Couple questions from the newbie!

[dvarghes92]

Just picked up an 03 z71 tahoe for $11000. She has 115,000 miles and runs like a champ.
Got a couple questions, I have owned 2-door sport cars my whole life and I love this transition. So, I dont know a whole lot about SUV's and lifting and such.
She is completely bone-stock and I am planning on changing things up a little. I recently picked up a Pioneer Double Din and bought all the harness so that I can make the steering wheel controls and onstar work. Is there like a DIY for a double din install or does anyone know how to get the stock headunit out?
Also I just picked up an 07 z71 rim with brand new 33" Terra grapplers for $780 Is there a DIY to level this thing out? I have heard stuff about ford keys but I have absolutely no idea how that works.
Next, I plan on replacing the stock muffler with a Flowmaster 50 series or a 40 series and getting a CAI in the future. Also, think about purchasing a programmer. You guys have any input about a programmer to buy and a CAI?
Anyways, I am glad I purchased the hoe and totally loving it!

 

[chauncey0337]

Welcome. For the stereo, all you have to do is take off the bezel that goes around the gauges, stereo, and heater controls. It's all one piece and it just pops off. And the stereo slides out by pressing two tabs. Most cai's work the same so go cheap. For programming, I suggest a black bear tune. I've heard nothing but great stuff about them. Good luck.

 

[Z-56 Hoe]

AFE or volant for the CAI IMO but airraid and K&N work good too. The ford keys are to turn your T-Bars! Don't get a programer get a Tune! As stated above the radio is easy hey your key in so you can move the shifter to remove the bezel. Congrats and Welcome to TYF!

 

[dvarghes92]

Would you recommend getting new shocks too? I heard it rides kind of rough after putting the lift on? How much lift with keys is too much lift where I wore the parts out? And last question, why should I go with a tune other than a programmer?
Thanks guys!

 

[Z-56 Hoe]

You get way more bang for your buck a programer is limited. A tune can re adjust the vehicle torque management system on our Tahoe's. which makes a huge difference.

 

[skbishop90]

Would you recommend getting new shocks too? I heard it rides kind of rough after putting the lift on? How much lift with keys is too much lift where I wore the parts out? And last question, why should I go with a tune other than a programmer?
Thanks guys!

I would always recommend new shocks whenever you do a suspension upgrade. You will need new shocks due to the extended length from the lift. The keys will make the truck ride a little rough whether you get new shocks or not. I could get technical on how the torsion bars acts like a spring and all but basically if you add keys, you will in turn tighten the torsion bar in order to lift the front. The tighter the torsion bars the firmer and stiffer the front suspension gets. You will sacrifice a little ride quality for looks. BUT the good thing is that you can dial in the exact look and ride you wont based on the amount you adjust the torsion bars.

 

[dvarghes92]

What shocks do you recommend? I was thinking about going Rough Country. Also, would it be fine if I do a 3" lift in the front and 2" lift in the rear with keys?

 

[TheFuzz]

Bilstein 5100s all the way for shocks. The limitations on lifting the front suspension come from your CV geometry. Too high, and the CVs will bind. Three inches is the most I would feel comfortable going if you're doing ford keys. I'd stay closer to 2 1/2 inches at first then check your geometry. Lots of options for rear coil spacers. On my yukon I was running 2" in the front with 1" coil spacers, and 285/75/16 Nittos. In retrospect I would have done 2.5" up front and 2" spacers in the rear.

Email Justin or Jenna from black bear for a tune. There is no substitute IMO.

 

[dvarghes92]

Also, I have air ride, what is this concept? Something I have to worry about when lifting the tahoe? Sorry for all these questions and I really appreciate all the input!

---------- Post added at 10:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:53 PM ----------

This is what I am thinking about doing:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AR-3-Front-...&fits=Model:Tahoe&hash=item3f2195c28b&vxp=mtr
And buying 4 new shocks. How does this sound?

 

[Z-56 Hoe]

Yes auto ride makes it more pricey! ( normally )