How to "Un-Lift" my suburban

[Slooptin]

Hey guys/gals, after a few years with my big ass suburban, I'd like to tone it down as it sees more daily use than trail use most months, plus my wife has started driving it more and while she loves it, she doesn't love being 5' tall and having to hop up into such a tall truck every time. It currently has the following setup:
Rear:
- 14 bolt 8 lug swap
- ORD shackle flip with unknown springs (fronts are 6" lift)
Front:
- 10 bolt 8 lug
- crossover steering
- sway bar disconnects
- 6" springs from ORD
Skyjacker shocks all around
Extended SS Braided brake lines
37" tires

I'm thinking I'll at least need new springs/shocks and downgrade to 35s or 33s. I can probably leave the brake lines as they aren't hurting anything. I'll possibly need new driveshafts if I go too low, but I can either source used ones or have a driveshaft shop shorten mine. I guess I'm really looking for recs on new shocks/springs or a direction as this isn't typically the route people go. I'd like to get down to the 2-4" lift range and add smaller tires

 

[EvilGenius]

Might be able to set up a swap for stock suspension parts with someone looking for a lift. ORD stuff is nice and should be desirable.

I have 4 in lift all spring from tuff country and like it a lot. Kinda wishing I had gone with a 2 inch lift, but still happy with what I have.

Not sure how crossover steering works with lower lifts though.

 

[bucket]

What engine/trans/gear combo are you running? If you are geared properly for 37's, you may not want to go significantly smaller with the tires.

 

[Zelph]

Since your issue the wife being short and the tall truck an alternative to changing out the suspension may be to add some retractable steps.

1981-91 GM Suburban Amp Retractable Electric Step Mounting kit

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[bucket]

Back when our '88 Suburban was on 33's and the 4" lift, my wife drove it most every day. She's short, but she could get in ok. When she would take her mother somewhere, we had a little plastic step stool with a rope tied to it so her mother could get in and out.

 

[Slooptin]

What engine/trans/gear combo are you running? If you are geared properly for 37's, you may not want to go significantly smaller with the tires.

350/700r4/4.10s so I'm probably geared too high as it is. I keep it out of OD unless I'm on the highway

Since your issue the wife being short and the tall truck an alternative to changing out the suspension may be to add some retractable steps.

1981-91 GM Suburban Amp Retractable Electric Step Mounting kit

Engineered Vintage Parts are crafted for superior strength and precision fit, ensuring your classic beauty is equipped with the best for any challenge. Shop our premium selection and elevate your truck's capability today! Enjoy Free Shipping on orders over $100.

engineeredvintage.com

PO welded step bars/sliders to the frame, plus I'm not really a fan of these as I've seen people have issues with them not working well even on newer trucks

 

[gmbellew]

350/700r4/4.10s so I'm probably geared too high as it is. I keep it out of OD unless I'm on the highway


PO welded step bars/sliders to the frame, plus I'm not really a fan of these as I've seen people have issues with them not working well even on newer trucks

350/700r4/4.10 would be pretty good with 32-33in tires. I have the same in my burb but with 3.73. I wouldn't mind a little more gearing at times when its windy on the highway, or another 50hp...whichever is easier

 

[Grit dog]

First thought is find someone to trade suspensions with. Probably enough light duty Square 4x4s in the Denver area to find a taker.
Barring that, fire up the Mastercard and the internet. Easy peasy.
If you want rides like a stagecoach wagon get Rough Country front springs. If you don’t buy anything else. Ride and quality typically commensurate with price. Skyjacker soft rides are a good compromise between ride and $.
Shocks? Again $ = quality how high is you budget and cc limit. Skyjacker is good quality gas shocks for not allot of money. Bilsteins for the mid range $ vs performance and they’ll probably last 20 years. Or double down with the AMEX too and order ya some remote reservoir something or others.

 

[Slooptin]

First thought is find someone to trade suspensions with. Probably enough light duty Square 4x4s in the Denver area to find a taker.
Barring that, fire up the Mastercard and the internet. Easy peasy.
If you want rides like a stagecoach wagon get Rough Country front springs. If you don’t buy anything else. Ride and quality typically commensurate with price. Skyjacker soft rides are a good compromise between ride and $.
Shocks? Again $ = quality how high is you budget and cc limit. Skyjacker is good quality gas shocks for not allot of money. Bilsteins for the mid range $ vs performance and they’ll probably last 20 years. Or double down with the AMEX too and order ya some remote reservoir something or others.

If I went down to a 4" lift, would my shocks still have enough travel to reuse or would I need a whole new set? Not opposed to buying new ones, but mine were done about 2 years ago so if I can keep them, that would help.

But yeah, I'm looking at the skyjacker springs for the front and just stock replacements for the rear which should get me down to 4" lift. I'll probably wait until I can find a decent deal on some 33s or 35s