02 Tahoe w/Nivomat Rears - Bilstein 4600 Replacement w/rear leveling kit?

[Freefallin02]

Hey guys I just picked up an 02 Tahoe with 158k on the clock. Suspension appears to be factory and is all pretty worn. I am going to order Bilstein 4600 replacement shocks front and rear and want to get rid of the rake. I have been reading that guys are doing the Bilsteins with a 2" rear lowering spring to get rid of the rake to make the front and rear flush. My question is do the Bilstein springs below level it out or will I have to go with an actual drop spring in the rear? Will it ride weird with front stock springs and different rear springs? I have to imagine spring rates are different.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077W2XN9...colid=QVUJ5IZ286GK&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Thanks,
Sean

 

[Matahoe]

FYI, Make sure the front shock bushings are new. You will thank me later.

The Dorman ones available on Amazon are fine from my understanding. I got the GM dealer ones. These are the big solid round rubber pieces with large metal backing washers. They keep the top of the front shocks centered in the mount. Both halves (upper and lower). The lower has a center nylon guide which is very important on our model. Keeps the shocks from rattling around.

The ones that come with aftermarket shocks are usually lacking this nylon guide and are often thinner/cheaper...insufficient. Non-Dorman or non-GM ones will cause weird loud/loose suspension noises in the front going over bumps and such.

As far as the springs go. There are two rates in the rear. One is for HD Z71 offroad suspension. And the other spring is for the Nivomat and Air Ride shocks.

 

[Freefallin02]

FYI, Make sure the front shock bushings are new. You will thank me later.

The Dorman ones available on Amazon are fine from my understanding. I got the GM dealer ones. These are the big solid round rubber pieces with large metal backing washers. They keep the top of the front shocks centered in the mount. Both halves (upper and lower). The lower has a center nylon guide which is very important on our model. Keeps the shocks from rattling around.

The ones that come with aftermarket shocks are usually lacking this nylon guide and are often thinner/cheaper...insufficient. Non-Dorman or non-GM ones will cause weird loud/loose suspension noises in the front going over bumps and such.

As far as the springs go. There are two rates in the rear. One is for HD Z71 offroad suspension. And the other spring is for the Nivomat and Air Ride shocks.

Thanks for that info do you have a link? I am trying to find more info on this setup. I read lots of info regarding the Nivomat rear replacement with springs but I a m not hearing any real-world feedback.

 

[Freefallin02]

I know the Nivomat springs are softer hence why you shouldn't run them when changing out the rears to Bilsteins like I want to do. I am just trying to find info on who has done the Bilsteins with aftermarket 2" drop springs in the rear and how the ride is. I want it to tighten up but be pretty close to a nice factory ride.

 

[Matahoe]

https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-905-5...hock+mount&dpPl=1&dpID=41ZCy4YI13L&ref=plSrch



https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-905-4...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=08S9JDV1TW4633MNFZEQ

 

[Freefallin02]

Thanks MA Tahoe.