Question about Bilstein shocks.

Eckl · Aug 13, 2009

So naturally my autoride system is leaking. I'm looking at two replacements...

1. Bilsteins. Is this a direct swap that still relies on the air compressor? Or a pre-charged air/gas shock? Honestly, I don't want something that still relies on the rest of the crap 9compressor and sensors) failing.

2. Strutmasters conversion kit. It's a progressive system that converts air to non air suspension.

Any comments?

05Yukon · Aug 13, 2009

The bilsteins are a direct replacement that is still an air shock and still uses the compressor and everything. I dont know anything about the strutmasters kit.

DenaliAK · Aug 13, 2009

I'm looking at the Bilstein/Arnott air shocks. They still use the compressor, but it deletes the electronically adjustable portion of the shock. And, they are guaranteed for LIFE as a Bilstein product.

wade · Aug 13, 2009

so if the bilstein doesnt need the adjuster, how does it know when the truck is not level

DenaliAK · Aug 13, 2009

They aren't auto-leveling, they just use the compressor to adjust to heavy loads. I don't know how it's triggered.

wade · Aug 13, 2009

well damn, decisions decisions

DenaliAK · Aug 13, 2009

lol

No kidding. I'm weighing the options, too. Not sure which route to take.

wade · Aug 13, 2009

i tow a lot and like to have my ride as level as possible, so what is best

Eckl · Aug 13, 2009

The benefit I see from using a progressive shock replacement, is that you don't need to rely on the compressor or sensors anymore. So farther down the line, you don't need to buy a new compressor when it craps out also.

And how does the Bilstein auto level with the compressor if the sensor is disconnected?

DenaliAK · Aug 13, 2009

I'm not an expert by any means, but this is how I think it works:

The OEM shocks are electric air shocks. The electric part softens or dampens the ride depending on the road conditions. This is the part that would be disconnected with the Bilsteins. The air part does the leveling based on load, which would still work. That's what I've come up with after talking to the guys at Arnott Industries (the ones that sell the Bilsteins), anyway. I still don't completely understand it, although it more or less makes sense in my head now....lol

Eckl · Aug 14, 2009

Ah yes, so the 'auto level' sensors are still working, just the dampening electronics are bypassed. Gotcha! :cheers:

Right on! Thanks for the research!

So have you made your decision now??

I'm STILL on that damn fence lol.

DenaliAK · Aug 14, 2009

As soon as I can get the money together, I'm going with the Bilsteins. It's still waaaay cheaper and from what I've heard they actually ride better then the electric shocks.

wade · Aug 25, 2009

looks like I am ordering the Bilsteins end of the week and a new compressor for my Denali from Arnott.

Max · Aug 26, 2009

I LOVE my bilstein HDs, just order some 3.9ohm resistors and you won't have a service ride control light.

wade · Aug 26, 2009

Max, it says on Arnott they come with something to plug into your sensor on the truck that keeps the service engine light away... so why the resistors then?

Max · Aug 26, 2009

They're probably resistors with an attached plug.

DenaliAK · Aug 29, 2009

I don't think those are the same shocks. They are both Bilstein, but I think Max has the standard shocks, the Bilstein Heavy Duties. The Bilstein/Arnott shocks are still air shocks that the two companies jointly produced.

Max, does that sound right?

Max · Aug 29, 2009

Yus I have the standard application factory replacement shocks, the arnotts work w/autoride but I just deleted all that crap.

Question about Bilstein shocks.

Eckl

TYF Newbie

05Yukon

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DenaliAK

Colder than you

wade

*****

DenaliAK

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wade

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DenaliAK

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wade

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Eckl

TYF Newbie

DenaliAK

Colder than you

Eckl

TYF Newbie

DenaliAK

Colder than you

wade

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Max

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wade

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Max

Mile High

DenaliAK

Colder than you

Max

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