Recommended Timbrens for a 2002 GMC Yukon XL 1500

Updated 01/07/2025 | Published 01/05/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Front Suspension Enhancement System

(665)

$269.36

Timbren Front Suspension Enhancement System

(665)

$269.36

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(6321)

$269.36

Question:

I'm moving suspension on a 2002 Yukon XL 1500 towards an off-road package with HD springs on the rear and up to 3" torsion key upgrade for the front. Tire clearance increases should be in the 2 to 3" range from standard up to 32" tires. Spacers for the Timbrens may be needed for the GMFK15A and GMRYS4 to bring them into recommended space and contact ranges, so I'm interested in the spacer and bolt options recommended you forwarded from Timbren. I'm looking at this mounting geometry, too, since the GMFK25S use may depend upon the current old bump stop mount. One concern that has cropped up is that some dealers say that the 14,000 pound front Timbrens are not recommended unless for 8-lug/8-bolt wheels (snowplows), and the ride may be overly stiff unloaded with constant contact, so getting spacers right on the Timbrens could dramatically improve ride under normal conditions, especially with the right shock replacements and heights of spacers. The ride seems sloppy now on the Yukon, now, especially on the front, with a lot of rocking and not much dampening.

asked by: Galen K

Expert Reply:

Hey Galen! In order to determine if you need spacers, what size, and how many, you will need to take a couple of measurements. The Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System item # TGMRYS4 measures 4-3/4" tall including the puck portion that fits into the cup on the frame. You're going to want 1/2" to 1-1/2" above the axle so that your unloaded ride quality is not changed.

The Timbren Front Suspension Enhancement System item # TGMFK15A are 3-9/16" tall, but this kit also includes a 1" spacer. Again you'll want to keep a 1/2" to 1-1/2" above the axle since you're installing them on a Yukon not a heavy duty truck.

I have linked our entire selection of Timbren spacers below. If you need additional help I would just need to know how the gap between where the Timbren's install to where they meet your axles.

Timbren's are definitely going to stiffen up your suspension. The 14,000 lbs capacity item # TGMFK15A might be a bit overkill but you can use the spacers to adjust the ride quality. Wish I had a softer option for you but I really don't for your vehicle.

The Timbren item # TGMFK25S is the same spring but doesn't have the angled mounting bracket like item # TGMFK15A includes.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Galen K.

1/5/2025

Thanks Jerred, I'd arrived at the same conclusions, and have torsion keys, spacers, shock extenders, HD rear coils and isolators, here and on the way, with a key unloader tool on back order if I don't rent one. I've already corrected some suspension and brake problems on the Yukon, and will track lift and tolerances as I build out the suspension for better vertical clearance and traction, to identify which Timbrens I need. We get up to about 3 feet of snow in one dump which makes getting out of here in the winter sometimes a 3 month ordeal. One goal is a 265/75R16 set of new all-terrain (especially SNOW) tires that I've gotten about 80,000 miles out of before with a properly tuned suspension, and the stiffness in the front suspension may be the price paid for snow removal in the future. Failing that, I've got a tractor that needs work, too.