodge/GMC (1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013)Rear Lift: 0-3"Extended Length: Rear 26.14 Inch; Collapsed...

www.ebay.com

Oh man, thank you so much for the thorough reply!

now say I was to choose the torsion keys route, would you go with the maxtrac keys and shock extenders or are there "better" ones you'd recommend ? https://maxtracstore.com/2000-2006-gmc-denali-2wd-4wd-1-3-front-lift-kit-maxtrac-880513/

Something else. I currently have 32.8x11.3 tires on stock height, and they rub in the rear when going up driveways at an angle and on hard dips on the highway. Currently my rear shock air bags are blown, and I'm pretty sure the compressor is shot too since I've never heard it turn on (bought it like this). A rep at maxtrac said that if I repair my autoride that alone should clear the 33's in the rear, and that I should just use the kit I linked you to level up front. I'm wondering if because of the current state of my rear suspension the suv sits lower than if the autoride was working, so I'm wondering if when I do repair it, that alone will give it some lift , and maybe I'll just need to level the front ? Then after that if I' still want more lift I can go ahead and do it.

 

[Trey Hardy]

Oh man, thank you so much for the thorough reply!

now say I was to choose the torsion keys route, would you go with the maxtrac keys and shock extenders or are there "better" ones you'd recommend ? https://maxtracstore.com/2000-2006-gmc-denali-2wd-4wd-1-3-front-lift-kit-maxtrac-880513/

Something else. I currently have 32.8x11.3 tires on stock height, and they rub in the rear when going up driveways at an angle and on hard dips on the highway. Currently my rear shock air bags are blown, and I'm pretty sure the compressor is shot too since I've never heard it turn on (bought it like this). A rep at maxtrac said that if I repair my autoride that alone should clear the 33's in the rear, and that I should just use the kit I linked you to level up front. I'm wondering if because of the current state of my rear suspension the suv sits lower than if the autoride was working, so I'm wondering if when I do repair it, that alone will give it some lift , and maybe I'll just need to level the front ? Then after that if I' still want more lift I can go ahead and do it.

Oh man, thank you so much for the thorough reply!

now say I was to choose the torsion keys route, would you go with the maxtrac keys and shock extenders or are there "better" ones you'd recommend ? https://maxtracstore.com/2000-2006-gmc-denali-2wd-4wd-1-3-front-lift-kit-maxtrac-880513/

Something else. I currently have 32.8x11.3 tires on stock height, and they rub in the rear when going up driveways at an angle and on hard dips on the highway. Currently my rear shock air bags are blown, and I'm pretty sure the compressor is shot too since I've never heard it turn on (bought it like this). A rep at maxtrac said that if I repair my autoride that alone should clear the 33's in the rear, and that I should just use the kit I linked you to level up front. I'm wondering if because of the current state of my rear suspension the suv sits lower than if the autoride was working, so I'm wondering if when I do repair it, that alone will give it some lift , and maybe I'll just need to level the front ? Then after that if I' still want more lift I can go ahead and do it.

It all depends on what you want. I’ve had good luck running the bilstein 5100 on the rear of my vehicles and deleting the auto leveling. I personally always thought the stock ride was too soft and spongy feeling it’s firmer now with the springs and shocks but it’s more controlled at the same time and not too rough either. There’s always room for improvement but that’s the basics and my 2c.
Torsion key route is fine it’ll just right rougher the more you crank it. The coil over route will give you the lift but make a more plush and controlled ride vs feeling every dip in the road. Price wise is a big difference but honestly it would be easier to remove the bars and install the coil over kit then it would be to do the torsion key leveling kit as you’ll need the tool to do the job that’s 100$ on its own. And you’ll still need an alignment once you get it to the height you want it.
If I were on a budget the basic keys would be fine.
If I was trying to improve the ride quality and money weren’t so scarce I would go the coil over route

I’ve rode in 99-07 with normal shocks with fox shocks with duel shock hoops it all rides rough the coil over route is the only option to get the lift and still get the Cadillac ride your looking for if that’s what your wanting

 

[Trey Hardy]

Could do without getting new springs for the rear and just get the new shocks it would still be cheaper for the bilstein 5100 and forget about the compressor.
If you still rub do a 1-1.5” puck under the spring for 30$

 

[1xd5]

99-06 Torsion Bar to Coilover Kit - Atomic Fabrication

This is a package that will include everything you need to do the coilover swap on GMT800 99-06 torsion bar equipped 1500 GM truck wanting from 5in of drop to 7in of lift. More details below.

atomicfabandperformance.com

Front Upper Control Arms for 1-3" Lift Uni-Ball #FO-G702FU-UB

Explore Freedom Off-Road— the premier off-road store for high-quality off-road suspension products. From lift kits to control arms, our local suspension parts are built for adventure. Upgrade your vehicle's performance & stability today!

freedomoffroadusa.com

2000-2006 Chevy Tahoe 2wd/4wd 2" Rear Lift Coils - MaxTrac 731020

MaxTrac Suspension Store Lowering Kits, Lift Kits & Leveling Kits

maxtracstore.com

FAPO Front 1-2.5" Lift Sway Bar Links Fits Jeep Wrangler JK JL 2007-2022 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for FAPO Front 1-2.5" Lift Sway Bar Links Fits Jeep Wrangler JK JL 2007-2022 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Says this is for a Jeep but it fits our Tahoes also. Again if moneys no option they make nicer adjustable heim joint style ones for around 100-140$
I’ve had my 40$ ones for a couple years now no problem.

