Resurrecting my 12 Burban

First post, first Suburban. I recently bought a 12 LT in excellent condition minus the hack lowering job.

It was on 265/50r20's.
The front consisted of SAPAuto (ebay) 2" (supposedly) spindles, Belltech 25004 struts with all rings and the oem ring added (i have no idea why), and Maxtrax 2" springs that they cut (part# on springs 251320).

The rear from what I can tell was Trekline 5" kit (springs, LCA brackets, swaybar links), and Belltech 2410 shocks. Free travel mod was completed as well.



I have since replaced the front struts, since the bumpstops and discs under the bumpstop was missing and I didn't know what else they messed up with the extra rings installed, with new Belltech 25004 set at 1" drop and oem springs from a Silverado.
The rear I changed to the Belltech 3/4 kit but instead of the 1" spacer I used a Maxtrax 1.5" spacer to set the rear at about a .5" rake higher. I installed the shocks relocation brackets. I removed the rear LCA bracket.


She sits much better and the ride quality did improve.

Lastly I installed Escalade 22's on 285/45R22


Ride height is great for me. Now my quest is to fix the ride quality to what it should be.
The rear coils just suck. I am trying to determine if DJM 4" springs with a spacer, Trekline 3", or the Maxtrax 3" springs would be the better option.
Rear shocks lack the quality as well. Looking at changing to Bilstein 4600's.
The front spindles I question their quality and how much drop they actually provide.
The biggest issue I am chasing is when driving 50+ mph and hitting a pavement transition such as a bridge or similar, the front end feels like a Jeeps death wobble and the interior shacks pretty harshly.

I have not moved the rear swaybar to passenger side yet. I plan on replacing the rear panhard bar and both rear control arms with APOC Industries eventually.
The front end at 180k miles is probably due for a refresh. I am thinking about using the Kryptonite Death Grip tie rods.

Thoughts, suggestions, guidance? It's my first Suburban and lowered SUV, coming from the Toyota offroad world.

MntlyBrkn said:

Rear shocks lack the quality as well. Looking at changing to Bilstein 4600s.

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Unless the only thing you really care about is a comfywumfie ride, get 5100s, at least.

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

I cannot personally assist you with your lowered suspension questions, but other members of this Forum much more knowledgeable than me in this area will chime in.

Looks Phat. The suspension work definitely looks like you drove it out of The Honda Civic hack shop across the street to Hot Wheels Customs to have it done right.

My guess as to why they had all the rings on the struts is because they had 2" spindles + 2" springs that they cut + the drop struts which would sit the fenders on the tires, so they realized they screwed up and the easy fix was to add the spacer rings to lift it back up some.

My kit was all Belltech, except for the DJM off set swaybar end links, and I didn't particularly care for the Belltech shocks/struts... too soft for my liking.

I have no experience with any of the spring brands you mentioned, so I can't be of any help as far as suggestions regarding those.

My Burb was 4/6 dropped and rode beautifully on 285/40/22s but then I bought Michelins in a 305/40 and they rubbed and scrubbed so I lifted the truck 2" all the way around.

I am currently running Rancho 9 way adjustable shocks and struts and the Trailblazer SS air bags in the rear off of the factory compressor to maintain the auto leveling functionality.