Bilstein Help Please

[Cobra]

I ordered Bilsteins F4-BE5-E380-H0 for the rear of my Tahoe. First off the Bilsteins are not as thick as the stocks. Is this normal?
I can't get the oem shocks to budge in either way but the Bilsteins are easy to compress and pop back up on there own.
Third I mounted on the rear and my Tahoe now is sitting lower that it was before. I have not driven it yet because I was getting ready to mount the front Bilsteins F4-BE5-6500-H0. I'm just wondering if this is normal before I precede.

I do have plans to lower in the future but I'm wondering if these shocks are going to give the support needed when I put a little weight in the rear from passangers, etc....

 

[bottomline2000]

sounds like you had the nivomat shocks. I ran into the same problem and no your stock springs will not be strong enough to support any real weight. My truck rode real smooth but could not handle any bumps in the road without bottoming out. Bilstein sells a stiffer spring to compliment their shocks and the factory had to make them when I ordered mine so you may have to wait. I think I'm 1" lower than stock with them. You probably got a 2-3" drop in the rear now.

Front shocks are great, stiff at first. If only the rear was valved the same.

check this thread out..

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6505&page=2

 

[Cobra]

seriously!

thx. for the info.

IS there a way to to see if I have the nivomat shock package. Vin code or something?

---------- Post added at 11:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 PM ----------

ZW7 code in glove box. I just googled. So I guess now I have to pull back off and see if I can return them.

---------- Post added at 12:33 AM ---------- Previous post was Yesterday at 11:42 PM ----------

ZW7 code

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25340

www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum...?t=6505&page=2

Does this setup also affect the front shocks (Bilsteins F4-BE5-6500-H0)?

Okay Guys I need real advice now. The two threads above show I would have to use Z71 springs or order special Bilstein springs.
I plan on doing a 2-3 drop so what set up would I use?
Yeah common sense the Z71 spring is out of the question. Do I want to order the special Bilstein shock to replace the Nivomat or do I keep these Bilsteins F4-BE5-E380-H0 and just do the drop? I was planning on going with the McGaughy spindle up front and springs in the rear. What should I do? If I got to pull off I need to start asap because I need the Tahoe tomorrow.

Please give me your knowledge. Thx.

 

[Alex33]

Keep the Bilsteins and do the drop. With the drop springs, new spindle and new shocks all around, any "smooth ride" package and it's components will be off the truck anyway so it will ride like a non special-optioned truck. jmho

 

[Cobra]

Yeah Alex33 I was thinking that too.
I'm just wondering if I would be better off with the special order Bilstein shock and the drop? See I'm unsure if with the drop and without the Special shock this hoe is gonna bottom out and ride like shit?
Or would the special shock and the drop not work together?
I was planning on headers but maybe the drop will have to come first.

 

[Cobra]

Never mind looks like there is no special shock. Bilstein sells a spring to use with it's shocks. Spring part number 199020 or spring part number 199021.
So Either I ride Nivomat or I don't. Dam now I know why when I loaded the TAhoe with Tile it hardly dropped.

 

[bottomline2000]

The Bilsteins you have in the rear are the ones everyone else is using and the fronts with drop spindles shouldn't be a problem either. I know I've seen guys on here run that combo. You just need new springs. If you are planning on a drop just get the drop springs and maybe talk to Tony about shock extenders. Bilstein springs are about $70.

I just had 500lb of topsoil and with a 100lb speaker box and jack in the back and the shocks handled the weight fine so you just need springs IMO.

FWIW the Nivomats seem to be more of a heavy duty option that rode best when I pulled a trailer or was loaded down. Otherwise I didn't like the way they rode.

 

[Cobra]

Yeah I just feel like I'm taking away from the Tahoe instead of making it better. I had to come to work early today so I am riding on the Bilsteins. It feels softer but a little mushy. They again thats probably because the springs are not up to the load bearing spec without the Nivomats. Also took a speed bump and heard a thump in the rear. Maybe bottoming out. I have to weigh my options now and decide on getting a drop kit or get my Headers now, put the OEM Nivomats back on and sit on the shocks till I'm ready for the drop.

 

[Alex33]

It sounds like you're not quite sold. I would go with the headers and sit on the shocks if you must mod right away Worst case, you can sell your billies on here. I'm sure someone will take them off your hands.

 

[Cobra]

After thinking about it I'm going to put the Nivomats back on in the rear. I have driven the truck a couple of times with the Bilsteins and it is a softer ride but, after looking at Mcgaughys 2-3 lowering kits I saw the have two kits #11010 to be used with after market shocks and #33047 to be used with factory self leveling hd shocks. I questioned McGaughys FB page and got some info. after evaluating the pros and cons I have decided to go with #33047 2/3 lowering kit. I feel it would be better for me at this time.