This should be all you need minus a set of rear shocks which you could run the bilstein 5100 0-2” lift shocks

Kit 2 Bilstein B8 5100 Rear 0-3" lift shocks for Chevrolet/Dodge/Gmc 1994-2013 | eBay

2 Rear Bilstein Shocks with your purchase! For performance, leveling, touring & 4x4 offroadVerified fit 1994-2013 Chevrolet/Dodge/GMC (1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013)Rear Lift: 0-3"Extended Length: Rear 26.14 Inch; Collapsed...

www.ebay.com

for the bilsteins in the rear. the ones you linked say it's for 3", not for 0-3", am I missing something here? I'm confused whether it'd be

Could do without getting new springs for the rear and just get the new shocks it would still be cheaper for the bilstein 5100 and forget about the compressor.
If you still rub do a 1-1.5” puck under the spring for 30$

So , I think I may just do the bilstein 5100's and new springs for the rear. Now , I noticed you linked me the 3" lift 5100's (part 24-185783) , would it be those or the 0-1" (part 24-187237), I've been told both by different people so now I just want to make sure. I'll post links so you can see the details. Also, for the coil springs I noticed many recommend the Moog HD 81069 (suboverland uses these for their overland builds), or the z71 springs (not sure they still make these), which out of those, or the ones you recommended would you do? (the ones you linked say no longer available)

As far as the front goes, I really like the idea of the coilovers, I definitely want the nicest and safest ride possible, but I haven't decided if I want to spend that amount just yet. So I'm thinking of just cranking the stock keys a bit (not maxed out) to see if that levels it, if not, I then will decide if I should do aftermarket keys or do the coilovers.

I appreciate your feedback!

Here are the links.

Bilstein 5100 3" lift part 24-185783

Details

cart.bilsteinus.com

Bilstein 5100 0-1" lift part 24-187237

Details

cart.bilsteinus.com

Moog HD 81069

https://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-81069#fitment

The Moog's are cheaper on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Moog-81069-Coil-Spring-Set/dp/B00498ZR7A/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TIOD5FJ0F7VN&keywords=moog+hd+81069&qid=1691719242&sprefix=moog+hd+81069%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

 

[Trey Hardy]

for the bilsteins in the rear. the ones you linked say it's for 3", not for 0-3", am I missing something here? I'm confused whether it'd be

So , I think I may just do the bilstein 5100's and new springs for the rear. Now , I noticed you linked me the 3" lift 5100's (part 24-185783) , would it be those or the 0-1" (part 24-187237), I've been told both by different people so now I just want to make sure. I'll post links so you can see the details. Also, for the coil springs I noticed many recommend the Moog HD 81069 (suboverland uses these for their overland builds), or the z71 springs (not sure they still make these), which out of those, or the ones you recommended would you do? (the ones you linked say no longer available)

As far as the front goes, I really like the idea of the coilovers, I definitely want the nicest and safest ride possible, but I haven't decided if I want to spend that amount just yet. So I'm thinking of just cranking the stock keys a bit (not maxed out) to see if that levels it, if not, I then will decide if I should do aftermarket keys or do the coilovers.

I appreciate your feedback!

Here are the links.

Bilstein 5100 3" lift part 24-185783

Details

cart.bilsteinus.com

Bilstein 5100 0-1" lift part 24-187237

Details

cart.bilsteinus.com

Moog HD 81069

https://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-81069#fitment

The Moog's are cheaper on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Moog-81069-Coil-Spring-Set/dp/B00498ZR7A/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TIOD5FJ0F7VN&keywords=moog+hd+81069&qid=1691719242&sprefix=moog+hd+81069%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

The 0-1 if you don’t plan on going I’ve the 1” in the rear

 

[1xd5]

The 0-1 if you don’t plan on going I’ve the 1” in the rear

Got it. Thank You! So I think I'm settled. Gonna get the 0-1" Bilstein 5100's for the rear w/ the Moog HD 81069 Coil Springs, gonna pick up 4 new insulators for the springs as well. Is there anything else I should get?

Gonna see if the stock keys get me level without them being maxed out, and hopefully that buys me time to decide whether I should just do aftermarket keys for maybe a bit of a better ride, or get the coilovers.

 

[Trey Hardy]

Got it. Thank You! So I think I'm settled. Gonna get the 0-1" Bilstein 5100's for the rear w/ the Moog HD 81069 Coil Springs, gonna pick up 4 new insulators for the springs as well. Is there anything else I should get?

Gonna see if the stock keys get me level without them being maxed out, and hopefully that buys me time to decide whether I should just do aftermarket keys for maybe a bit of a better ride, or get the coilovers.

