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Front end low and stiff

UmMerkur

By UmMerkur
in Troubleshooting & Recalls

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UmMerkur Enthusiast

UmMerkur

Posted
Posted

So my '17 XL Denali (magneride, autolevel, 6ZS/7ZS springs) sits low in the front (at least I think it does, compared to others and the tires scrape on hard turns) and the front is excessively stiff. Almost feels like it's sitting on the bump stops. Rear end is fine, normal ride height and normal softness, very easy to jounce.

I unplugged the shock on the drivers side and tried jouncing the vehicle but it made no difference. Very stiff, especially compared to the rear which is nice. The shocks (and I think springs) are OEM, BWI.

 

So, can/do these springs sag this much over the course of 5 or 6 years? The shocks aren't leaking as far as I can tell.

Either way, I'll be replacing both with OEM, and will see what happens.

swathdiver Senior Enthusiast

swathdiver

Posted
Posted

They do sag over time and it's more problematic with 22s.  You probably need the shocks re-calibrated or replaced.  They have a service life of about 7 years generally speaking.

 

Use GM OE components.  If memory serves, new Magneride struts need to be calibrated.

 

image.thumb.png.7868a58275ea01a8a254cd471c7dd7f1.png

 

This is from my shop manual, the previous generation to yours.

UmMerkur Enthusiast

UmMerkur

Posted
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Posted

I do have the 22s, so that tracks. I'll slap shocks and springs on it and see what happens. Probably give my dealer a call and see what they charge for a calibration, if needed.

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  • 2 weeks later...
UmMerkur Enthusiast

UmMerkur

Posted
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Posted

Replaced the shocks and springs with OEM. Driver's side shock was completely locked up and was pretty much sitting on the bump stop. Was a bear getting the spring off. Passenger side still moved but was also leaking. When I took the bottom shock bolts off the suspension dropped two inches. Not good haha

 

Rides much better now and I gained about two inches in the front. It's not butter smooth, but I'll take it over what it was. Maybe a calibration will improve the rider further. I'll give the dealer a call and see what they think.

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  • 1 year later...
geauxchamp Enthusiast

geauxchamp

Posted
Posted

Came across this today as I have a 2106 Tahoe with the same setup (but 20" wheels). My front end is sagging a good bit. I recently replaced most of the front end, minus the coils and shocks. From what I read, it looks like those two are my next steps. Any luck with calibrating from the dealer?

newdude Senior Enthusiast

newdude

Posted
Posted
On 2/2/2025 at 12:14 PM, geauxchamp said:

Came across this today as I have a 2106 Tahoe with the same setup (but 20" wheels). My front end is sagging a good bit. I recently replaced most of the front end, minus the coils and shocks. From what I read, it looks like those two are my next steps. Any luck with calibrating from the dealer?

 

 

If you have magride and its sagging and stiff, its the struts.  

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