Truxx Lift with Self Leveling Shocks

[Drewcifer]

Now that I have my telluride, I can verify some things. You do not have to disconnect power because there are no height sensors on the vehicle, nor do they electronically controlled struts(front) or shocks(rear). Nivomat design is self contained, and self regulated. They are not “smart”. Without a shock extension and a lift, they cannot push up because it’s out of the range. On non-load usage with a lift, they could appear to sag or be level, but with people, could easily appear low on either side AND in the rear(depending on weight). Load depending, with the lift, you could actually have sag and not trigger the nivomat’s internal sensors to correct the issue.
They need to make a lower shock extension at the minimum, or get a spring and shock kit going. One possible thing to add, is that vehicles with nivomats have softer springs. So that is not helping the situation either.

When you say “they need to make a lower shock extension” are you referring to Truxxx? The talk back in april was that truxxx was working on a strut extension. Is this the same as you are recommending as well? Shock/strut. Havent heard anything else about it since though.

 

[kaleide]

When you say “they need to make a lower shock extension” are you referring to Truxxx? The talk back in april was that truxxx was working on a strut extension. Is this the same as you are recommending as well? Shock/strut. Havent heard anything else about it since though.

Yes, referring to Truxx. Since they designed the lift mounts, designing a shock lower extension should have easily been done by now. I want to lift mine, but don’t want to fabricate my own workaround for their product.

 

[Luice73]

Hasnt been any real update in it. Im confused by it all and while i want to do it, dont want to take the chance of messing up a brand new vehicle. So probably going to just forget it for a while. Maybe some other options will cone out. In going to re-read this thread and some others just to try to understand it all better. Was hoping there would have been more updates and/or responses from the truxxx lead about the possible new brackets or something.

Okay Update on the Truxxx lift. I had it done last week and the mechanic said it was very straight forward and the challenging part was the torsion bars and links... but not too difficult. He did disconnect the battery BTW. I think it looks good... drives the same as stock, but i still have the stock tires on. We are searching for some 32"s that will fit on the Nightfall rims.

 

[Luice73]

Now that I have my telluride, I can verify some things. You do not have to disconnect power because there are no height sensors on the vehicle, nor do they electronically controlled struts(front) or shocks(rear). Nivomat design is self contained, and self regulated. They are not “smart”. Without a shock extension and a lift, they cannot push up because it’s out of the range. On non-load usage with a lift, they could appear to sag or be level, but with people, could easily appear low on either side AND in the rear(depending on weight). Load depending, with the lift, you could actually have sag and not trigger the nivomat’s internal sensors to correct the issue.
They need to make a lower shock extension at the minimum, or get a spring and shock kit going. One possible thing to add, is that vehicles with nivomats have softer springs. So that is not helping the situation either.

Do some Telluride's have self leveling shocks and others don't?

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[Drewcifer]

Okay Update on the Truxxx lift. I had it done last week and the mechanic said it was very straight forward and the challenging part was the torsion bars and links... but not too difficult. He did disconnect the battery BTW. I think it looks good... drives the same as stock, but i still have the stock tires on. We are searching for some 32"s that will fit on the Nightfall rims.

Okay Update on the Truxxx lift. I had it done last week and the mechanic said it was very straight forward and the challenging part was the torsion bars and links... but not too difficult. He did disconnect the battery BTW. I think it looks good... drives the same as stock, but i still have the stock tires on. We are searching for some 32"s that will fit on the Nightfall rims.

Do you have the self leveling shocks? Concern is not install but the possible damage it will do due to the self leveling shocks. Talk was of a possible extension bracket being made for the struts/self leveling shocks

 

[Drewcifer]

Do some Telluride's have self leveling shocks and others don't?

Tellurides with the factory installed tow package have the self leveling shocks

 

[kaleide]

Self leveling shocks are for suspension geometry and headlight direction while loaded. They 'allow' for the same tire wear loaded as unloaded. Lifting 'may' (because we don't know unless tested before and after) be out of range to push back up the load. If you had access to an actual level surface, you could load up the back with 500lbs(simulate tongue weight), measure height, and go for drive to see if it will rise.

 

[sjseeger]

Wow, wish I had waited to get my Truxxx install done (last fall) to see how this all had evolved. I'm sitting in my "relatively" local Kia dealer (I25, in CO), as they just informed me that due to the extended post-install stress on the rear self-adjusting shocks, I'm going to need to replace both shocks for ~$2,000.

Since I'm not as auto-mechanically inclined as others in here, I took my Telly to a local tire dealer (Louisville Tire, not Schwab) to have the lift done, along w/ the print out of the detailed installation instructions (and clear verbal direction to do the install according to the instructions), and have to rely/hope that they did the install according to the instructions.

