How long have your OEM air ride shocks lasted?

KATfishing said:

Mine are still working at 130K, but you guys are confirming my suspicions... I better start saving up!

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I use my tax return as my expensive vehicle maintenance, and this return I planned on doing my entire suspension, and then some. Front upper and lower control arms, new front springs and struts and all parts for new strut assemblies, and rear coils and shocks. I'm in around $1800 so far, mostly through Rock Auto. I'm also getting better front and rear sway bars, just haven't decided what brand yet.

mikeyss said:

I use my tax return as my expensive vehicle maintenance, and this return I planned on doing my entire suspension, and then some. Front upper and lower control arms, new front springs and struts and all parts for new strut assemblies, and rear coils and shocks. I'm in around $1800 so far, mostly through Rock Auto. I'm also getting better front and rear sway bars, just haven't decided what brand yet.

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Cool, and awesome way to fund it! How many miles on your ride? Are your air shocks leaking or failing? Also wondering how difficult they are to change in the garage without a lift, and how exact the parts need to be in order to function correctly without error codes. On Amazon, I've seen a few reviews where there was a slight variation in the shocks based on VIN and even though they were spec as a "fit," still caused service auto ride message or something like that.

KATfishing said:

Cool, and awesome way to fund it! How many miles on your ride? Are your air shocks leaking or failing? Also wondering how difficult they are to change in the garage without a lift, and how exact the parts need to be in order to function correctly without error codes. On Amazon, I've seen a few reviews where there was a slight variation in the shocks based on VIN and even though they were spec as a "fit," still caused service auto ride message or something like that.

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I'm at 140k, none of the shocks are leaking yet, but I can see the rear air bladders are starting to fray. The front struts are maxed out, I can't push down on the front at all. I'll be working on it soon .

My rears died about 115k, still held air when they would fill but I got solenoid errors. Replaced with Arnotts, literally plug and play. The passenger side rear shock was tricky to get at the top bolt due to the lines for the rear climate control. I took the spare tire shield off and it made it easier. Just have a few different length extensions and you'll be able to get it. I had a buddy help me drink some beers and hold this or that, took us about 2 hours taking our time.

All I used to change them was 2 jack stands on the rear of the frame to get the wheels off the ground and then put your jack under the pumpkin and jack it up a little bit to get the old shocks out and the new ones in. Make sure you have two 21mm sockets, will make your life much easier.

07 Denali with just over 120k still working but I’m like you. If I’m pulling my boat and they let go I’m not sure what happens. Anyone got a reasonable shock they’d recommend?

I’m at 153,000. no issues. but finally replacing the shocks with Arnotts.


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Mine went at about 95k, and took my compressor out with it.

08 AWD Denali. Rear went out somewhere between 108 & 120k. No warning on display. In true Murphy’s law fashion it took the compressor out too. Gotta check the fronts now.


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Went to RockAuto and got a great deal on Arnott rear shocks (AS2700) and front springs and shock (SK2954) for my 09 Denali. *knock on wood* but my compressor is still operating. 150k miles and should've changed it out a couple years ago. Ride is great and responsive. Had to hit some dirt roads up in the Sierras last month and glad I changed them out prior to that trip. Was expecting the Arnotts to be a bit stiffer (I would've preferred that) but it's a really solid stock setting.