Upgrading Ride Quality of a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4WD

I'm looking to upgrade the ride quality of my 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4WD and would appreciate your insights and recommendations.

Tires
Currently, I have Goodyear Eagle Touring tires, size 285/45R22. I'm considering switching to either Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 or Michelin Cross Climate 2. I've had a positive experience with the CrossClimate SUV (not the 2s) on my Highlander, especially in winter conditions here in Ohio. How do these two options compare for a vehicle like the Tahoe, particularly in snowy conditions?

Suspension Upgrade
I'm also contemplating a suspension upgrade. I've come across the Bilstein 6122s (front, part number 47-310834) and Bilstein 5160s (rear, part number 25-251937). Alternatively, I'm considering Fox 2.0 Shocks. My driving is mostly city and highway, with some occasional off-roading. Which suspension system would you recommend for this mix of driving conditions?

Are there any other parts or upgrades you would suggest for improving the ride quality and handling of my Tahoe?

I recently switched to Michelin Defenders and have been happy with them. Much more comfortable and quiet than the continental terraincontacts that the truck came with. But I also swapped wheels at the same time, so that might also be a factor. Based on the reviews they seem like one of the best(if not THE best) tires on the market in this size.

Michelin Defenders. There's been nothing that the NH winters have thrown at me that the Defenders could not easily handle.

Joseph Garcia said:

Michelin Defenders. There's been nothing that the NH winters have thrown at me that the Defenders could not easily handle.

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Thanks for the advice on the Michelin Defenders! I’m also thinking about switching rim sizes - currently, I have 22-inch rims but am considering either 20-inch or 18-inch ones. In your experience, is there a big difference in ride quality between 18 and 20 inches? Would you recommend going down to 18 inches for a better ride?

NBAYoungBoy said:

Thanks for the advice on the Michelin Defenders! I’m also thinking about switching rim sizes - currently, I have 22-inch rims but am considering either 20-inch or 18-inch ones. In your experience, is there a big difference in ride quality between 18 and 20 inches? Would you recommend going down to 18 inches for a better ride?

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yes 20 or 18 with a larger tire will make a notiecable diiference

Doubeleive said:

yes 20 or 18 with a larger tire will make a notiecable diiference

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I’ll settle on the 20s then. Now, onto shocks – it’s down to either Bilstein 6122s upfront and 5160s in the back, or just going for the Fox 2.0s. Heard from a few folks that the Fox might be the way to go. Got any thoughts on that?

NBAYoungBoy said:

I’ll settle on the 20s then. Now, onto shocks – it’s down to either Bilstein 6122s upfront and 5160s in the back, or just going for the Fox 2.0s. Heard from a few folks that the Fox might be the way to go. Got any thoughts on that?

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I have never used fox mainly due to cost, but the bilsteins are good for sure

NBAYoungBoy said:

I’ll settle on the 20s then. Now, onto shocks – it’s down to either Bilstein 6122s upfront and 5160s in the back, or just going for the Fox 2.0s. Heard from a few folks that the Fox might be the way to go. Got any thoughts on that?

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I’m in the same exact situation. I’m curious how your new shocks worked out?

NBAYoungBoy said:

I’ll settle on the 20s then. Now, onto shocks – it’s down to either Bilstein 6122s upfront and 5160s in the back, or just going for the Fox 2.0s. Heard from a few folks that the Fox might be the way to go. Got any thoughts on that?

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I installed Fox 2.0 adjustable coilovers on the front of my '17 Denali back in Nov 2023, 7 months ago, less than 15K miles. They are leaking on top, Fox and Summit Racing told me to pound sand as my date of purchase was June of 23, I didn't get them installed for a while.
I put Bilsteien 5160s on my '94 Jeep Wranlger 15 years ago, they don't leak.

I am looking at these carbonshocks.com for the front, this guy seems to be a vendor...

NBAYoungBoy said:

... any other parts or upgrades you would suggest for improving the ride quality and handling of my Tahoe?

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Improving handling usually makes the ride less comfortable. Improving ride quality usually makes handling less precise.

If your ride bounces more than 1.0 times (up-down-done, down-up-done), get shocks with more / better damping. Bilstein!
If it leans over too much in fun turns or makes lane changes too wobbly, get a stiffer swaybar.
If every time you hit a sharp bump or divot, you feel it in your teeth AND your arse, 18" wheels.
Recommend 18" wheels regardless, suspension and steering will last longer,
smaller road imperfections become will be absorbed by the tires, instead of transferred by the wheels.

If it bounces up or down too FAR, get stiffer springs. This, plus better-dampening shocks, will dramatically improve handling,
but at the cost of feeling road imperfections more acutely.