Z55 AWD Yukon Denali Lift

[Pointer 21]

With the help of @swathdiver and a few other members I recently replaced ALL the suspension components with OEM (uppers, lowers, ball joints, springs, shocks, air compressor) on my 12' AWD Yukon with 165K miles.

I'd like to add a small lift (say 3 - 3 1/2 inches) as well as larger tires to my OEM 22's. I don't plan on heavy off roading; however, I do get in the mud when out on the ranch (not intentionally but it happens).

Without sacrificing too much on the ride and not completely wasting the money spent on the stock suspension - Do I have any options for achieving this height?

I know a leveling kit with fender cut outs can yield 33's but I'd like to get a little more height as well...


Appreciate any and all suggestions.

 

[gooffeyguy]

You can achieve that with rear spring and front strut spacer blocks, but usually with anything over 2-2.5" you'd want to use upper control arms that have different ball joint angles so you don't wear them out quickly.

You will also need longer sensor rods for the autolevel.

 

[Pointer 21]

You can achieve that with rear spring and front strut spacer blocks, but usually with anything over 2-2.5" you'd want to use upper control arms that have different ball joint angles so you don't wear them out quickly.

You will also need longer sensor rods for the autolevel.

Any specific brands or a place to look? If you extend the uppers and ball joints is this easier on the vehicle than adding a level and leaving the rest stock?

 

[swathdiver]

A 4 inch lift may be better in that it provides new spindles and brackets to drop the lower control arms and front differential. The strut assemblies can either use a spacer on top or the shock replaced with a longer one.

There are lots of build threads on here of guys doing this such as, Randy's thread, @randeez

Randeez 2012 Budget Yukon Denali Build (stick on hood scoops galore)

I hope he "signed" them like he supposedly signed mine. I'm saving that surprise as long as I can. The way I figure it, if I hold out long enough, buy enough, I can't have randeez 2.0, but in avalanche form its been so long i dont even remember if i did do any weird shit to those

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

These guys also come to mind: @gmartin1215 @Dustin Jackson @87carl @Rockcrawler11 @Tozan @Marshall 008 @Oh Kee Pah @mrpeterclark

 

[Dustin Jackson]

Any specific brands or a place to look? If you extend the uppers and ball joints is this easier on the vehicle than adding a level and leaving the rest stock?

@Pointer 21 Rough Country, Kryptonite, and freedom off-road are a few I can think of that make control arms for lifted Tahoes. These aftermarket control arms really do help the balljoint angle and give the suspension longer travel depending on the rest of front suspension.

It’s safe to say that you can lift 2 inches and keep things stock you’ll be fine but once you reach 3 inches you’ll reach the maximum extent of the stock front upper balljoints, front CV axles, rear panhard bar, rear shocks, rear swaybar end links, and I recommend addressing all of those if you want to do get the best experience of a 3 inch lift.

 

[Pointer 21]

@Dustin Jackson @swathdiver @gooffeyguy - Considering I went backwards by installing all OEM stock suspension (2 months ago). What makes the most sense without scrapping too much in new parts? I don't HAVE to lift the vehicle; however, I'm due up for tires and an upgrade would be nice. Should I consider deleting the auto ride? My tires aren't in great shape but overall the truck isn't riding like it did off the showroom floor for the money that was spent....might just be the cracked dash making it seem worse. LOL

 

[Dustin Jackson]

@Dustin Jackson @swathdiver @gooffeyguy - Considering I went backwards by installing all OEM stock suspension (2 months ago). What makes the most sense without scrapping too much in new parts? I don't HAVE to lift the vehicle; however, I'm due up for tires and an upgrade would be nice. Should I consider deleting the auto ride? My tires aren't in great shape but overall the truck isn't riding like it did off the showroom floor for the money that was spent....might just be the cracked dash making it seem worse. LOL

@Pointer 21 I vote to lift 2 inches and get some 32 inch tires so all the new parts you put on recently don’t go to waste. I believe you can modify the auto ride system to accommodate a mild 2 inch lift. I think this would be the simplest route

 

[gooffeyguy]

I agree with Dustin Jackson. Just do a 2" spacer lift front and rear and then replace the height sensor rods with longer stainless steel #10-24 threaded rod. Mark the sensor and frame before installing lift blocks so afterwards you can figure out the rod length you need to get the sensors back, or close to, original position. If you have a Tech2 or know someone that does, it can be used to re-zero the ride height sensors when done.

