suspension mods for the denali

[westcoast]

So after much thought and being a guinea pig for my friends shop (again) We decided to lower my denali a little more. I currently have a 2/3 drop with belltech springs keys and extenders. I also have modified sensor arms for the airride.

What we decided to do is go with a full bag rear using SS 7 slam bags and a firestone kit with compressor and 1 gallon tank. I also have a rear DJM hardware kit with trailing arms and endlinks.
The first step is to full bag the rear and then cut the front bump stop in half and machine new rods for the sensor in the front to see what kind of drop we can get. We may also install the belltech 2" spindle and we are going to keep the factory airride. I was suprised when my friend did something similar to a escalade on 24's but that was only set with a 2/3 stance. The escalade also has 315 tires but he tows a tripple axle trailer. Mine are 305 and Im unwilling to go smaller since I need the tire when I tow for the load rateing.
So depending on what happens in the shop Ill see if this works out and also we will be using 1/2" lines not looking for the fast stuff I just want what works.

Stay tuned.......................

 

[TexasFinest]

 

[westcoast]

ok well we finally got done about 3 hours ago it took about 5 hours time so far and the rear is done. We have not messed with the front yet so drive height is the exact same as before, The ride I was the most suprised with after we left the shop there was four of us and we loaded up my winter 20's and a med size tool box with about 120lbs of tools aired the rear up to 45psi and drove about 10 miles on the freeway to drop off everyone and my 20's. I have to say my thoughts is wow! What a world of difference! the ride is and feels just like stock. The only difference is of course with the 24's you feel the road much more than with the 20's After the load and the people were droped off I let the air out to 30psi in the bags and with just me in it and a half tank of gas the ride was still the same. Mon Im planning to adjust the front down probably a 1/2" and see how it rides and handles. Honestly Im thinking of leaving as is, now with the air let out of the bags the fenders will sit on the tire Im gonna adjust it though so it will sit right above the tire so just in case something happens I can still drive it to a safe place.
I then filled it up to 90psi and it goes above stock height so I did not try to fill it with more air. Im def thinking of getting the adjustable panhard bar now. Just FYI we measured the height before and 33 3/4" all the way around and thats how it still sits. I cant wait to do a little more clean up work and hook up my boat and see how it tows.
Heres some pics sorry it needs a good wash and detail.
front view

rear view

comp and tank

ride height

 

[waxworkz]

looks good. did you do the free travel mod? i have rear air ride but havent done the mod so i have to drive around at about 40psi and empty its a bit rough. also need new rear shocks, probably get the belltech street performers

 

[westcoast]

yes I did the free travel mod but Mon Im going to put a small bumpstop on the frame itself. So you also did the same thing as me? how is your setup?

 

[waxworkz]

damn i have to do the mod!!

i have ART rear bag set up. but the shocks it came with suck. way too stiff, so its bumpy

 

[westcoast]

hmmm pics? how do you have your gauges and switch mounted?

 

[waxworkz]

custom made gauge pod. switches are "in" yet. had to work out some kinks. got it all dialed in and waiting to install. hope fully next week

 

[westcoast]

cool Id like to see the pics of what you have, Right now the denali stops right at the tire touching the fender, but we checked it out today and it still has almost 3 more inches till the axle hits the frame. It actually hits the exhaust pipe all the way down.

 

[Young28]

Did he put a little more weld on that? It maybe fine like it is. Im just curious that is all.

Get more pics meow. kthxbye