400lbs in the back.. :|

[mrbojang 8]

Hey guys,

I'm almost done with my audio install on my 2006 tahoe...The total added weight comes out to around 400lbs. I have about 200lbs of stuff installed so far. The weight is distributed pretty evenly, batteries on each side, enclosure centered..

Well the problem is my 2006 Tahoe is handling worse, and performs worse..(To be expected). Stock the rear is lifted 1.5" or so compared to the front...Now it's about even. The suspension feels stiff, brakes are a bit weaker, can't take turns and peel out as easily\comfortably.

I'm trying to figure out what I can or need to do to get it to perform closer to stock. Doesn't have to be 100% how it was, but a bit better would be nice..

As far as the engine I'm going to chip it and do intake...

I have no clue about suspension and brakes. I'd like the suspension and handling to be a bit loser. What would be a good thing to do, that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

Thanks.

Edited August 5, 2010 by Mr. Bojangles

[Sir-Lancelot 216]

On my Yukon I have air lift bags and Bilstein 5100 shocks. Ride is great considering I have it lifted on 20's and 35 x 12.50's. Maybe better than stock.

As for performance, I have just accepted that I will be slow unless I drop $3500 on a Whipple. Braking is easy when you don't go fast. lol

[mrbojang 8]

On my Yukon I have air lift bags and Bilstein 5100 shocks. Ride is great considering I have it lifted on 20's and 35 x 12.50's. Maybe better than stock.

As for performance, I have just accepted that I will be slow unless I drop $3500 on a Whipple. Braking is easy when you don't go fast. lol

If anything I wouldn't mind dropping the front and rear an inch...I was reading about those airlift bags, think that's a good route to go? They just sit under the shocks, and you fill them once..Right?

I don't expect to perform like a track car, but a bit closer to stock would be nice...I like to be able to get away from the old people\horrible drivers. I suppose I could just get them to want to stay away from me with the 3000+ watts in the back, but I don't want to be that much of a nuisance..

[Argent Audio 54]

http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.aspx?category|category_root|-28=Performance&category|cat_-28|131=Brakes&canned_results_trigger=&partfamilyid=4579

http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.aspx?category|category_root|-28=Performance&category|cat_-28|131=Brakes&canned_results_trigger=&partfamilyid=4567

Breaks!!!

Looks like $3k for both the front and rear :/

Andrew

[mrbojang 8]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/AIR-60729

Would I need those in the front also, or can I just throw those in the back?

Also, I'm thinking of ditching the spare tire under the back..

[Sir-Lancelot 216]

They fit inside the coil springs. Takes about an hour or two, but can be done in the driveway.

They are like $80 on Amazon and well worth it. I bought them to lift the rear a little more, but the ride quality is MUCH better too.

Closer to stock, get a bullydog programmer. I got one to recalculate my speedo after the larger tires and it did give it a little more pep too. Nothing earth shattering, but noticeable even if only throttle response.

[mrbojang 8]

They fit inside the coil springs. Takes about an hour or two, but can be done in the driveway.

They are like $80 on Amazon and well worth it. I bought them to lift the rear a little more, but the ride quality is MUCH better too.

Closer to stock, get a bullydog programmer. I got one to recalculate my speedo after the larger tires and it did give it a little more pep too. Nothing earth shattering, but noticeable even if only throttle response.

I've read up on the blackbear chips, was thinking of going with them...Going to order those airbags..

[Sir-Lancelot 216]

AIR LIFT 60769 1000 Series Rear Air Spring Kit is what I bought.

Blackbear would be better I agree, but I am impatient.

[mrbojang 8]

AIR LIFT 60769 1000 Series Rear Air Spring Kit is what I bought.

Blackbear would be better I agree, but I am impatient.

Had yours done locally or blackbear takes forever to ship?

[Sir-Lancelot 216]

AIR LIFT 60769 1000 Series Rear Air Spring Kit is what I bought.

Blackbear would be better I agree, but I am impatient.

Had yours done locally or blackbear takes forever to ship?

I walked into a shop locally and bought the Bullydog. Impulse buy.

[aimone 4]

get headers and exhaust, put electric fans on it instead of a clutch fan, and yes an intake cause the stock airbox cant breath i mean just exhaust would add alot. maybe look into a black bear tune and get the torque restrictions removed from

[dem beats 1,223]

For the handeling, get a air kit for the back rear. It's cheep enough, and will make you much safer on the road in general.

I'm not a GM guy... what I will tell you is to go to a GM truck forum and spend some time reading about who does good custom tunes. Make sure they have good customer service, that's the most important thing especially if you're not going to get it tuned from a shop.

A cai won't do much and might actually make things more quirky without a tune if you go about it wrong. Unless you spend a boatload on LT headers you won't get much rewards in power from spending cash on an exhaust. If you to get LT headers, you really want a tune.

Bang for buck a programer that can accept custom tunes is the best first step in getting your truck where you want it to be. It's not the same as a car, and since you need hauling performance here not just better 0-60 times with a stripped vehicle having something that can change how the tranny is working and changing gears and firming up the shifts could go a long way into increasing your confidence.

[eggyhustles 33]

get headers and exhaust, put electric fans on it instead of a clutch fan, and yes an intake cause the stock airbox cant breath i mean just exhaust would add alot. maybe look into a black bear tune and get the torque restrictions removed from

x2

Better tires, too.