Z55 rebuild or bilsteins

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

OP
OP
Ilikemtb999

Ilikemtb999

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2018
Posts
843
Reaction score
810
Location
Denver
That’s a common thing to say about putting good money after bad on an 09 LTZ you paid $7k for. It’s actually just the opposite though.

My rig was stickered for $88k when new in 09. 11 years later I picked it up for $14.5k. Last year, after 4 years of ownership it got a new trans, all fluids flushed, $5k worth of deferred maintenance and it was only $6.5k to getr done.

The trans rebuild was $5k but the deferred maint was the parts cost from R/A. With the trans coming out all parts are bolt off & on with trans replacement.

If you want to drop it more than 2-3” there’s no need to discuss keeping the autoride.
My last Tahoe had a 2/3 drop. I enjoyed it. Started life lifted, I lowered it then eventually went stock rear height and level block in front to sell it.IMG_6065.jpeg
 
Last edited:

petethepug

Michael
Joined
May 4, 2016
Posts
2,835
Reaction score
3,027
Location
SoCal
Gotcha, looks like the best advice to get is from the one who’s filling out the project build sheet on the LTZ.
 
OP
OP
Ilikemtb999

Ilikemtb999

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2018
Posts
843
Reaction score
810
Location
Denver
Gotcha, looks like the best advice to get is from the one who’s filling out the project build sheet on the LTZ.
I appreciate your knowledge on z55 replacement stuff but my original post mentions asking about people who have swapped out z55 for something else. I get that you seem to like oem things. Sometimes there’s better, sometimes there’s worse. Again, I’d like to hear from people that have gone the other route too.
 

Twov8sandat4

TYF Newbie
Joined
Mar 3, 2023
Posts
11
Reaction score
15
I appreciate your knowledge on z55 replacement stuff but my original post mentions asking about people who have swapped out z55 for something else. I get that you seem to like oem things. Sometimes there’s better, sometimes there’s worse. Again, I’d like to hear from people that have gone the other route too.
After going through two compressors, I swapped the entire suspension out for the Monroe setup F/R. Not entirely happy with it as those were meant for 18" wheel/tire trucks, and my Escalade has 22s, so it doesn't have the "give" the 18s do. Rides nice on the highway, but it doesn't like bumps. Not going back to the stock setup, so I will be on the hunt for something that will work with the 22s.
 

Big Mama

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2015
Posts
3,261
Reaction score
1,947
Location
Virginia
As mentioned several of us have gone away from oem and returned due to poor ride quality and sometimes unsafe handling. In my case the rear was too bouncy. The front was ok but the non oem strut spring combo raised it 2” which negated my drop spindles.
 

Gearz

Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2023
Posts
66
Reaction score
79
I have a 2011 LTZ W/Z55 and the shocks have lasted for 13 yrs with no problems. Go OEM or you’ll regret it! My rear compressor let go 2 yrs ago but the shocks are in good shape so I’m not replacing them until there bad.
 

Grady_Wilson

Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 26, 2023
Posts
539
Reaction score
1,698
Location
Wyoming / So Cal
FWIW - When the steering angle sensor went out in the middle of winter it disabled the Stabilitrak and the Traction Control systems.
It was a night and day difference in stability on snowy / icy roads with both disabled compared to when the entire system is operating properly.

So, if you live where weather may be an issue, you may want to stick with the OEM Z55 setup.
 
OP
OP
Ilikemtb999

Ilikemtb999

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2018
Posts
843
Reaction score
810
Location
Denver
FWIW - When the steering angle sensor went out in the middle of winter it disabled the Stabilitrak and the Traction Control systems.
It was a night and day difference in stability on snowy / icy roads with both disabled compared to when the entire system is operating properly.

So, if you live where weather may be an issue, you may want to stick with the OEM Z55 setup.
I live in Denver. I can’t imagine the tcs or stabilitrac not functioning when running resistors. Worst case scenario it would be like when I daily drove a 2wd Silverado that didn’t have tcs, or my Roadmaster wagon or my k5.
 

Grady_Wilson

Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 26, 2023
Posts
539
Reaction score
1,698
Location
Wyoming / So Cal
I live in Denver. I can’t imagine the tcs or stabilitrac not functioning when running resistors. Worst case scenario it would be like when I daily drove a 2wd Silverado that didn’t have tcs, or my Roadmaster wagon or my k5.
With resistors, your stability system is only going to get a single reading from each shock, meaning the system will not receive accurate, live feedback.
The system may function with the resistors but it will not be as responsive as it would be with live feedback, but if you're good with that, then the added responsiveness shouldn't dissuade you from doing the Z55 delete.
 
OP
OP
Ilikemtb999

Ilikemtb999

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2018
Posts
843
Reaction score
810
Location
Denver
With resistors, your stability system is only going to get a single reading from each shock, meaning the system will not receive accurate, live feedback.
The system may function with the resistors but it will not be as responsive as it would be with live feedback, but if you're good with that, then the added responsiveness shouldn't dissuade you from doing the Z55 delete.
Would it not rely on the yaw sensor like tahoes with stabilitrac and standard suspension?
 

Forum statistics

Threads
131,208
Posts
1,846,940
Members
95,206
Latest member
Malachismith
Top