New Bilstein shocks at all 4 corners with 3/5.5

[haehlSt0rm]

Last week I replaced all 4 shocks with Bilsteins, and they really improved my ride.

I have Tony's 3/5.5 drop, purchased in 2011 that came with the DJM Calmax shocks. I dont know how I went 2 years with those shocks on there. Way too soft and mushy, which created a bouncy, wild ride.

The Bilsteins definitely firmed up my ride and made things much smoother. I am VERY satisfied with how it turned out. Here are the p/n for the shocks, and shock extenders that I am running:

Front:http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bsn-24-013284 (some modification reqd)
Rear:http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bsn-24-143806 (stock length shock, shock extender reqd in order to use when low in rear)
Shock extender I used:http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mmc-33070/overview/make/gmc

I refered to this thread http://tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41144&highlight=bilstein&page=4 quite a bit.

Big thanks to Alex33 for answering endless questions via PM.

I did not do the install of the shocks, but the modification of the front shocks is explained briefly in the thread I refered to above.

A shorter shock in the rear would be a better set up, but I don't plan on going lower at all in the rear so these are perfect for me. Other than that, I would recommend these shocks to anyone using Tony's or any 3/5 lowering kit.

 

[JayXSP]

Good deal!. Im ready to pull the trigger on the Bilsteins if my truck doesnt sell in the next couple weeks

 

[haehlSt0rm]

I definitely recommend the bilsteins. I was throwing around the idea of selling my yukon for awhile but the new shockks and a few other small maintenance fixes made me love it again. Now I am just waiting to sell my 24s so I can buy some 22s and really love it again! good luck with your sale, very clean truck.

I should also mention that i do have airlift 1000 helper bags in the rear springs.

 

[candyman74]

rear shocks

i thought you have to run shorter shocks in the back so the springs dont fall out? how does adding just the shock extenders with a factory shock work with the 5.5 springs? i have the same lowering kit and in need of new shocks thats why im asking about the rear.

 

[NORCAL SS]

The springs can fall out yes. The belltech street performance shock rides a lot better then the djms this is why now I no longer use the djm shocks

 

[Bass911]

I'm thinking about these same shocks instead of Belltech Street for a 2/3 drop on 26" rims, don't know what to do?

 

[Goodinblack]

Before decisions are made Google .....

Twin tube vs. Mono tube.

 

[haehlSt0rm]

I did a lot of research on the forum and PMing members, as well as googling before I made a purchase. It improved my ride greatly, compared to the DJM Calmax shocks that I had on beforehand. I cannot speak for the BT Street Performance shocks as I have not had them before. The members I spoke to and referring to the thread that I posted above, are not fans of Belltech SPs. I took their word for it and am enjoying the ride. I wish I could help more.

As for the springs falling out, my installer didn't have any concern of that. I would like to think that the circumstances would have to be pretty extreme for that to happen, but I could be wrong. The rear shocks would not have enough travel if installed without an extender.

I believe there is a shorter universal Bilstein p/n 5125 that is 21.xx" extended. But it is made for a smaller, more lightweight truck than our heavy SUVs and that's why I was hesitant about using that shock in the rear.

 

[NORCAL SS]

free travel mod
belltech sp shocks
I like it

 

[M Hankel]

There is a good reason why GM (and others) trusts Bilstein. They are a shock company with extensive R&D and racing background and their quality control is second to none. The same can not be said for other shocks.

Mike