With the last series of modifications and repairs, lots of repairs now complete. It's time to attack the drivability of our Yukon XL. When it was new, this 3 row SUV would have had automatic adjustable air ride suspension, however that system proved problematic and at some point the previous owners ripped it out and swapped in some standard Yukon or Tahoe shocks. This is a pretty common upgrade. What isn't common, is that navigating city residential streets at 15mph that the entire vehicle dives like a boat and slams like an ox-cart as the suspension bottoms out and then proceeds to float back up. So clearly we've identified two needs for this rig. Shocks and bump stocks, also maybe a trip to the chiropractor after to get my spine adjusted. *ouch*
Shocks, Struts and Bump Stops With the front strut+torsion key and rear shock+coil spring setup in this full size truck turned SUV swapping out the ride control system is really quite simple. Once we had it up in the air we examined the factory bump stops. One was missing entirely, likely succumb to a life of having its face beat in like a punching bag by this wallowing whale of a ride and the other actually fell out in three pieces when we touched it. Needless to say, the OEM units being "insufficient" is a kind way of putting things. We swapped them out for a pair of Belltech Bump Stops for a whopping $49. While we removed and inspected the old shocks and struts we realized not only were they weak, two of them were actually compressing under their own weight. Not to mention with the 6000lbs SUV sitting on them asking them to do work. We opted for a set of matching Bilstein 5100 series shocks front and rear for a total of $440.
Cost - $489
This being a shorter update today for Lagertha, we do want to focus a little on tire choice and why we went with the specific tire we did. The dry rotted firestones this truck came with, looked like they had seen 10 years of southern sun, frankly I'm surprised they even held air. Tire Upgrade
We played with a few options of wheel/tire combinations but ultimately chose to stick with the factory GMC Denali 17" wheels and a near stock tire size of 265/70R17. We did however, opt to go with a Falken Wildpeak A/T3W. This tire offers significant advantages over the factory LT/All Season style offerings of the time. The much improved All Terrain tread pattern proves more than capable on loose soil/gravel situations, forest service roads, rain and slush. We've yet to hit full swing winter here in Kansas so we'll have to report back on the winter handling of the tires but with them being three-peak mountain snowflake rated, we're looking forward to a near optimal performance from them. They are just under 32" full inflated and have handled daily driving, highway travel, towing and hauling with ease. VERY minimal road noise from them as well. Then ran us $880 from discount tire with free installation. Between the shock/strut upgrade and the new tires the ride quality is substantially improved and is much much quieter. Cost - $880
Purchase Price $5500
Stopping Leaks+Air Flow $2296.03
Cushioning the Bumps $1369
Project Total $9165.03
With leaks fixed, drivability much improved and ride quality better than it was new, we're well on our way to having the reliable and trustworthy family hauler/weekend warrior we wanted. Remember to stay tuned for updates every Thiccums Thursday and follow Lagertha on her journey across town, to get cinnabon, or to visit her friends in Yellowstone. She goes everywhere.
2x Bilstein 5100 Front Shocks PN24-186643 Cost $220
2x Bilstein 5100 Rear Shocks PN24-185783 Cost $220 https://www.overland-industries.com/product-page/bilstein-5100-series-rear-shock-absorber-1999-2006-gm-1500-suv
Belltech Rear Bump Stop Kit PN bel4925 Cost $49
4x Falken Wildpeak A/T3W 265/70R17 Cost $880