Picked up a hand me down '02 Tahoe LS with 135k. This thing is a beast and is the strongest high milage vehicle I've ever come across. She has busted out four road trips in the Texas heat with out nary a whimper. That being said I need to show her a little maintence love and there is where my questions lay.
1. Rear shock replacement
The beast has the zw7 suspension. As you all are aware the nivomat replacements are very expensive with replacement cost starting above 200$. I know I can replace the rears with Bilsteins as long as I use the accompanying spring #199021. I was hoping to get some real world feedback from any members regarding their experience with the conversion. Ie. towing, on road feel, and installation.
2. Front suspension noise
When turning right over uneven pavement the drivers side suspension makes a noticeable noise. The prior owner noted that his mechanic said the noise was indicative of Tahoes of this era. I don't know how much of that i belive. I'm assuming that replacing front struts/shocks should alleviate the issue. What does the vast pool of Tahoe knowledge here think?
3. Replacement fender flares
The southeast Texas heat is brutal on exterior plastic body parts and has done a number on the rear matte finished pieces on the Tahoe. Anyone have any referrals to high quality replacements? Perhaps even prepainted ones that would match the color code.
I guess that was really a few questions instead of couple. I've STFF re the above questions as well as beating google to a pulp with every possible combinations of phrases. Thanks in advance to all the responders and sorry for the long first post.
Ron
1. Rear shock replacement
The beast has the zw7 suspension. As you all are aware the nivomat replacements are very expensive with replacement cost starting above 200$. I know I can replace the rears with Bilsteins as long as I use the accompanying spring #199021. I was hoping to get some real world feedback from any members regarding their experience with the conversion. Ie. towing, on road feel, and installation.
2. Front suspension noise
When turning right over uneven pavement the drivers side suspension makes a noticeable noise. The prior owner noted that his mechanic said the noise was indicative of Tahoes of this era. I don't know how much of that i belive. I'm assuming that replacing front struts/shocks should alleviate the issue. What does the vast pool of Tahoe knowledge here think?
3. Replacement fender flares
The southeast Texas heat is brutal on exterior plastic body parts and has done a number on the rear matte finished pieces on the Tahoe. Anyone have any referrals to high quality replacements? Perhaps even prepainted ones that would match the color code.
I guess that was really a few questions instead of couple. I've STFF re the above questions as well as beating google to a pulp with every possible combinations of phrases. Thanks in advance to all the responders and sorry for the long first post.
Ron