If lifting the rear with 2" or 3" spring blocks you might want to look for some shock bracket extensions also, so not to cause the rear shocks to over-travel

Some of the 2" front kits come with a bracket to add length to the front sensor rods. These kits are usually marketed for vehicles with Magnaride suspension, but the sensor and brackets are the same and work on the AutoLevel systems.

Here are sensor rod brackets from MotoFab. They may work on the rear also....

denali leveling kit,lift kit for gmc denali,magnaride,leveling kit for magnaride,lift kit for magnaride,magnaride leveling kit,yukon leveling kit

denali leveling kit,lift kit for gmc denali,magnaride,leveling kit for magnaride,lift kit for magnaride,magnaride leveling kit,yukon leveling kit

motofablifts.com

Rough Country has a 2" front kit that includes the rod brackets also, but they list it for '14-18 Denali's with Magnaride...

2 Inch Leveling Kit | Magneride | GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 2WD/4WD (2014-2018)

2 Inch Leveling Kit | Magneride | GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 2WD/4WD (2014-2018)

www.roughcountry.com

These are just a couple ideas

 

[Joseph Garcia]

With the help of @swathdiver and a few other members I recently replaced ALL the suspension components with OEM (uppers, lowers, ball joints, springs, shocks, air compressor) on my 12' AWD Yukon with 165K miles.

I'd like to add a small lift (say 3 - 3 1/2 inches) as well as larger tires to my OEM 22's. I don't plan on heavy off roading; however, I do get in the mud when out on the ranch (not intentionally but it happens).

Without sacrificing too much on the ride and not completely wasting the money spent on the stock suspension - Do I have any options for achieving this height?

I know a leveling kit with fender cut outs can yield 33's but I'd like to get a little more height as well...


Appreciate any and all suggestions.

Then you say 'larger' tires, specifically what do you mean? Taller tire, Wider tire, Both?

You could go to a 305/45x22 tire right now with your replaced stock suspension.

 

[Pointer 21]

Then you say 'larger' tires, specifically what do you mean? Taller tire, Wider tire, Both?

You could go to a 305/45x22 tire right now with your replaced stock suspension.

I agree with Dustin Jackson. Just do a 2" spacer lift front and rear and then replace the height sensor rods with longer stainless steel #10-24 threaded rod. Mark the sensor and frame before installing lift blocks so afterwards you can figure out the rod length you need to get the sensors back, or close to, original position. If you have a Tech2 or know someone that does, it can be used to re-zero the ride height sensors when done.

If lifting the rear with 2" or 3" spring blocks you might want to look for some shock bracket extensions also, so not to cause the rear shocks to over-travel

Some of the 2" front kits come with a bracket to add length to the front sensor rods. These kits are usually marketed for vehicles with Magnaride suspension, but the sensor and brackets are the same and work on the AutoLevel systems.

Here are sensor rod brackets from MotoFab. They may work on the rear also....

denali leveling kit,lift kit for gmc denali,magnaride,leveling kit for magnaride,lift kit for magnaride,magnaride leveling kit,yukon leveling kit

denali leveling kit,lift kit for gmc denali,magnaride,leveling kit for magnaride,lift kit for magnaride,magnaride leveling kit,yukon leveling kit

motofablifts.com

Rough Country has a 2" front kit that includes the rod brackets also, but they list it for '14-18 Denali's with Magnaride...

