How to install GMT800 SUV rear drop/leveling kit

daddy

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I spent some time in the garage this evening lowering the rear end of my new (GMT800) Tahoe.

I purchased a GroundForce 2.5" rear lowering kit (Kit# 1086) from Amazon.com and had it delivered 2nd day for $302 and change.

My goal was to end up with a dead even ride. I'm now sitting 34.5" from fender to ground on all four corners and couldn't be happier. This kit was very easy to install and came with everything needed including new GroundForce shocks which ride really well, much better than the old stock Nivomat shocks.

Anyway, here's a quick rundown of the work involved. I took some pictures along the way. I may have missed a step or two but this should help anyone considering this kit to understand what's involved and how easy it really is.


First I opened the box.


IMG_1849.jpg



Second, I cut a hole in the.. Oh wait, sorry, wrong story. :D


Second, I jacked up the rear of the vehicle and placed it on jack stands.

IMG_1854.jpg



Next, I removed the stock shocks.

IMG_1856.jpg

IMG_1857.jpg

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The next step was to remove the sway bar mounts from the axle.

IMG_1860.jpg



Once removed it was time to lower the axle down and relieve the pressure from the springs. I had to remove the wheels at this point to achieve enough drop.

IMG_1862.jpg



Once the pressure was removed from the stock springs they popped right out.

IMG_1861.jpg



At this point I replaced the stock bump stops with the provided replacements.

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Next the new springs were put into place and the axle jacked back up making sure to check that the springs were seated properly on top and bottom.

IMG_1868.jpg

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Once the springs were in place I mounted the new shocks.


IMG_1870.jpg



The final steps were to insert the sway bar spacers and then put the wheels back on.


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This is where it started:

unlevelHOE.jpg


This is where it ended up:

levelhoe.jpg






Now for some new RIMS. :D
 
C

Cashezo

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Nice write up Tobias! Some 24's should set it off just right. :jester:
 

CJ Hungus

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Nice write up.... wish the crap I try to tackle was as easy as this....
 

Zembonez

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Look great with the drop. The chassis is in really clean condition. No more rust there than I would expect to see on a truck here.

Everything sure points to this Hoe being a really good buy.:)
 

daddy

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Look great with the drop. The chassis is in really clean condition. No more rust there than I would expect to see on a truck here.

Everything sure points to this Hoe being a really good buy.:)

Thanks, Jim! It really was taken great care of. It lived in Texas for most of it's life and then was rarely driven here! :thumbs:
 

Zembonez

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It shows. :thumbs:
 

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