Truxx Lift with Self Leveling Shocks

[bume]

Concerning the Truxxx kit with the Nivomats... Titan Motoring in Nashville installed mine, and they're doubling back on Thursday to install UPDATED rear spacers manufactured by Truxxx intended to level the vehicle. I'm told I'm the guinea pig for this adaptation, so pray for me. I'll post photos if it's a success.

Thanks for keeping everybody updated hopefully will get this all figured out and all of us Telluride owners Can finally get the right lift kits

 

[Wayne C]

Okay, it's a definite improvement, and so far the drive is identical. Truxx fabricated a new rear spacer with extra height to compensate for the Nivomat effect, and Titan Motors Nashville installed them. They were pleased with the results. it's just been 6 hours since installing the new spacers, and the shocks are still all over the map depending on how I'm driving. It's level or high in the rear in most cases, but can still sink to just barely below the front, and I can live with that occasional tip. I'm loving the 265/65/18 Nitto Ridge Grapplers and the 18" Liquid Metal Splice wheels. I took my time shopping for the right form/function combination. I'm digging the Hotwheels look, and the extra clearance is way more noticeable in person than the photos reflect. Black badges aren't an anti-Kia statement. I just don't like how freaking big and bold that thing is. I suddenly love this brand, but I'm not one to turn my truck into a billboard. Likewise, I like how the full gloss nose and metal frames make the trademark tiger face stand out. Different strokes y'all. I have the EX, AWD, with black leather and the tow kit. I preferred 18" wheels, the 2nd row bench, white driving LEDs, and didn't want the rear sunroof, so this was the perfect trim for me. Overall, I'm loving this Kia.

 

[Drewcifer]

Okay, it's a definite improvement, and so far the drive is identical. Truxx fabricated a new rear spacer with extra height to compensate for the Nivomat effect, and Titan Motors Nashville installed them. They were pleased with the results. it's just been 6 hours since installing the new spacers, and the shocks are still all over the map depending on how I'm driving. It's level or high in the rear in most cases, but can still sink to just barely below the front, and I can live with that occasional tip. I'm loving the 265/65/18 Nitto Ridge Grapplers and the 18" Liquid Metal Splice wheels. I took my time shopping for the right form/function combination. I'm digging the Hotwheels look, and the extra clearance is way more noticeable in person than the photos reflect. Black badges aren't an anti-Kia statement. I just don't like how freaking big and bold that thing is. I suddenly love this brand, but I'm not one to turn my truck into a billboard. Likewise, I like how the full gloss nose and metal frames make the trademark tiger face stand out. Different strokes y'all. I have the EX, AWD, with black leather and the tow kit. I preferred 18" wheels, the 2nd row bench, white driving LEDs, and didn't want the rear sunroof, so this was the perfect trim for me. Overall, I'm loving this Kia.

did you have to ask and purchase for the new rear spacer separately? or did it come with the kit. did you by change take a picture of the new spacer before having it installed? im surprised there isn't more talk that truxxx fabricated the spacer/extension. some were saying it would be quite a while before it was done.

 

[Wayne C]

did you have to ask and purchase for the new rear spacer separately? or did it come with the kit. did you by change take a picture of the new spacer before having it installed? im surprised there isn't more talk that truxxx fabricated the spacer/extension. some were saying it would be quite a while before it was done.

I’m also surprised that you’re the first to inquire. Maybe folks aren’t seeing this thread. I never got to see the new spacer, and no, I didn’t have to pay for it. Titan handled everything for me.

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[bume]

I’m also surprised that you’re the first to inquire. Maybe folks aren’t seeing this thread. I never got to see the new spacer, and no, I didn’t have to pay for it. Titan handled everything for me.

Has anybody been in contact with the manufacturer of the nivomat system To see what they can do to help fix the problem

 

[Wayne C]

Has anybody been in contact with the manufacturer of the nivomat system To see what they can do to help fix the problem

I’ve been told that’s a dead end.

 

[Drewcifer]

I’m also surprised that you’re the first to inquire. Maybe folks aren’t seeing this thread. I never got to see the new spacer, and no, I didn’t have to pay for it. Titan handled everything for me.

I inquired with truxxx about this and they said it wasnt them that fabricated but the shop in nashville that fabricated it and then modifed the lower mount to make it fit. They also said only a custom shop should try this and it could void warranty based off the dealer you take it to. They said you wanted your telluride taller in the rear.

So not really a fix/solve. But they also said its more the shock/system as they also dealt with them in tahoes.

Lastly, it was mentioned they are working on a whole new heavy duty off road shock system for the telluride but it will be $$$. Monroe/bilstein

 

[bume]

I inquired with truxxx about this and they said it wasnt them that fabricated but the shop in nashville that fabricated it and then modifed the lower mount to make it fit. They also said only a custom shop should try this and it could void warranty based off the dealer you take it to. They said you wanted your telluride taller in the rear.

So not really a fix/solve. But they also said its more the shock/system as they also dealt with them in tahoes.

Lastly, it was mentioned they are working on a whole new heavy duty off road shock system for the telluride but it will be $$$. Monroe/bilstein

Thanks for sharing I’m going to try to contact the nivomat Manufacture tech people will post my findings

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[Wayne C]

I inquired with truxxx about this and they said it wasnt them that fabricated but the shop in nashville that fabricated it and then modifed the lower mount to make it fit. They also said only a custom shop should try this and it could void warranty based off the dealer you take it to. They said you wanted your telluride taller in the rear.

So not really a fix/solve. But they also said its more the shock/system as they also dealt with them in tahoes.

