Why Tahoe shocks suck.

[fishsticks]

Why you ask?

I'm sure lots of you saw my WONDERFUL amount of rear extension in the BDS thread.

Here's first hand evidence of what that nets you. (Taken while out today.)






My left rear wheel is completely unloaded here.



Now, I have a G80. Normally this shouldn't be a problem.



Except...








I didn't make it up this.


My 5500's arrive Thursday... can't wait.

[irishboy02]

Go back to that same spot with yur new shocks. I want to see you conquor that!

[fishsticks]

Go back to that same spot with yur new shocks. I want to see you conquor that!

Oh..... I WILL. I tried it from 3 or 4 different angles....every time I was trumped by lack of rear traction. I'll go back next weekend BDS equipped!

[The Roadie]

Did you try some left foot braking to get some front wheel traction out of the one on the ground? What was your tire pressure?

[fishsticks]

Did you try some left foot braking to get some front wheel traction out of the one on the ground? What was your tire pressure?

I did this at full PSI (35ish).... I didn't bring my compressor since we were just out scouting new places to target shoot.

I fail at preparedness. I might have have a better run at it with lower pressure.

I tried some left foot braking on a couple attempts. It seemed like lost momentum was my biggest enemy. My last attempt I had my left front wheel up on the edge. If I had done some fancy braking there and got that wheel spinning I might have gotten it.


Ahh, inexperience.

[Trail X]

Unless the ground was muddy, that shouldn't be much trouble for a G80 equipped vehicle. The G80 is kinda a 'substitute' for articulation at times.

Did you try 4 lo / 2nd? I find if you're in 4 hi / 1st you can break traction very quickly. Try 4 lo / 2nd next time and see if it helps.

[bgwolfpack]

Don't know if you made it up to road 54 last weekend or not but the one up there is about three times longer (60'). I made it up that not long ago in 4lo.

Your lack of travel will not only kill the benefits of the G80 but also effect the articulation of the front suspension travel.

It's sad it took this long for someone to figure this out. I've seen Tahoe springs as well as shocks recommended all to often. Let it be said if you raise the spring height, you also need to lengthen the shock.

[fishsticks]

Don't know if you made it up to road 54 last weekend or not but the one up there is about three times longer (60'). I made it up that not long ago in 4lo.

Yeah this was Road 54. Thanks for the tip BTW, lots of good shooting places up there.

This guy was off the first gravel road to the left, first or second fork after. Amazingly, I got up the first dirt/mud trail that shoots off to the right up the hill with little problem, and it's a lot longer. This one was the only one that got me. I hate losing.

[bgwolfpack]

Don't know if you made it up to road 54 last weekend or not but the one up there is about three times longer (60'). I made it up that not long ago in 4lo.

Yeah this was Road 54. Thanks for the tip BTW, lots of good shooting places up there.

This guy was off the first gravel road to the left, first or second fork after. Amazingly, I got up the first dirt/mud trail that shoots off to the right up the hill with little problem, and it's a lot longer. This one was the only one that got me. I hate losing.

Don't worry about it. When we head up there together I'll show you the proper line.

[fishsticks]

Don't worry about it. When we head up there together I'll show you the proper line.

You're goddamn brutal, you know that? Sheesh!

[staticfusion]

So Z71's are still as good start for Mods right?

[fishsticks]

So Z71's are still as good start for Mods right?

Z71 Springs? Sure.


Z71 Shocks? Mine are going directly to my garbage can on Thursday. If you're near Portland, OR you can come pick them up, free. They have a month of use.

[staticfusion]

I am just over in Montana, if you'd ship them, ill pay the cost to ship.

[HARDTRAILZ]

I can think of a couple obstacles that were more difficult from too short of shocks. i need to get on getting some new ones asap.

[geneelder]

Are the BDS shocks really that much longer? I just got my MARKMC lift installed with Z71 springs and my shocks are currently at full extension. It is a really harsh ride. I NEED longer shocks, but how much more extension do the BDS shocks have over stock? The shop that did my install was talking about ordering longer shocks for lifted vehicle 4"-6" lifted and fitting them to my truck. Opinions?

[Trail X]

Check the BDS suspension thread, but I beleive the BDS are over 2" longer than stock shocks.

[bgwolfpack]

Check the BDS suspension thread, but I believe the BDS are over 2" longer than stock shocks.

You are correct James. Stock shocks are around 24" and the BDS shocks are 26 1/4". But I would ask you to check your options from different shock companies and other platforms before quickly making any decision. Too many members have already made bad decisions or given poor advise.

What needs to happen now is for fishsticks (Donny) to unhook again and measure the full extension range of the brake lines. Half this distance should be a good reference point (measured from the frame).

We can not rely on companies or others to make good decisions for us with this platform.

[bgwolfpack]

Here are some pics of mine stock. Keep in mind I carry about five hundred pounds in bug-out gear.

IMG_5745 (2).JPG

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4.75" shock travel unhooked

IMG_5750 (2).JPG

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12' from frame to bolt at rest

IMG_5749 (2).JPG

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16" full extension

[fishsticks]

Saw this. Intend to measure. Just haven't had any time to get under the truck. Also see your pics. Wouldn't the measurements be more relevant if taken from the top of the shock mount to the mount on the axle, along the same plane as the shock? Maybe I'm not clear on what you are looking for.

I owe a guy on the OS some pics of my tire carrier as well...

[bgwolfpack]

From the center point of the frame you find the true measurement. Maybe not. I just wanted you to see what you're lacking in travel compared to stock.
Someone else may find a use for the pics. Maybe not.