2 Inch Leveling Kit | Magneride | GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 2WD/4WD (2014-2018)

2 Inch Leveling Kit | Magneride | GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 2WD/4WD (2014-2018)

www.roughcountry.com

These are just a couple ideas

I appreciate all the info fellas!

I did some research and thought I'd look further into:

moto fab- 2.5 fr/1.5r
with
285/50/22

Sounded good except for the price hike from the 285/45/22 (2nd set of Dueller's) I will be replacing. Not sure its THAT much of an upgrade...

I do think 305/45/22 would be a good compromise; however, I really want the height on the vehicle to be proportional to the amount of tire added (both height and width).

 

[Dustin Jackson]

@Pointer 21 In my experience unless you are getting the exact same setup as someone else it can be nearly impossible to plan this all out perfectly, you’ll have to install the parts and then adjust from there depending on if you have clearance issues but it’s part of the journey! I’ve had clearance issues the last year and need to do a NorCal mod to fit my tires but I still drive it daily lol

 

[Pointer 21]

@Pointer 21 In my experience unless you are getting the exact same setup as someone else it can be nearly impossible to plan this all out perfectly, you’ll have to install the parts and then adjust from there depending on if you have clearance issues but it’s part of the journey! I’ve had clearance issues the last year and need to do a NorCal mod to fit my tires but I still drive it daily lol

HA HA - I think you're reading my mind. I was just walking to my vehicle observing the overall dimensions and thought the EXACT same thing. Unfortunately, I had to air up my front tire while contemplating the issues here...My chrome rims are corroding on the inside creating a small (some weeks) Big leak. I'm close to throwing in the towel!

 

[superjet223]

I did a similar setup with new stock suspension, went with the 2.5" Pro Comp. Reposition ride height sensors and everything drives perfect. I'd love to get a little more height but it's just a different ball game at that point. And right now my control arm angles are fantastic. I have 33x11.5 tires and wheels I believe are -24 offset. Required NorCal mod and I believe I shaved a 'honeycomb' off or two from the front bumper bracket but there's no rubbing now. Drives like a dream.

 

[HACK BLOCK]

following

 

[Pointer 21]

I did a similar setup with new stock suspension, went with the 2.5" Pro Comp. Reposition ride height sensors and everything drives perfect. I'd love to get a little more height but it's just a different ball game at that point. And right now my control arm angles are fantastic. I have 33x11.5 tires and wheels I believe are -24 offset. Required NorCal mod and I believe I shaved a 'honeycomb' off or two from the front bumper bracket but there's no rubbing now. Drives like a dream.View attachment 376901

Nice set up! How wide are your rims (I realize you said -24) which I'd assume would be at least a 10+ width and maybe spacers? The height you're at is where I'd like to be... my OEM 22's are 9 inches so I don't believe they would stick out as much as yours.

 

[superjet223]

Nice set up! How wide are your rims (I realize you said -24) which I'd assume would be at least a 10+ width and maybe spacers? The height you're at is where I'd like to be... my OEM 22's are 9 inches so I don't believe they would stick out as much as yours.

I appreciate it. I have 20X10" wheels with 33x11.5" tires. Confirmed the -24 offset, no spacers. They stick out the fenders about 2", just right for that more aggressive look I was looking for but not too much to throw off the stock suspension/handling.

When ordering the wheels and tires I originally wanted 12" wide tires on the 10" wide wheels which my buddy has on his Chevy 2500 but I just don't have quite the same amount of space and I believe he trimmed his front bumper. So the tire guy thankfully talked me out down to the 11" which is perfect with no rub (after my slight mods) however I forgot to change the wheel width so my sidewall is more flush to the outside of the wheel that I'd prefer. I've scratched it on a curb once or twice. If I were to redo this I'd go with the 11" tire on a 9" wheel to give a more balloon to the sidewall to protect the wheel better.

I've looked on Custom Offsets Gallery for setup ideas too. I'm with you though, I'd love to get another inch or two of height but there's sacrifice and/or much more cost to do it right.

