How can we return lowered SUV to its original level?

Tiny
BREWER.AMY
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
The previous owner of our SUV listed above had it lowered, which we were fine with when we bought it. But the wear and tear being caused by the lowering is too expensive to keep up with, so we're hoping we can return it to its original level. The *big* hitch is that we know very little about cars, have no idea what was done to lower it, what we should be looking for, and are on a really tight budget (trust me, I know how ridiculous of a combo that is). Are there any resources/diagrams that can help us at least narrow down the exact modification that was done?
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Sunday, March 14th, 2021 AT 9:00 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

Can you attach some pictures for me to see?

Most of the time, it is springs that were changed to alter the height. This would mean replacing the springs to the original to get the height correct.

This will be expensive. I would prepare to spend around $500.00 to $1,000.00 for this repair.

Roy

Coil springs

COIL SPRING SUSPENSION

- J 43631 Ball Joint Remover
- J 45851 Ball Joint Separator Protector Adapters

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.

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3. Support the lower control arm with a suitable jack.
4. Remove the wheel hub and bearing.
5. Disconnect the Electronic Suspension Control (ESC) link rod from the sensor, if equipped.
6. Disconnect the outer tie rod from the knuckle.

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7. Remove the brake hose bracket retaining bolt from the knuckle.

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8. Remove the retaining nut and separate the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 43631 and J 45851.

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9. Remove the retaining nut and separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 43631 and J 45851.

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10. Remove the steering knuckle.

REar leaf springs

LEAF SPRING REPLACEMENT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Support the rear axle independently in order to relieve the tension on the leaf springs.
3. Disconnect the electronic suspension control (ESC) sensors, 25 series utilities, if equipped.
4. Remove the trailer hitch, if equipped.
5. Remove the fuel tank for left side applications.

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6. Remove the U-bolt nuts.
7. Remove the U-bolts.
8. Remove the spring spacer.
9. Remove the anchor plate.

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10. Remove the rear spring bracket nut and bolt.

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11. Remove the front spring bracket nut and bolt.
12. Remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle.
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Monday, March 15th, 2021 AT 2:25 AM
Tiny
BREWER.AMY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi Roy,

Thank you for the very thorough response! My husband took some photos and almost met with a mobile mechanic today. The mechanic said he doesn't see that a lowering kit or any modifications were done - only that the previous owner simply put on new tires/rims. He also said this Tahoe has a torsion bar suspension, not a spring coil suspension.

His suggestion was to go to look for a stock rim & tire at a local junk yard to ensure fit and, if so, we can just swap out all the tires. Does this sound legitimate to you?

(Sorry some of the photos are rotated. They rotated when I uploaded them.)
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 11:35 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Yes, it does. From your pictures, it is not lowered at all.

The torsion bars are adjustable so you can raise the front to factory specs.

Make sure you get an alignment done when completed.

Roy
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 12:20 PM
Tiny
BREWER.AMY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
This is the best news I've heard in a long time! Thank you so very much for your help!
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 4:49 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 4:55 PM

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