2007 Yukon Denali XL Auto Leveling Suspension (HELP)

Lance Buettner said:

I have a 2007 Yukon Denali XL with 125k mile / auto leveling suspension, I had issues with one of the rear shocks leaking and the compressor sounded like rocks in a blender. I had the dealer replace both rear shocks and compressor assembly with OEM components. Everything works as it should, however the rear of the vehicle now sits 2.75" higher than the front. This was measured on a leveled surface at center line of fender wells. Not only does this look odd, it seams to have affected the ride quality and steering. I took it back to the dealer and they indicated that there is no way to adjust the suspension to level it (as it has been since 2008 when I bought it) and they tell me that this does not affect ride quality or steering.

Not only would I like my ride quality and steering back, I would like it to be level.

Thoughts and experience on this is greatly appreciated!

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kbuskill said:

They are correct in the sense that the truck is supposed to sit about 3" higher in the rear than in the front in factory form.

They are wrong in the sense that it can't be adjusted.

While there is no "factory" adjustments you can change out the auto leveling links on the height sensors found on each side of the rear.

View attachment 199897

If you shorten the link I indicated in this pic it will cause the air suspension to not raise the rear end as much. You can buy 10x24 threaded rod from a hardware store which will fit in the factory plastic ball sockets after you remove the original metal rod.

View attachment 199902
Here is a pic of mine after I installed my 4/6 drop kit. I wanted to maintain the auto leveling feature for when ever I load up a bunch of people in the Burb or hook up to my trailer OR both.

You will just need to play with the rod length until you are happy.

I will tell you it is much easier to get to and adjust the rear links with the wheels off the truck so if it were me I would jack it up and put the axle on jack stands. Make sure the axle is on jack stands and NOT the frame that way the auto leveling can still function.

Remove the wheels and start the truck and wait for the compressor to cycle and lift the rear.

Next remove the rod end and pull the sensor arm down and then wait about 15-30 seconds and you should hear the dump valve on the compressor open up a few times and the rear end should come down. You need a helper for this because you need to do both sides at the same time preferably.

Take some measurements before you start of where the upper trailing arm is in relation to the wheel well or body so that you can see how much it drops when the air is out of the shocks.

I would not run the rear shocks completely empty as it is probably not good for the shocks and the ride quality will also suffer.

Hope this helps... any more questions just ask.

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Lance Buettner said:

Thank you for the information! A couple of questions though,

1) You indicated that it is supposed to be 3" higher in the rear from factory. Mine was not noticeably higher in the rear prior to the new shocks and compressor. I've bought it in 08 it with 5k miles, so not since new, but almost. two of my buddies have the same Denali XL that we compared notes and measurements on prior to this post both sit the same and are slightly higher 1.5" +/- what are your thoughts on this?

2) Is the shortening of length equally proportional to drop? ex: Shorten rod length 1" = 1" drop in rear.

3) What are your thoughts on ride quality and steering with rear being +3, +1.5 or level, should I see appreciable differences either better or worse?

Thanks!

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