2009 Tahoe LT- Handling package...Sways, Shocks and 2" rear drop

[metelhead]

NOOB here!

Just purchased an 09 LT, I drive for a living about 45K-50K miles a year.. and mostly freeway, with country roads and some gravel mixed in, but I get a huge variety of weather to go around, lots of rain, ice, snow and dry too.

So that said, I'm needing to make my Tahoe a handling dream- some combination that just make this rig feel planted on all four corners regardless of the terrain or conditions all without make it ride to harsh.... Oh yeah, one other thing- Tires will be 17" Yokohama's Geotech's.
So here is what I'm proposing to do: And please pipe in and let me know if I'm heading in the right direction-

Bilsteins HD or 5100(I would like to run the 5100's so I can dial in the compression and rebound if possible, but not sure I can run them if I drop the rear???)

Sway Bars F & R.....Eibach? Bell tech?

Leveling rear Kit 2" drop- who?

Thanks

 

[Conor]

If you are going to do the drop, dont just drop the rear. In my opinion, when you drop the rear only it squats and looks like it has a Cali lean. Just my opinion of course, others may not share that opinion.

 

[metelhead]

If you are going to do the drop, dont just drop the rear. In my opinion, when you drop the rear only it squats and looks like it has a Cali lean. Just my opinion of course, others may not share that opinion.

Thanks....so either go with a 2/3 or nothing. Which 2/3?

 

[metelhead]

No other input????? what other sites for Tahoe's have heavier traffic?

 

[Modded]

Metel this site has the mot traffic of any other Tahoe/Yukon site, but your question has been answered so much nobody feels like replying anymore
Get a 2/3 drop just like said above, a rear only drop cost too much when a 2/3 can be gotten for like $110-$150 more.
For a 2/3, McGaughys is the most popular for the newer SUVs, then comes Belltech or DJM.

 

[NORCAL SS]

belltech 2/3 kit rides like a dream. in rear the springs are adjustable also. mate that up with street performance shocks in rear by belltech your set to go.

if you have any questions ask away ive done tons of these trucks with the belltech and or djm kits.

 

[quick66ss]

Metelhead

I have the Pedders kit on mine and like the way it rides.

 

[metelhead]

Thanks for the further input guys....

So many choices.....McGaughys, Belltech, DJM, Pedders.....

McGaughys/Belltech/DJM all can use drop spindles in the front and shock extenders for the rear, correct?

Pedders is the only one to use just springs and shocks- correct?..

I think I would like to use the drop spindles and keep std. geometry- so that narrows it down to Mcgaughys, belltech and djm. Is there any advantage from one brand or another...seems like alot of folks rate the Mcgaughys as the highest quality....but is that for installation, ride quality or longevity?

What are the price differences between these 3 kits?

So how do I know if I have Autoride or not?

Sorry for all the questions- just trying to get a better idea of what will suit me the best- I only want to do this once

 

[NORCAL SS]

up to you on spinldes ive sold many 07 up spindles here no issues. with 2 inch rear spring shock extenders is up to you. 3 inch i would deff do it.

the belltech drop struts ride better than stock for sure and you can get a 2 inch drop out of those.


the rear springs i do on customers trucks in about 20 minutes.

 

[metelhead]

up to you on spinldes ive sold many 07 up spindles here no issues. with 2 inch rear spring shock extenders is up to you. 3 inch i would deff do it.

the belltech drop struts ride better than stock for sure and you can get a 2 inch drop out of those.


the rear springs i do on customers trucks in about 20 minutes.

Ok- I looked on the DJM site....So you are saying I Can get 2" drop spindles and 2 or 3" shock extenders for the rear, correct?

Also the Belltech drop struts...you can get a 2" drop without spindles? I'm confused how just a shock will do that...oh wait- are these the ones with shock seat relocators?

Thanks