At this point, I'll try working w/ Truxxx to see what the latest is, but would certainly recommend to others w/ the self-leveling Telly to hold off getting the lift installed until there's more clarity on how to ensure there isn't undue stress put on the self-leveling suspensions. Throwing another $2K into this "project" makes me throw up in my mouth a bit...

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[kaleide]

If anything, there is actually less stress on the rear shocks. They have nothing to "test" them. They "test" for shocks is bouncing the rear of the vehicle and seeing if it bounces "too much" OR if they are physically leaking. If you do not see oil on the shock (I have heard of very special people spraying WD40 like spray to mimic) tell them to pack sand.
Bilstein lists collapsed and extended lengths along with style of top and bottom mounts. Research for any local shops that deal with lifts or custom alignments, they would at least be able to directly help, or point you in the right direction for a lifted shock.

 

[Drewcifer]

Wow, wish I had waited to get my Truxxx install done (last fall) to see how this all had evolved. I'm sitting in my "relatively" local Kia dealer (I25, in CO), as they just informed me that due to the extended post-install stress on the rear self-adjusting shocks, I'm going to need to replace both shocks for ~$2,000.

Since I'm not as auto-mechanically inclined as others in here, I took my Telly to a local tire dealer (Louisville Tire, not Schwab) to have the lift done, along w/ the print out of the detailed installation instructions (and clear verbal direction to do the install according to the instructions), and have to rely/hope that they did the install according to the instructions.

At this point, I'll try working w/ Truxxx to see what the latest is, but would certainly recommend to others w/ the self-leveling Telly to hold off getting the lift installed until there's more clarity on how to ensure there isn't undue stress put on the self-leveling suspensions. Throwing another $2K into this "project" makes me throw up in my mouth a bit...

And this is exactly why i am waiting. Of course i know nothing of this stuff so my understanding could be completely wrong. But that is what i am confused/concerned about. From my understanding even if they followed the directions correctly, its going to happen because your shocks are sitting at a different height now. So until the entension bracket is made to move the shock up or something so its back to a normal extension, it wont work for self leveling shocks. Correct?

 

[kaleide]

And this is exactly why i am waiting. Of course i know nothing of this stuff so my understanding could be completely wrong. But that is what i am confused/concerned about. From my understanding even if they followed the directions correctly, its going to happen because your shocks are sitting at a different height now. So until the entension bracket is made to move the shock up or something so its back to a normal extension, it wont work for self leveling shocks. Correct?

With the information we have, correct. If you do not tow or load heavy on long drives, it really shouldn’t impact anything.

 

[Drewcifer]

With the information we have, correct. If you do not tow or load heavy on long drives, it really shouldn’t impact anything.

Sjseeger, did you tow or load heavy on long drives?

i dont know if i agree with this thought process. But again, maybe cause i dont fully understand it. With installing the lift you are now making the shocks extend out farther than the normal ride position right? Cause of the 2in lift? Thats my understanding. The extension bracket that was maybe being made would move the shock bottom up that 2 inches to put it back at regular sitting. I dont know lol.

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[sjseeger]

Sjseeger, did you tow or load heavy on long drives?

i dont know if i agree with this thought process. But again, maybe cause i dont fully understand it. With installing the lift you are now making the shocks extend out farther than the normal ride position right? Cause of the 2in lift? Thats my understanding. The extension bracket that was maybe being made would move the shock bottom up that 2 inches to put it back at regular sitting. I dont know lol.

No towing as of yet, but we do load somewhat heavy w/ luggage rack on the back for longer trips into the mtns of CO. Still nothing real heavy until we start our camping season. I guess my understanding is same as yours. If you extend past normal ride the the self-adjusting isn't able to work properly?

I did challenge the service techs at the dealer a bit on how they know the shocks are shot, and they did admit that perhaps they are still OK, but won't know until the extension bracket (or whatever other solution is in process) is actually released. The parts team did say they are also in contact w/ Truxxx (and one other lift mfr) to come up w/ a solution, so at least there's cognizance that it's an issue and supposedly folks are working on it.

I'd happily pay for a solution than simply replace the shocks as originally presented.

 

[sjseeger]

If anything, there is actually less stress on the rear shocks. They have nothing to "test" them. They "test" for shocks is bouncing the rear of the vehicle and seeing if it bounces "too much" OR if they are physically leaking. If you do not see oil on the shock (I have heard of very special people spraying WD40 like spray to mimic) tell them to pack sand.
Bilstein lists collapsed and extended lengths along with style of top and bottom mounts. Research for any local shops that deal with lifts or custom alignments, they would at least be able to directly help, or point you in the right direction for a lifted shock.

