Suspension I think is gone

[David4Jesus]

My 08 LTZ Suburbans air shocks are all shot to crap. My 07 Yukon didn't have airside and in my opinion rode perfectly. What can I switch my Suburban out to in order to get a softer ride. I'd also like to get it down to about what the law enforcement versions run at as far as height goes and I'm looking to go cheap. Thanks for any help.

 

[OneTwo]

There are many options for shock-swapping and several options for lowering as well.

If you're going to a conventional, non-autoride setup, you'll want to bypass your autoride system so you don't have the "Service suspension" warning on your dash. This thread will tell you how: http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/autoride-bypass.48518/

As I understand it, the autoride and conventional shocks are the same size, so you can bolt in whatever you want; autoride replacements from Arnott, OEM non-autoride struts, aftermarket struts, etc. If you liked the way your 07 Yukon rode, I would just buy some conventional OEM replacement struts.

Lowering the front:
Adjustable 1"-2": Belltech drop struts or McGaughy's coil relocators.
Non-adjustable 2": Belltech/McGaughy's spindles or lowering springs
3"+: Spindles and springs/struts combo

Lowering the rear:
Springs and possibly shock extenders, but I'm not sure exactly which springs are only a 2" drop. Belltech 5305s will get you a 3 or 4" drop, depending on whether you use the provided spacer or not.

2" front, 3" rear is the most common mild drop on these rigs. There should be tons of pictures and info on this forum about that setup.

 

[puckhead]

Are shocks pretty easy to do yourself without special tools? Not lowering just swapping out.

 

[M3kanic]

If it is just shocks then it is two bolts. One on top and one at the bottom. If it is autoride then there will be a wire connector and a hose up top also.

 

[puckhead]

If it is just shocks then it is two bolts. One on top and one at the bottom. If it is autoride then there will be a wire connector and a hose up top also.

Thanks! Just wanted to make sure they weren't compressed or anything.

 

[Chip18]

I think your thinking of "MacPherson Struts??" These are shocks so no coil spring compressor need.

But these days ... "YouTube" is your freind. :

Just something I grabbed.

 

[992dr]

Are shocks pretty easy to do yourself without special tools? Not lowering just swapping out.

NNBS have front struts. You will need to remove the whole assembly. They sell complete assemblies or just the strut. Its fairly easy and straight forward to remove/install.

 

[Rocket Man]

I think your thinking of "MacPherson Struts??" These are shocks so no coil spring compressor need.

But these days ... "YouTube" is your freind. :

Just something I grabbed.

That video is for a 1998....2008's are different. They do indeed have coilover struts.

 

[Chip18]

Seriously??? Gotta crawl back under there yet again! Just got our 04 Denali ... I saw the Torsion bars and "assumed" regular shocks up front, well with an air hose and wires and "stuff."

Aww ... OK just checked our 2004 has T Bars so no coil springs up front but ... you are correct. So ... :





But "apparently" 2007 to 2014 are different ... who knew??? But to be "nit picky" technically ... those are not "Coil Overs" that's a "Mcpherson Strut." I had no idea anyone used them on trucks?? Similar but different. Typically "CoilOvers" are 2.25 and 2.5o inch in diameter and you don't need a "coil spring compressor" to change them out. There is no tension on them. But a "Mcpherson Strut" ... yeah ... that's a different story!

Take that nut off without compressing the spring ... and you could "DIE!" No big deal so the "OP" just needs to "rent" a Coil spring compressor.

They clamp around the outside of the spring and "compress the spring" allowing the "SAFE REMOVAL" of the strut nut!

Like this:

mef4U

Not my goal to get someone "KILLED HERE!" Thanks for the heads up!

And ... if I make ask what the hell does "NNBS" mean?? I have seen that and "OBS" all this is new to me?? I'm a "Car" guy.

 

[puckhead]

NNBS have front struts. You will need to remove the whole assembly. They sell complete assemblies or just the strut. Its fairly easy and straight forward to remove/install.

Gotcha, thanks for that. I just got the strut from Arnott then. Not the whole assembly. Do I need the full assembly?