Rear sounds good man and the stock sway bar links should still fit with that.
The front may nose dive a bit I remember before I could afford the tool to remove torsion keys it was easier to put in drop shackles in my trucks to reverse level them but you can’t do that as cheap in the Tahoes.
I had my stock keys cranked up and it rode like a tank most the time it would be better to get some lift keys and leave them I cranked so it’ll ride better there’s some cheap options on Amazon just read the reviews good so you don’t get a set that don’t actually work..

 

[1xd5]

Rear sounds good man and the stock sway bar links should still fit with that.
The front may nose dive a bit I remember before I could afford the tool to remove torsion keys it was easier to put in drop shackles in my trucks to reverse level them but you can’t do that as cheap in the Tahoes.
I had my stock keys cranked up and it rode like a tank most the time it would be better to get some lift keys and leave them I cranked so it’ll ride better there’s some cheap options on Amazon just read the reviews good so you don’t get a set that don’t actually work..

Sounds good , thank you. Also, just to be sure, you know this is going on an 06 Yukon Denali XL right? Just want to make sure in case you thought it was going on something else.

 

[Trey Hardy]

Sounds good , thank you. Also, just to be sure, you know this is going on an 06 Yukon Denali XL right? Just want to make sure in case you thought it was going on something else.

The rear Suspensions are the same from 2000-2018 or newer the eletronics change but the base suspension parts (trailing arms sway bars springs links drop brackets panhard bar) is all interchangeable for the most part and the same goes for the Silverado I’ve crossed rear lifts from 07 on a 2001 and off a 2018 on my 07 and the front lift off a 2018 Silverado on my 07 Tahoe.

 

[1xd5]

The rear Suspensions are the same from 2000-2018 or newer the eletronics change but the base suspension parts (trailing arms sway bars springs links drop brackets panhard bar) is all interchangeable for the most part and the same goes for the Silverado I’ve crossed rear lifts from 07 on a 2001 and off a 2018 on my 07 and the front lift off a 2018 Silverado on my 07 Tahoe.

This is my first GM, and I researched quite a bit before buying into the gmt800 platform. It was gmt800 or pre 2010 6.2L gmt900, mainly wanted to avoid AFM. I have a lot to learn! Rig has treated me well so far, going on a year of owning it, was a 1 owner 173k miles when I bought it. Been working on cleaning it up little by little. Here are some pix , and thanks again for all the info!

 

[1xd5]

The rear Suspensions are the same from 2000-2018 or newer the eletronics change but the base suspension parts (trailing arms sway bars springs links drop brackets panhard bar) is all interchangeable for the most part and the same goes for the Silverado I’ve crossed rear lifts from 07 on a 2001 and off a 2018 on my 07 and the front lift off a 2018 Silverado on my 07 Tahoe.

What do you think about what this person said about adding a pad on the LCA to remedy the harsh ride ?

"The only reason turning your keys a bit will be harsh is because you leave the jounce stops. Easily remedied with a pad on the LCA.

Angles won't be prefect, but if the goal is 33s, a little crank will easily get there without remotely getting into trouble.

The autoride point is fair, but also fairly easily remedied with a few options. "

 

[Trey Hardy]

What do you think about what this person said about adding a pad on the LCA to remedy the harsh ride ?

"The only reason turning your keys a bit will be harsh is because you leave the jounce stops. Easily remedied with a pad on the LCA.

Angles won't be prefect, but if the goal is 33s, a little crank will easily get there without remotely getting into trouble.

The autoride point is fair, but also fairly easily remedied with a few options. "

Should be fine I’ve never installed new bump stops so I can’t speak from experience but I’m sure it would help the ride

 

[1xd5]

Should be fine I’ve never installed new bump stops so I can’t speak from experience but I’m sure it would help the ride

Sorry to bug ya again. I see many go with the Bilstein 4600's instead of the 5100''s. What would be the difference ?

 

[Trey Hardy]

I think the 4600 is more of a stock option of bilsteins being softer shocks
Where the 5100 are more for off-road or lifted applications towing etc they will ride a bit firmer but still ride good

 

[Trey Hardy]

Sorry to bug ya again. I see many go with the Bilstein 4600's instead of the 5100''s. What would be the difference ?

 

[1xd5]

Alright so I installed the rear 5100's and Moog springs! got enough lift and tires don't rub any longer! Now I have a question about the front.

Do stock front shocks stop the torsion keys from lifting the front more? I noticed my driver side torsion key was tightened a lot more than my passenger side (bought it like this), so today I did 3 full turns on both sides, driver Side has maybe 1 full turn before maxing out, and passenger side has plenty more to go, but the rig isn't as lifted as I heard some say you can go with stock keys, so I'm wondering if the stock shocks are "stoping" it from going higher ? I have the 5100's for the front and I'm wondering if I remove the stock shocks and install the 5100's , will that lift the truck more without turning the keys more? not sure if it works like that. Thank you ahead of time!

I attached a before and after.

 

[1xd5]

I went ahead and ordered the torsion keys. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a gap between the front bump stops and LCA , so like I said before I'm planning to add a pad on the LCA. What do you think? Here's a link of someone who's done it, they said their ride was much better. I attached a pic as well. https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/front-jounce-bumpers.136901/