Shorter Springs/Lower Ride Height in a Current Yukon XL?

Discussion in 'The "Other" Bench' started by sbrmd, Mar 10, 2012.

  1. sbrmd

    sbrmd Well-Known Member

    Hey guys: Interested in opinions:

    Contemplating a new Yukon XL for the family. Great crash test results, but when they ran the battering ram into it from the side, it actually knocks the sucker over on it's side! Video available at www.safercar.gov

    So I'm thinking, I still like the vehicle, but wonder if I could lower the center of gravity by changing out the springs, maybe it would be safer from the rollover perspective. Has anyone ever done this? Experience/info/parts to use?

    Thanks all in advance,
    Steve in Mpls.
     
  2. kick71

    kick71 Mike

    Well I have had 2 Suburbans and Now in a 08' Yukon XL Denali. I have 4 kids and travel a lot with them. Never been in a side impact in any of these vehicles but anything is possible I guess. Try the the Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon forum tons of info over there. I know its expensive to start messing with ride heights with the Denali models because of the self leveling system. personally i think its perfect as is.
     
  3. sbrmd

    sbrmd Well-Known Member

    Thanks Mike. This would be a regular Yukon XL without the fancy suspension.

    I know, they drive just great, and if you've never been in a crash or emergency situation that tips you over, you'd never think there's a concern. But NHTSA rates the current vehicle at 23% rollover risk, only three out of five stars, and you can watch the thing getting knocked over on it's side during the side-crash video. BTW, the video at issue is listed at their site under Suburban 1500. I've never seen any other vehicle get knocked over during that test, not that I've watched that many videos, but I've certainly watched a few. It makes an impression, to be sure.

    I'm just wondering if GM performance Parts has some shorter springs, etc for a "performance" suspension upgrade, and if anybody here has done such a thing to theirs.
     
  4. TexasT

    TexasT Texas, where are you from

    I would buy it and drive the wheels off of it. I don't know what there is that could hit it with enough force to knock it over, the tip over would be the lesser of my concerns. We have gone through many Suburbans in our family and I've not had one up on two wheels. I would bet what ever hit you will take way more damage than you in a collision.
     
  5. sbrmd

    sbrmd Well-Known Member

    Thanks for that input Rich, I will probably do just that, although I hear that lowering it a couple inches is not that tough or expensive. Regarding your question of what could hit it hard enough to tip it over, see www.safercar.gov and search crash test for 2011 and newer vehicles, then select Chev Suburban 1500, you'll be able to watch the video clip of their test and see exactly what sort of battering ram they use in the side crash test, and you'll see the Surburban tip over. You can get the specs on their "battering ram", it simulates a reasonable car/truck in the 3000 lb range at, I think, about 30 mph; I'll have to go there myself and check that. Certainly a situation that could easily and commonly heppen.
     

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