Lowered 2007 Tahoe help needed

[stephendudra]

2007 Tahoe LTZ came factory with Air ride

Bought all my stuff from Norcal to lower the rear and front. Air ride had bad shocks and pump was gone. Removed and put regular shocks all the way around with Belltech shocks as well.

The back is the standard lowering springs, etc and the front is lowered with lowering shocks.

I have tried to live with the rough ride but cannot take it anymore. I have ordered lowering spindles, complete new Monroe strut assemblies, new upper and lower control arms and new complete hubs for the front. I PRAY that this will soften the ride in the front some.

The rear just does not compress when I hit a bump in the road. HOWEVER, if I have my boat attached, it has a much softer ride and I am thinking this is because I have the air bag within the spring to compensate for the load.

What am I missing here??? I DO NOT want to go back to stock to get a better ride!! I love the look and the denali I had previously, road so much better lowered!!!

Anyone else experience this? How can I soften the ride to allow this 50k automobile (new of course) ride as it is supposed to.

ANY and ALL suggestions welcome!!

 

[NORCAL SS]

1) did you do free travel mod
2) did you use shock extenders
3) did you do the djm new endlinks
4) did you use the 1 inch spacer in rear or just the coils by themselves?

 

[t76turbo]

In addition to what Tony asked above, something you didn't mention was how much you have the air bag helper aired up to?

I don't have the helper airbags in mine lowered with the kit from Tony. But I have read guys talk about the pressures they run.... It is very low from what I read. Them being over inflated could be the cause of you saying it rides good when the boat is attached since it is able to compress and let the suspension move.

 

[stephendudra]

1) did you do free travel mod -- YES
2) did you use shock extenders -- YES
3) did you do the djm new endlinks -- YES
4) did you use the 1 inch spacer in rear or just the coils by themselves? -- YES

To also answer the question with the air bags, I have deflated the bags completely and honestly do not really need them when I pull the boat UNLESS I load the Tahoe down with a bunch of guys.

I wish I had some pictures NorCal of the stuff installed in the rear end. I have moved over piece in the back (sway bar (torsion) maybe)

I DO believe lowering with Spindles in the front WILL help with the ride in the front, but I cannot understand why when I load the back down it rides better....

 

[NORCAL SS]

Ok here's few little things that make Hugh differemce.

1. You drilled 2 holes for new mount on drivers,side axle for swaybar bracket right?
2. AT MOST rear endlinks,should have 30 lbs torque. If its more will ride really stiff.
3. REMOVE rear spacer

Do the 3 things above then see how,ride is.

 

[stephendudra]

1. You drilled 2 holes for new mount on drivers,side axle for swaybar bracket right?
2. AT MOST rear endlinks,should have 30 lbs torque. If its more will ride really stiff.
3. REMOVE rear spacer

Yes I drilled the 2 new holes and moved sway bar over.
I will have to get the torque wrench out and check the endlinks
I will remove the rear spacer as I do like the look lower in the back, but will do that when I do the front end. I have to remove the DJM endlinks anyhow to get the spacer out so I can do it all at once.

ANYTHING else?? Would putting actual Air shocks on the rear help the ride better?? These are what I was looking at.

http://www.monroe.com/en-US/catalog/e-Catalog/MA830

 

[NORCAL SS]

Did you mount shocks facing up? Now on endlinks unloosen all 4 bolts so want come out and ride around block then torque them wuth full weight on them.

Also did you cut the entire bracket ie 12 inches about off the frame?

How much space between bumpstop on axle and frame in rear?

 

[stephendudra]

I had to laugh a little regarding the shock mounts, but yes they are right side up. Yes the free travel mod has been done and rear end is not hitting the frame.

It is just REALLY stiff and in the rear, there is no "clunking" sound it is just stiff and doesn't absorb a bump as it did before these mods. Just trying to "soften" the ride up before it makes me go buy something else. lol

 

[NORCAL SS]

I've been doing this for years on these never had anyone say rides like no travel unless endlinks are over torqued.

Pass side should have more bend on endlink also

 

[stephendudra]

I will check the torque on those since that is easily accessed. What are your thoughts on the Monroe Air Shocks? Seems like a good alternative to the factory air shocks.