[Vincennes02261897]

So I had been getting a little down on the Tahoe lately. We've had it since new and back in the day it provided a lot more enjoyment than it has been recently. I mean, with only 80,000 miles clocked, it's still in good shape, but aesthetically, it wasn't doing it for me anymore. It seemed like the rake was worse than ever and I started thinking that the grille guard could not possibly be pulling the front end down that much (a thought which I had previously maintained). Now, during our 6 year stint in Guatemala, we had some work done on it (nothing major but a thing here and a thing there) and despite how much you try to find a reputable mechanic, sometimes you don't know what you're getting yourself into.

Well, long story short, the tires were wearing badly and the tread was horrible so we went into NTB on Saturday for some new rubber. Here's what we discovered:

First of all, when we had the shocks replaced, they were replaced with offroad shocks that were meant for a 4x4 (this Tahoe is 2x4). According to the guy at NTB, this wasn't a good idea. It was causing odd wear on the tires and the shocks needed to be replaced already despite only 30,000 miles of use. He met no opposition with that suggestion regardless of his reasoning because it was riding horribly anyway. Have you guys ever heard that offroad shocks should not be used on a 2x4 Tahoe? Insight on this would be nice.... I'm sure it was assumed in the past that this would be a better option since the roads in Guatemala are.... well... kind of "offroad" themselves.

And the most interesting part:

Apparently, the two torsion screws that are located at about the center of the vehicle, were sticking out way too much (clarification on what exactly this means would be great). They tightened that back up which completely eliminated the rake that before had me feeling like I was about to submarine dive into the asphalt while driving down the highway. It raised the vehicle FOUR (4) inches!!!!! And, we replaced the 245s with some 265 Pirelli Scorpion ATRs.

So now, although I always miss my Silverado when I'm behind the wheel of another vehicle, I actually enjoy driving the old Tahoe again.

Just thought I'd let you guys know. Any info, elaboration, corrections, comments, etc are welcome!

 

[mfleetwood]

I'm not sure about your mechanical questions, but I will comment on your psych.....It appears you are coming down with Mod-itis for your Tahoe. It will slowly infect you and then you find yourself indulging in many more mods while rationalizing in your head "why these mods are necessities." You should recognize the symptoms by now as you've been experiencing the same thing with your Silverado.

 

[Vincennes02261897]

LoL! I think you may be right. It just needed a little something extra, you know? I mean.... I bought my Silverado with mods in mind. As I pulled out of the dealership I was trying to figure out what to do first. That was never a thought with the Tahoe. It was just nice to drive. Now it's nice again.

For those of you who don't want to read that book that sits above Mike's post, here it is in sort...

1.) Are 4x4 shocks bad to use with a 2x4 Tahoe (i.e.- will they begin to go out more quickly than 2x4 shocks)?
2.) Can anyone explain how the torsion could have been adjusted to cause the front end to be lower than normal? After NTB cranked it back up, it was raised 4" from the height that was measured when we brought it in.

Thanks!

 

[silveradotrailblazer]

I wouldn't use a 4x4 shock on a 2wd. First 4x4 are taller (from the factory) than a 2wd so the shock is longer and valved for off-road. As far as the torson bars it sounds like they overcranked them to get larger tires on the truck. This will cause the balljionts to wear out quicker. Torson bars are made to adjust the truck from side to side because of the drivers side fuel tank, but everyone uses them to lift the front end. The proper way to adjust the torson bar is what is called the "Z" factor. This involves using a level and a measuring tape. Most repair manuels go into detail how to adjust the torson bars properly. I don't think I could explain this without pictures.

 

[mfleetwood]

LoL! I think you may be right. It just needed a little something extra, you know? I mean.... I bought my Silverado with mods in mind. As I pulled out of the dealership I was trying to figure out what to do first. That was never a thought with the Tahoe. It was just nice to drive. Now it's nice again.

Thanks!

Yeah, I think "modding up" a vehicle is like gardening or other hobby in which you don't get immediate and total satisfaction. It takes time (unless you have unlimited funds), is a process, tons of variety and options, and to me it's therapeutic as I get to see and enjoy something I have put a lot of thought and time into....and it didn't happen overnight....ahh yes, my Frankenstein!

Have fun with your Tahoe and I'll look forward to seeing that one evolve over time!

 

[Vincennes02261897]

I wouldn't use a 4x4 shock on a 2wd. First 4x4 are taller (from the factory) than a 2wd so the shock is longer and valved for off-road. As far as the torson bars it sounds like they overcranked them to get larger tires on the truck. This will cause the balljionts to wear out quicker. Torson bars are made to adjust the truck from side to side because of the drivers side fuel tank, but everyone uses them to lift the front end. The proper way to adjust the torson bar is what is called the "Z" factor. This involves using a level and a measuring tape. Most repair manuels go into detail how to adjust the torson bars properly. I don't think I could explain this without pictures.

That's actually very helpful considering I had no idea what was going on. Thanks for taking the time to explain that a little deeper.

Yeah, I think "modding up" a vehicle is like gardening or other hobby in which you don't get immediate and total satisfaction. It takes time (unless you have unlimited funds), is a process, tons of variety and options, and to me it's therapeutic as I get to see and enjoy something I have put a lot of thought and time into....and it didn't happen overnight....ahh yes, my Frankenstein!

Have fun with your Tahoe and I'll look forward to seeing that one evolve over time!

Haha. You make another great point. It has definitely been a fun process so far. I look forward to earning a little extra money before too long so that I can move on to the next stages of the Silverado mods!