The latest crop of GM fullsize SUVs are great vehicles. There is no question that Yukons, Suburbans, Tahoes, Denalis, and the like are very capable and stylish sport utilities. However, one of the biggest complaints is that they do not sit level. The nose, in some instances, is as much as 2 inches lower than the rear. This causes a serious raked look and often hampers the installation of larger wheels and tires.
To address this issue, we turned to Irvine GMC in Irvine, California. The company is very familiar with tuning and tweaking these SUVs and has a quick and easy solution to the problem: Tightening the torsion bars for an inch or so of suspension lift. After this was accomplished, the company also installed a +1 wheel and tire combination from Discount Tire Direct.
It should be noted that after this modification is performed, the ride will be a bit stiffer than stock. By tightening the torsion bars, you are creating less rebound in the front suspension, reducing the amount of suspension travel. In some instances, this will decrease the front suspension's effectiveness in rugged off-road use.
Before In stock condition,...
Before
In stock condition, it's obvious that this 2000 Yukon has a raked look, with the nose lower than the rear. In our opinion, it was also in need of some aftermarket wheels and tires.
After The end result was...
After
The end result was a level vehicle and a more stylish Yukon with its upgraded wheel and tire package. The height is simply adjustable by how many twists are made on the torsion bars. To achieve a less dramatic front lift, we turned the torsion bars three turns instead of five.
1. The first step to tweak...
1. The first step to tweak the torsion bars and raise the vehicle was to put the Yukon in the air on a heavy-duty vehicle lift.
2. The front wheels were removed...
2. The front wheels were removed to aid access to the torsion bars.
3. Using the appropriate size...
3. Using the appropriate size wrenches, the lower exposed bolt on the left torsion bar was turned five complete twists, which would serve to raise the vehicle nearly 2 inches. The twists were counted in order to match the right torsion bar.
4. The exposed bolt was turned...
4. The exposed bolt was turned on the right torsion bar five twists.
5. After reinstalling the...
5. After reinstalling the factory wheels, we checked out the Yukon's height and noted that it was now nearly level.
6. After the comparison, the...
6. After the comparison, the frontend needed to be realigned.
7. Using a Hunter 1110 alignment...
7. Using a Hunter 1110 alignment rack, the technicians mounted the plus-one Goodyear/B. Coddington tire and wheel package that we obtained from Discount Tire Direct.
8. The new McGard lug nuts...
8. The new McGard lug nuts and wheel locks were tightened in a star pattern.
9. The Yukon was then aligned...
9. The Yukon was then aligned with the new wheel package in place.