Z55 rebuild or bilsteins

[Ilikemtb999]

That’s a common thing to say about putting good money after bad on an 09 LTZ you paid $7k for. It’s actually just the opposite though.

My rig was stickered for $88k when new in 09. 11 years later I picked it up for $14.5k. Last year, after 4 years of ownership it got a new trans, all fluids flushed, $5k worth of deferred maintenance and it was only $6.5k to getr done.

The trans rebuild was $5k but the deferred maint was the parts cost from R/A. With the trans coming out all parts are bolt off & on with trans replacement.

If you want to drop it more than 2-3” there’s no need to discuss keeping the autoride.

My last Tahoe had a 2/3 drop. I enjoyed it. Started life lifted, I lowered it then eventually went stock rear height and level block in front to sell it.

 

[petethepug]

Gotcha, looks like the best advice to get is from the one who’s filling out the project build sheet on the LTZ.

 

[Ilikemtb999]

Gotcha, looks like the best advice to get is from the one who’s filling out the project build sheet on the LTZ.

I appreciate your knowledge on z55 replacement stuff but my original post mentions asking about people who have swapped out z55 for something else. I get that you seem to like oem things. Sometimes there’s better, sometimes there’s worse. Again, I’d like to hear from people that have gone the other route too.

 

[Twov8sandat4]

I appreciate your knowledge on z55 replacement stuff but my original post mentions asking about people who have swapped out z55 for something else. I get that you seem to like oem things. Sometimes there’s better, sometimes there’s worse. Again, I’d like to hear from people that have gone the other route too.

After going through two compressors, I swapped the entire suspension out for the Monroe setup F/R. Not entirely happy with it as those were meant for 18" wheel/tire trucks, and my Escalade has 22s, so it doesn't have the "give" the 18s do. Rides nice on the highway, but it doesn't like bumps. Not going back to the stock setup, so I will be on the hunt for something that will work with the 22s.

 

[Big Mama]

As mentioned several of us have gone away from oem and returned due to poor ride quality and sometimes unsafe handling. In my case the rear was too bouncy. The front was ok but the non oem strut spring combo raised it 2” which negated my drop spindles.

 

[Gearz]

I have a 2011 LTZ W/Z55 and the shocks have lasted for 13 yrs with no problems. Go OEM or you’ll regret it! My rear compressor let go 2 yrs ago but the shocks are in good shape so I’m not replacing them until there bad.

 

[Grady_Wilson]

FWIW - When the steering angle sensor went out in the middle of winter it disabled the Stabilitrak and the Traction Control systems.
It was a night and day difference in stability on snowy / icy roads with both disabled compared to when the entire system is operating properly.

So, if you live where weather may be an issue, you may want to stick with the OEM Z55 setup.

 

[Ilikemtb999]

FWIW - When the steering angle sensor went out in the middle of winter it disabled the Stabilitrak and the Traction Control systems.
It was a night and day difference in stability on snowy / icy roads with both disabled compared to when the entire system is operating properly.

So, if you live where weather may be an issue, you may want to stick with the OEM Z55 setup.

I live in Denver. I can’t imagine the tcs or stabilitrac not functioning when running resistors. Worst case scenario it would be like when I daily drove a 2wd Silverado that didn’t have tcs, or my Roadmaster wagon or my k5.

 

[Grady_Wilson]

I live in Denver. I can’t imagine the tcs or stabilitrac not functioning when running resistors. Worst case scenario it would be like when I daily drove a 2wd Silverado that didn’t have tcs, or my Roadmaster wagon or my k5.

With resistors, your stability system is only going to get a single reading from each shock, meaning the system will not receive accurate, live feedback.
The system may function with the resistors but it will not be as responsive as it would be with live feedback, but if you're good with that, then the added responsiveness shouldn't dissuade you from doing the Z55 delete.

 

[Ilikemtb999]

With resistors, your stability system is only going to get a single reading from each shock, meaning the system will not receive accurate, live feedback.
The system may function with the resistors but it will not be as responsive as it would be with live feedback, but if you're good with that, then the added responsiveness shouldn't dissuade you from doing the Z55 delete.

Would it not rely on the yaw sensor like tahoes with stabilitrac and standard suspension?