Suspension question

[theangrynortherne]

Hey guys. I've looked all over and can't find an answer to my question. J have a 2005 yukon xl denali. When I bought it a few months ago one of the first thing I did is replace all the shocks with bilstein 4600 front and back. I did not replace the springs becadue I want to lower it 2 to 3 inches and didn't want to buy same part twice. It rides terrible. I want it to ride like my 91 sedan Deville did. Is there any way to make this ride better or did I waste my money? I've seen some guys put 5100 on here but thought that was for lifted trucks? Should I just put air ride back in? That would be very costly for just 5 years or use i don't want that. Will it ride better lowered? Also my front end feels like it sways back and forth at 80mph every time I hit a bump is that suspension of front end steering? I was thinking a moog front end kit might fix that. If you can point me to a thread that'd be great! Thanks in advance fellas

 

[wjburken]

Hey guys. I've looked all over and can't find an answer to my question. J have a 2005 yukon xl denali. When I bought it a few months ago one of the first thing I did is replace all the shocks with bilstein 4600 front and back. I did not replace the springs becadue I want to lower it 2 to 3 inches and didn't want to buy same part twice. It rides terrible. I want it to ride like my 91 sedan Deville did. Is there any way to make this ride better or did I waste my money? I've seen some guys put 5100 on here but thought that was for lifted trucks? Should I just put air ride back in? That would be very costly for just 5 years or use i don't want that. Will it ride better lowered? Also my front end feels like it sways back and forth at 80mph every time I hit a bump is that suspension of front end steering? I was thinking a moog front end kit might fix that. If you can point me to a thread that'd be great! Thanks in advance fellas

If I am not mistaken, there are different springs for air ride vs non air ride with the air ride being a little softer since the air ride added spring support as well.

As for your front end, I would check everything upfront like tierod ends, ball joints, sway bar links and bushings, control arm bushings, etc.

 

[S33k3r]

Also check your steering box. I have a 2005 Suburban 2500, and my steering box was on the way out. Once I replaced that, everything acted as I was expecting.

 

[Fless]

Sounds like it may have had Nivomat shocks with the softer springs (Premium Smooth Ride) and the shocks were switched out. There are different springs to use when Nivomats are removed.

 

[theangrynortherne]

Ok i did not replace the springs i didn't realize i needed too and now am not sure if I am lowering in 2 to 3 inches in the rear if I need shorter springs anyways or if I'm OK to buy newer heavy duty springs. I'll look up the steering box. I'm losing power steering fluid from somewhere maybe that has something to do with it.