Leveling kit on smooth ride

[YXLSLT]

I have a 2001 Yukon with ZW7 smooth ride. It has 150k on it. I'm going to replace the shocks. While I'm there I'm thinking I might has well throw on a 3" leveling kit. What's worked for other people? Kits, shocks, springs etc....
Anything special I need in replacing the smooth ride? I can keep the original wheels for now, right?
Anything bad with a levelingkit?

 

[richs1]

I have a 2001 Yukon with ZW7 smooth ride. It has 150k on it. I'm going to replace the shocks. While I'm there I'm thinking I might has well throw on a 3" leveling kit. What's worked for other people? Kits, shocks, springs etc....
Anything special I need in replacing the smooth ride? I can keep the original wheels for now, right?
Anything bad with a levelingkit?

If this is the ZW7 code(premium smooth ride), I believe you will need to replace the rear springs with a stiffer spring, otherwise it will sag in the rear and ride crappy. If it’s 2wd, rough country sells a 3 inch lift spindle that will work well on the front, you can then buy taller springs for the rear or use a spacer. You can also buy aftermarket keys for the front torsion bars, you can get 2-3 inches that way. Spindles are the best way to go. If it’s 4wd, only option is aftermarket keys and spacers, or a full suspension lift($1500.00 plus). I have a 04 Z71 and used the keys and spacers. I’m sitting at about 39.5 at all four corners. It does put the suspension geometry at a more severe angle, not really a problem for 2wd and not a problem for 4wd unless you are doing hard off roading. Good luck.

 

[YXLSLT]

If this is the ZW7 code(premium smooth ride), I believe you will need to replace the rear springs with a stiffer spring, otherwise it will sag in the rear and ride crappy. If it’s 2wd, rough country sells a 3 inch lift spindle that will work well on the front, you can then buy taller springs for the rear or use a spacer. You can also buy aftermarket keys for the front torsion bars, you can get 2-3 inches that way. Spindles are the best way to go. If it’s 4wd, only option is aftermarket keys and spacers, or a full suspension lift($1500.00 plus). I have a 04 Z71 and used the keys and spacers. I’m sitting at about 39.5 at all four corners. It does put the suspension geometry at a more severe angle, not really a problem for 2wd and not a problem for 4wd unless you are doing hard off roading. Good luck.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it is 4x4, didn't even think about adding that.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[richs1]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it is 4x4, didn't even think about adding that.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Then definitely full suspension lift or keys and spacers. Check around for some springs off of a Z71 suburban. They are a little taller than regular Tahoe and suburbans. I have the keys and 1.5 inch spacers in the rear. Prior to new keys and spacers I was about 1/2 inch lower in the front with keys cranked as far as they would go. I am running 33x11.50x20 and still have a little rub in the rear around the shock mount, but only under heavy articulation.

 

[Taavi]

I have a 2004 Tahoe 4x4 with rear autoride system that is working fine. I would like to have a small lift, around 2 inches in rear and a bit additional in front for leveling, also I would like to keep the autoride. Can I also just use spacers for rear springs, new lifting keys in front and spacers for all shocks? Or is it somewhat more complicated with autoride?