Hauling VERY heavy with an '02 Tahoe Z71, NEED stiffer springs

[Tonimus]

Or maybe some Timbrens? Looks like the rears are $270 and seem pretty easy to install.

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https://static.thiecommerce.com/assets/production/timbren-ses-GMRG25C/9cf16f6f0aa432869854f40b9d5801a8.pdf

Ok, I checked and both Suburbans (04 4x4 and 06 2wd, both 2500 with the LQ4) have the 6GK and 7GK RPO codes.

Regarding cranking the torsion keys, yes, that will raise the height of the suspension (what most will call "leveled"), and will also make the vehicle ride a bit harsher. My 06 had the keys cranked when I bought it from the PO. I rebuilt the suspension about 2 years ago and when I got an alignment, completely forgot that I had meant to restore it back to factory settings, so I just left it like that.

These are exactly the big Timbren "bump stops" I was talking about.

If I crank them all the way up, does the front increase in height / angle? Need to avoid this, must avoid any height gain front or rear.
A torsion bar unloading tool also sounds like an idea I'm already sold on, though.

Kinda. It will if it is unloaded. I doubt you'd need to adjust, but if the front sags too much under load, you're basically adding a little extra spring rate. You'll just have to remove it again when unloaded.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Ok, for now, I'll limit my question:
are stiffer rear coils available, that are physically compatible with my Tahoe?
If so, who makes these stiffer coils?
A stiffer GM ACDelco coil would of course be preferable, but I want stiffer rear coils.

(I'll worry about stiffer torsion bars later.)

 

[Tonimus]

Z71 springs are the heavier springs for Tahoes.

 

[Tonimus]

I suppose you might be able add a set of the nivomat shocks to it. They have built in load leveling for use with a lighter spring. They came stock on the G65 ZW7 RPOs. I have a line on a set if you want to PM me, I'll send the guys details. I was/am looking for a set, but the race car needs the disposable income for the race coming up.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Since I've already got those ...
Can my Tahoe use H2 coils?

 

[Tonimus]

Actually Dayton springs 70% over stock or 35% over stock direct fit:

2000 - 2020 Chevy / GMC Avalanche 1500, Escalade, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL Extra Heavy Duty Rear Coil Springs (Variable Rate)

2000-2023 Chevy / GMC SUV rear coil springs. Variable Rate. Extra Heavy Duty. Sold as a pair. Add maximum support to your Suburban or Tahoe today!

www.generalspringkc.com

2000 - 2020 Chevy / GMC Avalanche 1500, Escalade, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL Heavy Duty Rear Coil Springs (Variable Rate)

Upgrade your Chevy/GMC with coil springs. Special deals available!

www.generalspringkc.com

 

[Tonimus]

Dorman 70% over: https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/dorman,929930,coil+spring,7512
Dorman 35% over: https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/dorman,929929,coil+spring,7512

ORVietVet posted a RockAuto discount code, too. 310877415215915197

 

[Marky Dissod]

Actually Dayton springs 70% over stock or 35% over stock direct fit:

2000 - 2020 Chevy / GMC Avalanche 1500, Escalade, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL Extra Heavy Duty Rear Coil Springs (Variable Rate)

2000-2023 Chevy / GMC SUV rear coil springs. Variable Rate. Extra Heavy Duty. Sold as a pair. Add maximum support to your Suburban or Tahoe today!

www.generalspringkc.com

2000 - 2020 Chevy / GMC Avalanche 1500, Escalade, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL Heavy Duty Rear Coil Springs (Variable Rate)

Upgrade your Chevy/GMC with coil springs. Special deals available!

www.generalspringkc.com

Dorman 70% over: https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/dorman,929930,coil+spring,7512
Dorman 35% over: https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/dorman,929929,coil+spring,7512

ORVietVet posted a RockAuto discount code, too. 310877415215915197

Hmmm ... 35% or 70% over ... what is the GM OE spring rate in lb/inch?
Still, these are both very helpful, thank you.
Interesting, looks like Tahoes & Suburbans (1500) both used the same rear coil spring?

This may be an odd question:
Did the GMT900 2500 Suburbans use rear leaves or rear coils? I know they used front torsion bars like GMT800s.

 

[Tonimus]

Hmmm ... 35% or 70% over ... what is the GM OE spring rate in lb/inch?
Still, these are both very helpful, thank you.
Interesting, looks like Tahoes & Suburbans (1500) both used the same rear coil spring?

This may be an odd question:
Did the GMT900 2500 Suburbans use rear leaves or rear coils? I know they used front torsion bars like GMT800s.

The Dorman at least are variable. Not sure about OEM. The original payload capacity is 1600 pounds or so. I would equate 35% as about 2200 pounds.

Can't speak on the 2500s. Get tons of conflicting info. Looks like some were coil and some were leaf.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Maybe I should start another thread to ask 2500 owners to educate duh masses about their vehicles?

Since I'm sure there are such things as 2500 ExpresSavanas, do those 2500 vans use rear leaves, or coils?
What about the 1500 vans? Do they use rear coils?
And most importantly again, are they compatible with Tahoes?

All that said, those 33% stiffer coils look like what I'm about to do, if my other curiosities turn out to be dark dead ends.