I'm sure my terminology is lacking, but I wasn't referring to heavy load stress, but whatever you'd call having the shocks extended past the standard range, which is what I believe I'm understanding from the thread comments above.

Kaleide, are you stating that there shouldn't be anything wrong with my shocks and a reputable lift shop should be able to resolve the sagging issue that I'm experiencing? Would love any recommendations from anyone in the NoCO area (north or west of Denver) that found a solution so far.

 

[kaleide]

Even being lifted, it still has enough length in the shock to be level. So we know they are within extension range. We don't know how much or if they engage the leveling aspect at all. Could be that it is "out of range" of the leveling aspect and it just acts as a shock.
Shocks actual job is only to keep the tire pressure on the road, the spring is to control height. They are just a cheaper design than air springs(would never want them or use them).
Perfect world, get rid of the nivomat shocks, have a lifted variable rate coil.

In my curiosity of looking for a spring lift, I did find these guys.

Kia Telluride Hyundai Palisade 2" Lift Kit 2019-2022

Kia Telluride Hyundai Palisade 2" Lift Kit 2019-2022 This is a straightforward install, no cutting or welding or permanent modifications needed. This 2" lift kit allows you to fit much more aggressive tires and wheels allowing your SUV to take the family and all your toys to where they need to...

4x4.fatbobsgarage.com

Maybe worth contacting since the image looks like they have shock extensions.

 

[WhiteSX]

Even being lifted, it still has enough length in the shock to be level. So we know they are within extension range. We don't know how much or if they engage the leveling aspect at all. Could be that it is "out of range" of the leveling aspect and it just acts as a shock.
Shocks actual job is only to keep the tire pressure on the road, the spring is to control height. They are just a cheaper design than air springs(would never want them or use them).
Perfect world, get rid of the nivomat shocks, have a lifted variable rate coil.

In my curiosity of looking for a spring lift, I did find these guys.

Kia Telluride Hyundai Palisade 2" Lift Kit 2019-2022

Kia Telluride Hyundai Palisade 2" Lift Kit 2019-2022 This is a straightforward install, no cutting or welding or permanent modifications needed. This 2" lift kit allows you to fit much more aggressive tires and wheels allowing your SUV to take the family and all your toys to where they need to...

4x4.fatbobsgarage.com

Maybe worth contacting since the image looks like they have shock extensions.

Got rid of my Nivomats. Couldn't stand them. They failed after 10k miles. Had dealer replace w/standard Telly rear suspension setup. I don't tow anything at all. Be sure springs and spring seats are also replaced if you go this route. There are different OEM springs & seats for Telly's w/out tow package as they do the bulk of the support work vs the Nivomat shocks doing the bulk of the support work in the tow package.

Enjoy the Ride

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[jamesgallaher]

I talked with Truxx today and they said they are working on the shock extension brackets and would let me know as soon as they had them. They indicated they are aware of the issues with the self leveling system and are working with R and D to try and find a solution that won’t void warranties. I’m hopeful they will have a solution before we take delivery of our 2022 but who knows, after all this isn’t a new issue.

 

[kaleide]

I talked with Truxx today and they said they are working on the shock extension brackets and would let me know as soon as they had them. They indicated they are aware of the issues with the self leveling system and are working with R and D to try and find a solution that won’t void warranties. I’m hopeful they will have a solution before we take delivery of our 2022 but who knows, after all this isn’t a new issue.

The lift voids warranties, and it's a simple fix if they really wanted to do it. I'll hope with you, but I'm sure some company will come along with an actual spring lift as these get more popular and it fits Palisade as well.

 

[jamesgallaher]

The lift voids warranties, and it's a simple fix if they really wanted to do it. I'll hope with you, but I'm sure some company will come along with an actual spring lift as these get more popular and it fits Palisade as well.

The lifts don’t void warranties. We have been doing lifts a long time and no warranty issues. There is actually a law that protects consumers from companies voiding warranties simply over aftermarket parts. Dealer has to prove beyond a doubt that the aftermarket accessory caused the failure and would not have happened had the parts not been switched out. Obviously they don’t warranty the aftermarket part (separate warranty through aftermarket company covers that) but they cannot deny warranty just because you added parts.

 

[kaleide]

The lifts don’t void warranties. We have been doing lifts a long time and no warranty issues. There is actually a law that protects consumers from companies voiding warranties simply over aftermarket parts. Dealer has to prove beyond a doubt that the aftermarket accessory caused the failure and would not have happened had the parts not been switched out. Obviously they don’t warranty the aftermarket part (separate warranty through aftermarket company covers that) but they cannot deny warranty just because you added parts.

Knowing how dealerships work, provide the law for the community, don’t just declare there is one. For reference, I personally know the lifts in general wouldn’t cause a problem, doesn’t stop dealership from abusing it.