 

[Pointer 21]

I appreciate it. I have 20X10" wheels with 33x11.5" tires. Confirmed the -24 offset, no spacers. They stick out the fenders about 2", just right for that more aggressive look I was looking for but not too much to throw off the stock suspension/handling.

When ordering the wheels and tires I originally wanted 12" wide tires on the 10" wide wheels which my buddy has on his Chevy 2500 but I just don't have quite the same amount of space and I believe he trimmed his front bumper. So the tire guy thankfully talked me out down to the 11" which is perfect with no rub (after my slight mods) however I forgot to change the wheel width so my sidewall is more flush to the outside of the wheel that I'd prefer. I've scratched it on a curb once or twice. If I were to redo this I'd go with the 11" tire on a 9" wheel to give a more balloon to the sidewall to protect the wheel better.

I've looked on Custom Offsets Gallery for setup ideas too. I'm with you though, I'd love to get another inch or two of height but there's sacrifice and/or much more cost to do it right.

I agree with your logic all the way around and appreciate the perspective. I've been lifting trucks (not SUVS) since Highschool and have always liked an aesthetic look, as in I don't like too big of tires (not proportional to the lift height stuffing the wheel well). My old Z71 has a 6" inch all suspension lift and 35's with a clean look. The Denali was my "adult truck" that I purchased brand new and haven't done ANYTHING to it as far as mods...guessing I'm regressing (or rewarding myself) for keeping a vehicle for 11 years!!! HA HA


I'm leaning on a 305/45/22. My wallets hurting from maintenance this past year and now my chrome rims are leaking...too much bleeding and I may go another route. YIKES

 

[tsuttie99]

@superjet223
I've been lurking on here for the past couple weeks and made a login as I have been contemplating buying my boss's 07 yukon denali. I want it for camping, but the mag ride has me concerned. how difficult/expensive do we think it would be to add a bit of ground clearance as you have with yours? are you willing to discuss with me a bit in PM?

 

[superjet223]

@superjet223
I've been lurking on here for the past couple weeks and made a login as I have been contemplating buying my boss's 07 yukon denali. I want it for camping, but the mag ride has me concerned. how difficult/expensive do we think it would be to add a bit of ground clearance as you have with yours? are you willing to discuss with me a bit in PM?

I do a lot of backroad/forest road/DNR camping with it and have no issues. Honestly I just have the Pro Comp 2.5" level in the front which is like $140 and then I forget which 1" spacer for the rear air bag struts and then just repositioned that rear level sensor a bit so it airs up that last bit of difference to get level with the front. Then the 33" tires add negligible height. It's my everyday driver (soon to be my wife's kid mobile) so I wanted the stock Mag ride and air ride comfort and I am very happy. This replaced my 2000 XL with 4wd hi/low and this has been just as capable off road and much safer for the wife everyday driving in the wet PNW. I couldn't be happier with this truck and the 6.2 is a beast. Let me know if you want to know more. I did all this in my parking space at my old apartment.

 

[Geotrash]

@superjet223
I've been lurking on here for the past couple weeks and made a login as I have been contemplating buying my boss's 07 yukon denali. I want it for camping, but the mag ride has me concerned. how difficult/expensive do we think it would be to add a bit of ground clearance as you have with yours? are you willing to discuss with me a bit in PM?

Just a few things to mention in case it's helpful. The mag ride and air ride are 2 different but integrated systems - lots of confusion out there on that. Also, I have 2 XL Denali's that have their mag and air ride systems intact, and I love the system. Excellent ride and handling for such a large truck. It's reliable and easy to work on, and the parts are available on rock auto inexpensively if anything needs replacing. My 2007 still has its original front mag ride shocks with 220K on them. My 2012 does as well but it only has 130K. The rear air shocks and compressor are more likely to need replacing, but they're easy to do. And, as others have said, it's a straightforward process if you want to add ground clearance.