Yukon Denali 1-2" Rear Drop

[Hi-psi]

Eventually I'll go with NORCAL SS's 2/3-4 drop kit (including doing the free-travel mod)....but, for now as a cheaper/easier/quicker option I'm considering just getting rid of the factory rake.

That said, what are my options for doing so? I'm guessing a 1-2" drop spring in the rear. I've read that one way is the factory Tahoe PPV springs (p/n 15200994), but that they may stiffen the ride some and a better option is actual aftermarket 1-2 drop springs since they will be a progressive rate spring.

With just a 1-2" drop, would I still need shock extenders? What about Autoride links? Or just adjust the existing ones to compensate?

Thanks in advance for any insight and/or info.

 

[Big Mama]

What year is your Denali? Mine is an 07 and all I used was springs for a 3” drop in the rear. No other modifications except the actuator for air shocks.

 

[Hi-psi]

'08

Not wanting to tackle the front right now, so just looking for maybe a 1-2" drop in the rear to level it out.

 

[Big Mama]

Right, get 2” springs and that’s all you need. I did the rear first trying to lose the rake but it was too much. 2” will do it with no other mods needed. Got mine for around $100 did in about an hour and a half.

 

[Hi-psi]

So, eyeballing the McGaughys 30014 kit.

It says it's a 2" leveling/drop that fits:
'07-'14 with OUT Autoride
'15-'18 with or without Autoride

Ok, so why do they say it will not fit/work on '07-'14 with Autoride (but will on the '15-'18)? Is it that the included shock extenders aren't the right width to accept the Autoride shocks? As simple that it doesn't include Autoride adjustable actuator rods?

 

[Big Mama]

Probably. I just bent mine. All I ordered were the springs. No other parts.

 

[kbuskill]

So, eyeballing the McGaughys 30014 kit.

It says it's a 2" leveling/drop that fits:
'07-'14 with OUT Autoride
'15-'18 with or without Autoride

Ok, so why do they say it will not fit/work on '07-'14 with Autoride (but will on the '15-'18)? Is it that the included shock extenders aren't the right width to accept the Autoride shocks? As simple that it doesn't include Autoride adjustable actuator rods?

You will just need to adjust the autoride links.

The autoride shock mounts are the same size as non-autoride.

Not sure about the '15-'18 thing as I have no experience with those.

 

[Hi-psi]

eBay got me with their 15% coupon they ran/are running today. Went ahead and ordered the McGaughys kit a few hours ago. Will report back once it arrives and I have a chance to toss it on.

 

[Big Mama]

Nice. Be sure to include pictures. For the air ride actuator you can bend or get some threaded rod and cut to length.

 

[Hi-psi]

Threw the McGaughys rear kit on today. Installation was straightforward and easy, aside from it being hot as Hades...LOL.

It's definitely subtle, but I notice it, and certainly gets ride of the factory rake. It's a quick/easy/cheap option for now until I eventually do a full 2/3-4 drop. At this point I just didn't feel like messing with the front yet.

 

[Big Mama]

Made a huge difference. Looks great. I’m with you on the front. The drop spindle is a bigger job but it retains all stock locations for brakes and steering. Nice job.

 

[Hi-psi]

Yeah, the pics I feel don't really show the change well. It's visually subtle, but I definitely notice it.

I know 1.5-2 inches isn't a lot, and maybe it's just mental, but it feels like it has changed the driving characteristics a bit. When turning or going through curves, it doesn't feel like the back end is pivoting/leaning over like it did previously. The ride is the same as the stock springs. Even though just an inch or two isn't much, maybe just that small change to a lower center of gravity of the rear can impact the handling where it doesn't feel as "top heavy" now. Or it could be that coupled with the high mile factory springs having had gotten a little more "squishy" with the age & miles.

Regardless, I'm pleased with the outcome, especially for the price and time invested.