 

[stutaeng]

All 2500 SUVs (Suburbans and Avalanches) used leaf springs, this includes the GMT800/900 and the K2xx Suburban 3500HD.

All Express/Savana vans also used leaf springs: 1500, 2500 and 3500s. I believe they are similar to the trucks, in that the 1500 frames (6 lug) are different than the 2500/3500 (8 lug) frames. IDK how the SUV leaf springs compare to the van leaf springs. I do know the SUV leafs are different length as the pick-ups, so they don't swap. But unfortunately, none of those will work with coil spring suspension.

I was going to suggest swapping/modifying to rear leafs on the Tahoe, but I did a search on Google and didn't find anything on it. Would require some welding and fabrication.

The stiffer rear coils seem like the ticket for you.

 

[ORVietVet]

I am going to say again and then get out of this thread: Rent a truck or trailer. Or get a 3/4 ton Suburban.

 

[Marky Dissod]

I am going to say again and then get out of this thread: Rent a truck or trailer. Or get a 3/4 ton Suburban.

I heard you, both times, including when warning me not to.
I don't plan on doing it again, in fact I plan on not doing it again.

Whether or not HE gets a trailer, or a 2500 vehicle, is up to him.
I will NOT let him overuse my Tahoe again.

That said ...

 

[Marky Dissod]

I'm also the guy who installed various limousine/tow package/9C1 parts on his '94 Cadillac Fleetwood in '99, because
... how do I say this politely ...
I've no appreciation of or desire for typical civilian suspension packages.

Later I also did the same for my Caprice wagon,
because I've preferred stiffly sprung vehicles that prioritize handling over pleasing everyone else for the past 35 years.
Even if I'd already started with a Tahoe PPV or SSV, I'd STILL want to find stiffer springs & shocks & stuff for it.

Carrying all that extra weight ONCE simply reminded me what kind of driver I am.

For what it's worth, thank you all for the help with the market research AND the advice.

@ORVietVet, how stiff do you consider your ride to be, because I'm about to start looking for the front torsion bars from your 2500.

 

[Cadillacmak]

I'm also the guy who installed various limousine/tow package/9C1 parts on his '94 Cadillac Fleetwood in '99, because
... how do I say this politely ...
I've no appreciation of or desire for typical civilian suspension packages.

Later I also did the same for my Caprice wagon,
because I've preferred stiffly sprung vehicles that prioritize handling over pleasing everyone else for the past 35 years.
Even if I'd already started with a Tahoe PPV or SSV, I'd STILL want to find stiffer springs & shocks & stuff for it.

Carrying all that extra weight ONCE simply reminded me what kind of driver I am.

For what it's worth, thank you all for the help with the market research AND the advice.

@ORVietVet, how stiff do you consider your ride to be, because I'm about to start looking for the front torsion bars from your 2500.

I always have to change something on a vehicle, so I get where you are coming from.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Hopefully I won't need to start another thread to ask 2500 owners how stiff they think their rides are ...

 

[ORVietVet]

Hopefully I won't need to start another thread to ask 2500 owners how stiff they think their rides are ...

I have my 2004 Silverado K2500HD crew cab short bed and is a big difference driving it compared to my 2005 Tahoe Z71. It's supposed to be. Bought it last December and have not hauled with it yet but the stiffness is a night and day difference.

 

[Marky Dissod]

To me my Tahoe handles like a drunk rhino with a bad sense of rhythm. Sure I exaggerate, but it presently inspires no lane change confidence;
I fear an emergency swerve.
Luckily 2010 Suburban brakes reassure me every time I use them.

The handling difference between my Fleetwood with the livery suspension vs my cross-pollinated limo / tow pack / 9C1 suspension was ...
I didn't turn the Fleetwood into an autocrosser, but for a sedan almost as long & wide as a GMT400 suburban, there were 2 surprises:
How much better it handled emergency swerves.
How it was a stiff yet somehow not rough ride.

Not quite night & day, more like an overcast winter morning vs a not too sunny spring midday.

@ORVietVet, and any other 2500 owners:
UNLOADED, do you consider your 2500's ride unpleasant or harsh, or just stiff/business-like?

 

[ORVietVet]

To me my Tahoe handles like a drunk rhino with a bad sense of rhythm. Sure I exaggerate, but it presently inspires no lane change confidence;
I fear an emergency swerve.
Luckily 2010 Suburban brakes reassure me every time I use them.

The handling difference between my Fleetwood with the livery suspension vs my cross-pollinated limo / tow pack / 9C1 suspension was ...
I didn't turn the Fleetwood into an autocrosser, but for a sedan almost as long & wide as a GMT400 suburban, there were 2 surprises:
How much better it handled emergency swerves.
How it was a stiff yet somehow not rough ride.

Not quite night & day, more like an overcast winter morning vs a not too sunny spring midday.

@ORVietVet, and any other 2500 owners:
UNLOADED, do you consider your 2500's ride unpleasant or harsh, or just stiff/business-like?

No I do not think my 2500HD is too stiff or harsh. I think it is what the truck should feel like. If I thought it was, I would get a K1500.

My 2005 Tahoe Z71 handled ok but lordy lordy lordy, after the Hellwig bars, front and rear, I got a woody.

 

[AuroraGirl]

Do you have air ride on Tahoe? The trailblazer has same rear setup right? Or mo