Lastly, it was mentioned they are working on a whole new heavy duty off road shock system for the telluride but it will be $$$. Monroe/bilstein

Interesting. Not exactly what I was told. I had given the shop permission to fabricate an adaptation, so I see no reason they would risk being dishonest about it. If someone is fudging, I’d have to say it isn’t the shop, as they have would bare all the risk in doing so. It doesn’t matter to me unless something goes awry! Thanks for the heads up.

 

[2020Telly]

Lastly, it was mentioned they are working on a whole new heavy duty off road shock system for the telluride but it will be $$$. Monroe/bilstein

When the Kia OEM Self Leveling Mandos go bad it will cost 3x more than standard or at least $1,200 in parts alone (reference) on top of the original cost to add the package. Bilstein offers a lifetime warranty and if they make a heavy duty package maybe they will also offer something in their 5100 line that they also make for the Tahoe to replace the Nivomats.

It makes sense that any self leveling monotubes are built to operate at a certain height and set extension. Lifting will completely change their mechanical response, so adding spacers to drop the arm back down is the only way to make them operate close to designed otherwise they will stay extended and never drop down to perform their pumping action to lift.

 

[momo]

So the lift is gorgeous and adds some clearance, but with all these potential issues with the self-leveling shocks, I wonder:

If you had to pick one -- either the lift or the self-leveling shock -- which would be the more functional choice for someone that doesn't tow much, but fills the trunk and does summer camping and winter skiing, so lots of time in the mountains?

I am in the market for a new Telly (in Denver) and love the idea of the combination of the lift + bigger tires + self-leveling shocks, but feel like getting it just right and the risk of compromising the warranty isn't worth it.

 

[2020Telly]

If you had to pick one -- either the lift or the self-leveling shock -- which would be the more functional choice for someone that doesn't tow much, but fills the trunk and does summer camping and winter skiing, so lots of time in the mountains?

Lift + bigger tires + better shocks + airbags + on board air compressor + self leveling sensor

That is the order I would do. The self-leveling shocks are great when they work under the exact conditions they were designed to be used but expensive to replace if they fail.

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[momo]

Lift + bigger tires + better shocks + airbags + on board air compressor + self leveling sensor

That is the order I would do. The self-leveling shocks are great when they work under the exact conditions they were designed to be used but expensive to replace if they fail.

If I'm reading this right, you are recommending to avoid the tow package that includes the self-leveling shocks and add them later when it makes sense?

 

[2020Telly]

If I'm reading this right, you are recommending to avoid the tow package that includes the self-leveling shocks and add them later when it makes sense?

I'm not a fan of the Mando (Nivomat-like) shocks being passed off as a towing package on the Telluride. I think soon enough there will be better aftermarket options that offer less repair and replacement costs as more early Tellurides start getting closer to 60,000-100,000 miles. I've read about these shocks on Durangos, Tahoes and other SUVs and they seem to be a love or hate type of purchase. It's my understanding that they are great for cruiser motorcycles and station wagons. I'm not sure they are what I would ever want on a larger mid-sized SUV. I have the standard shocks and planning to add the AirLift helper bags in the struts for $100 (60860) to buy me time until a company like Bilstein makes something designed for the Telluride with a lifetime warranty that doesn't break the bank. Then if I want something that does load leveling, I would rather an air based solution rather than a mechanical pump. I was even looking at these SumoSprings for $150 (I think CSS-1125 fit the rear of a Telluride) that could help stiffen the rear OEM struts and lift the back a little for a more level load when towing.

 

[momo]

I'm not a fan of the Mando (Nivomat-like) shocks being passed off as a towing package on the Telluride. I think soon enough there will be better aftermarket options that offer less repair and replacement costs as more early Tellurides start getting closer to 60,000-100,000 miles. I've read about these shocks on Durangos, Tahoes and other SUVs and they seem to be a love or hate type of purchase. It's my understanding that they are great for cruiser motorcycles and station wagons. I'm not sure they are what I would ever want on a larger mid-sized SUV. I have the standard shocks and planning to add the AirLift helper bags in the struts for $100 (60860) to buy me time until a company like Bilstein makes something designed for the Telluride with a lifetime warranty that doesn't break the bank. Then if I want something that does load leveling, I would rather an air based solution rather than a mechanical pump. I was even looking at these SumoSprings for $150 (I think CSS-1125 fit the rear of a Telluride) that could help stiffen the rear OEM struts and lift the back a little for a more level load when towing.

Got it. I appreciate the context!

 

[thomash95]

I almost installed this before finding this thread, and didn’t want to risk damaging my suspension. I returned the lift kit to Amazon but got a message from truxxx and figured I’d share with you guys as I’ve seen some mixed messages regarding contacting them.

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[TxAggie]

I almost installed this before finding this thread, and didn’t want to risk damaging my suspension. I returned the lift kit to Amazon but got a message from truxxx and figured I’d share with you guys as I’ve seen some mixed messages regarding contacting them.

That is great news! Exactly why I've been holding out.

 

[kaleide]

Truxxx.com - Kia Telluride Suspension Lift and Level Lift Kits

Truxxx uses precision laser cut US Steel and OEM drawings. Lifetime Warranty on Kia Telluride Suspension Lift and Level Lift Kits.

www.truxxx.com

Looks like they’ve added a 2.5in, and almost doubled the price! I personally highly dislike their “spacer” for the shock… it’s a top shaft extension that is threaded on, could have easily made a lower relocation mount and maintained the strength! I wanted to lift, but guess I’ll be holding out until some awesome company makes actual lifted coils and shocks/struts.

 

[Retired-TELCO]

I'm with you Kaleide. Seems like they went in the wrong direction with the least amount of thought.

 

[kaleide]

So, I emailed Bilstein about lift struts/shocks. They replied and gave link, said that if there is enough interest, it could be something they produce! So click and search, request product, and get them on board!
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