2013 Z71 Suburban for Overlanding - tire/suspension input request

[swathdiver]

Our resident transmission guy is in your AO, @NickTransmissions

I would keep the stock wheels and run 265-70-18 or 275-70-18 tires with a level.

 

[Marshall 008]

As many will say and myself included. Don’t go cheap on suspension. I installed the 5100’s with the Moogs and didn’t care for them. The ride was good but was limited. If your going to add stuff in the future then lay the foundation now.
I ended up going with Fox 2.5’s adjustable coil overs, Dirt King UCA’s, and custom made rear lift springs to accommodate additional weight for rear tire carrier, roof rack, etc. I would first try to figure out what your long term goals are. That way you might not have to do things twice.

 

[Trey Hardy]

I second the above. I’ve had 5100s on all my previous trucks and been happy but on my Tahoe not so much I run icons because I got them for a deal but kings are supposed to the top notch foxs are good also. The coil overs and upper control arms will make the biggest difference and going from normal extended control arms to uniballs with more travel definitely helped the ride quality and handing.
My setup is fairly simple
Dirt king fab locking alignment cams
Fabtech uniball uca
Cut the bump stops
Icon 2.0 coil overs
Kryptonite wheel bearing and lower ball joint and sway bar links
I’m lifted around 8” though
The rear is just a simple adjustable panhard Bar to center the rearend and trailing arm drop brackets

 

[Tozan]

I have longer travel King suspension on mine just over 10 inches of travel running 35's ground clearance is very good and ride quality is great..

 

[Project Workshop]

For the front Fox 2.0’s with a new UCA are a great option to get you out there. I’ve really enjoyed my setup, but depending on your driving/terrain you may be looking for a set of 2.5’s like I find myself now.

Depending on the weight you added or plan to add in the rear you may deal with sag even with lift springs. I came across these Dobinson rear springs at Baseline Overland that I’m hoping will solve the sag.

DOBINSONS 2" LIFT REAR COILS FOR GM 2007-ON WITH 660-880 LB CONSTANT L

Get ready to upgrade your GM SUV with Dobinsons 2 inch lift Rear Coils made specifically for your hard to outfit vehicle! Enjoy improved off-road performance and free shipping from Baseline Overland. Shop now!

baselineoverland.com

Look forward to seeing pictures of your build!

 

[mrpeterclark]

Here's ours. Don't need to do all of this to get out there and enjoy it. I would recommend a 2-2.5" front lift and upper control arms to correct the ball joint angle, a decent rear shock, and I'm a fan of the dobinsons 2" lift springs. I changed to the constant load option with the addition of the rear bumper and weight pushing the weight of the spare back etc.
Happy to answer any questions. We specialize in outfitting suburbans.

Here is our suspension setup:
· Icon 2.5 Coil Overs at 2.5" lift front (71555c) [reservoirs w/ compression adjusters]
· Icon 2.0 rear shocks (76526)
· Cognito Upper Control Arms
· Napa Extended Travel CV Axles
· Moog Hubs
· Kryptonite Upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends.
· Dobinson 2" lift 660-880 lb. constant load rear springs (C09-037)
· Air Lift helper bags (60913 for Dobinson springs)
· SDE magneride and autoride delete shockdeletes.com
You can find my full build list on this forum or here.

 

[Coveman]

This is perfect concise input - thank you very much. This being a z71 model… any idea how the mood 80069 I’m the rears compare to the z71 rear springs?

Aftermarket bumpers, winch, and removing the factory step rails also potential future endeavors… I figure the step rails might come off naturally; I tore the ones off my 2002 tahoe z71 pushing the limits off-road on a couple of occasions.

I’m a little concerned on the beefiness required to winch a loaded down suburban…. And a little concerned aftermarket bumpers and winch will add some Significant weight… so will wait to explore those mods after I have the basics dialed in.

 

[Coveman]

I think the gmt900 approach and departure angles are going to be a limiting factor. I wheeled my gmt400 burb over the Imogene pass (“jeep trail”) no problem but I’m sure I’d have dragged the 2013’s air dam and probably the front plastic bumper on the trail. I have a feeling the spare will drag significantly as well (the hitch on the 1999 made ground contact but the spare was mounted inside the truck). My ‘13 burb has a 2 1/2” RC lift and working under it is a breeze but I think It’ll still have significantly more approach/departure contact than my 99.