Arnott or ebay for the rear air shocks? Any experience?

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Malik112099

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I also went with the Arnotts. I respect that I hear about them on multiple forums going several years back. Call me a sheep, but a good brand name can mean a lot.

Once I replace them, how can I know if the compressor is working? Does it kick on during normal use? I'm concerned that with my airbags blown out like they are, the compressor may have ran itself dead. Does that tend to happen on the GM air ride system? Maybe a fuse will blow first?


I planned on doing this to test the compressor:

 

Moose912

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I used arnott before on my 06 and run them on anything that comes thru my shop that want air ride still used. I REALLY like their setups. This forum set me on to them on my 06 5-6 years ago.

My .02 if you have resistors already installed, why use air ride again?

FWIW advance sell arnott with lifetime warranty as well.
 

Moose912

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I also went with the Arnotts. I respect that I hear about them on multiple forums going several years back. Call me a sheep, but a good brand name can mean a lot.

Once I replace them, how can I know if the compressor is working? Does it kick on during normal use? I'm concerned that with my airbags blown out like they are, the compressor may have ran itself dead. Does that tend to happen on the GM air ride system? Maybe a fuse will blow first?

Once you have bags that hold air the system should turn on. If not, suspect compressor issue or drier failure. Typically when the bags blow the compressor runs til it shorts out anyway. Arnott has a kit prebuilt and ready to go. Just drop out of bracket swap and go.
 

tjeick

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I installed my new arnott air shocks last night. It was pretty easy once I had the inner fenders off. If you don’t have air tools or an electric impact, I highly recommend a cheap set from harbor freight. They saved me probably an hour+ of swearing and sweating last night.

As soon as I started the truck after install, I got a service traction control and service stabilitrak warning light. Pretty confident that my compressor is donezo as well because I loaded her up with some scrap today and she was just squatting. No bulge in the bags at all when I rolled under to check.

After I got my scrap sold, I removed the compressor and attempted to bench test it. There are two large wires on the plug, red and black, that wrap around and go directly into the biggest chunk of the unit. I assume this is the compressor and its power wires. I used a little mower typed battery and gave them 12V, absolutely nothing happened. I have some pictures below of the wires I tried. I put voltage in in both directions but I tried + to red first.

My plan is to replace my compressor, does anyone think it could be something else?

A part of me wishes I had just gone with aftermarket manual airbags but adding air with a hose sounds like a pain. I hope I will be satisfied with their function when all is said and done.
EABA8691-7A40-42F4-991C-D1A472C4BCDF.jpeg 8AA51D43-C48E-4A32-8870-FCFCDFC28567.jpeg FD4F19C1-3DE6-436C-B948-2B1DEF6A1A0A.jpeg 3D2A26E4-1AB1-4B27-A89D-C97E976B9799.jpeg
 

tjeick

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61E0792F-A6CC-477A-9D61-82DE8FB62E0C.jpeg Oh I forgot to mention, I also tested using the method in that video before I took it out. That relay, if you were wondering, is on the driver’s side kinda hanging in the space between the fuse box and the steering column.
 

Doubeleive

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I also went with the Arnotts. I respect that I hear about them on multiple forums going several years back. Call me a sheep, but a good brand name can mean a lot.

Once I replace them, how can I know if the compressor is working? Does it kick on during normal use? I'm concerned that with my airbags blown out like they are, the compressor may have ran itself dead. Does that tend to happen on the GM air ride system? Maybe a fuse will blow first?
normally anytime you turn the key to run the pump should first release air briefly like for a second then it should kick on and pump the system, it should do this anytime the key is turned to run.
 

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View attachment 222767 Oh I forgot to mention, I also tested using the method in that video before I took it out. That relay, if you were wondering, is on the driver’s side kinda hanging in the space between the fuse box and the steering column.
ya there is bulletin to check to make sure you do not accidentally disconnect the abs harness which sit directly on top of the frame right where the top bolt for the shocks go, go back and check those harness on both sides to be sure you didn't pull them out.
 

Hi-psi

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ya there is bulletin to check to make sure you do not accidentally disconnect the abs harness which sit directly on top of the frame right where the top bolt for the shocks go, go back and check those harness on both sides to be sure you didn't pull them out.

This.

When I replaced my rear shocks I already knew about the ABS plugs up there and was extra careful. Guess what? Still happened. First key on after, all the warning lights. Reached up there, yep, unplugged. Pushed them back in fully, no lights.
 
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Malik112099

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I tested using the alc relay method. Made sure I had 12v on it then jumpered it and nothing. I expected nothing since I’m sure the compressor died long before I bought the truck 2 years ago. Ordered a new replacement on RockAuto. It will be here this week. I’ll install the shocks and compressor next weekend.

Good tip on the abs connectors. I’ll keep an eye out for them.
 

tjeick

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This.

When I replaced my rear shocks I already knew about the ABS plugs up there and was extra careful. Guess what? Still happened. First key on after, all the warning lights. Reached up there, yep, unplugged. Pushed them back in fully, no lights.

Thank you so much for this!!!

I rolled under to check and sure enough, passenger side was unplugged. Just turned the key to on to check, looks good now!
 

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