2008 Denali XL..Suspensions. From autoride to passive shocks and struts.

[Tim Welch]

2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL - (152,000 Miles)

Hi everyone. I am looking for any help possible in selecting a new suspension system for my Denali. I have been reading a lot of threads but not really finding what I need to make a good decision. I bought this ride one year ago and noticed that the compressor wasn't working so I replaced it, but have since noticed that that it is beginning to sound sick again. Evidently both of my rear air shocks are leaking so I think it is time to just replace the whole system. I have a couple of different paths I am considering.

• Keep stock height and replace air system with passive system. I want it to be a good ride and reasonably priced. Don't want the cheapest but I'm not looking to go crazy, this is my wife's daily driver with all the kids. Initial research found that Arnott and Strutmasters have fairly simple kits with autoride warning light fix.
  • Are either of these a quality system?
    • Strutmasters
    • Arnott
    • Other Recommendations???
  • I don't often put a trailer on this ride, but if I do I know that without the auto leveling the back end is likely to sag. I am considering adding the Air Lift 1000 bags. Will this stiffen the ride too much that it may make for an uncomfortable ride? Will it make the back sit higher?

• If I want to add a lift what products should I seriously look at? I don't want to go too high.... somewhere in between 2 and 5".
  • I know Rough Country has lift kits of 3.5", 5", and 7". Their notes state it doesn't work with AWD .... but in communicating with customer service they say it will work but the front drive lines need to be replaced with a double cardan driveshaft in order to eliminate driveline vibration.
  • Are there any puck lifts out there that members have installed that they would recommend? Not really concerned about leveling, theres only 1" diffence from front to back currently.

Additional items that to note that someone may be able to guide me on.

• I've noticed some squeaking from the suspension. I suspect I may need to replace ball joints and control arms, however does anyone else have recommendations?
• Also, theres a little bit of high pitched squeal while driving through the neighborhood. Ideas? (I know, just turn up the radio and you won't hear it anymore) .

 

[M4mckeen]

Following for the same information


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[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics, please.

I purchased my new-to-me 07 Yukon XL Denali, and the autoride suspension had already been removed and replaced with struts in the front and springs and coilovers in the rear. The ride is excellent, and when I tow a light trailer, ~1200 lbs, there is no rear sagging or any related issues.

Bilstein and Arnott shocks are often mentioned by folks here as solid replacements.

Other folks will chime in with their perspectives.

 

[HACK BLOCK]

following cause I'm almost in the same situation as you. don't know if the ride quality is worth replacing the stock z55 suspension or convert. as for the lift, I've read stories that even with the new driveshaft there is still vibration at around 70mph.

 

[wjburken]

I have had good luck with Arnott. I just ordered a set if AS-2708’s for the rear of my ‘13. I’ve put these on my all the NNBS vehicles I’ve owned and have been very happy.

 

[HACK BLOCK]

I have had good luck with Arnott. I just ordered a set if AS-2708’s for the rear of my ‘13. I’ve put these on my all the NNBS vehicles I’ve owned and have been very happy.

how do you think the ride quality of a fresh z55 suspension is vs bilstein 5100's?

 

[wjburken]

how do you think the ride quality of a fresh z55 suspension is vs bilstein 5100's?

I honestly can’t answer that as I have never ran Bilsteins on my SUV’s. I have always maintained Autolevel by using Arnotts AS-2700’s or Autolevel and Autoride with AS-2708’s.

 

[Jason in DLH]

2007 Yukon Denali here. Got rid of the autoride years ago. I’ve got a 2” (or 3” as I can’t exactly remember) coil spacer that works perfectly for me. I then use the Rancho (darn it...been awhile and forgot the part number! I believe it’s the RS 5000). Anyways...if I already didn’t have the coil spacers I was going to look into these from Rancho...

I do like the Rancho shocks, though. Good ride from them. Ugh...got the wrong year for those Ranchos...anyways, you get the idea.

 

[Geotrash]

If you decide to keep the stock height, in my opinion you can't go wrong with the factory system. Rockauto has the OEM z55 autoride rear air shocks for $250 each. I just installed a fresh set in each of our Denali's and they're holding pressure great. Originals on my '12 lasted 117K and were holding pressure fine, but one started to leak a little hydraulic fluid so I replaced them. The units on my '07 were unknown and were leaking just enough air to require replacement. Both will hold pressure 100% now with a 4000' trailer.

 

[Doubeleive]

I would keep the stock air ride and go with the arnott's from rockauto like Dave stated above, I did the same and no issues after 3 years now plus they come with a lifetime warranty.
if you REALLY want to lift it (or level it rather) you can go up a couple inches with the air ride by using spacers in the front and longer springs in the rear, you would just need to replace the ride height rods with longer rods and reset the air ride trim with a tech2, by just going up a 1" or 2" you probably wont get any drive vibration.

 

[kbuskill]

If you decide to keep the stock height, in my opinion you can't go wrong with the factory system. Rockauto has the OEM z55 autoride rear air shocks for $250 each. I just installed a fresh set in each of our Denali's and they're holding pressure great. Originals on my '12 lasted 117K and were holding pressure fine, but one started to leak a little hydraulic fluid so I replaced them. The units on my '07 were unknown and were leaking just enough air to require replacement. Both will hold pressure 100% now with a 4000' trailer.

Arnott will buy your old factory auto ride shocks for cores and rebuild them... at least they would a few years back when I swapped mine... you should call and ask them. They sent me shipping labels and everything... may recoup some of your money.

 

[wjburken]

Arnott will buy your old factory auto ride shocks for cores and rebuild them... at least they would a few years back when I swapped mine... you should call and ask them. They sent me shipping labels and everything... may recoup some of your money.

I think they still do. If you buy the AS-2700’s, I think they’ll give you $25 a shock. The AS-2708’s have a $50 core charge through RockAuto.

 

[HACK BLOCK]

I think they still do. If you buy the AS-2700’s, I think they’ll give you $25 a shock. The AS-2708’s have a $50 core charge through RockAuto.

just checked rock auto and its 149 plus 50 for the core so 200

 

[wjburken]

just checked rock auto and its 149 plus 50 for the core so 200

Yep. I just ordered a pair of AS-2708's the other night.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Don't forget RockAuto's 5% discount code they always have posted in the vendors forum.

Just ordered a set earlier today. $385 after 5% discount and $50 core charge for each. So $285 after sending back old ones and getting core charge back.

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[Big Mama]

If you tow you can’t beat the factory rear set up, especially with a lifetime warranty from Armott. If you go with helper bags you might spend as much or more than getting the Armott set up and it’s much easier having the rear adjust itself vs adding air.

 

[HACK BLOCK]

what's the part number for the fronts?

 

[wjburken]

what's the part number for the fronts?

SK-2954
https://www.arnottindustries.com/sk...-lwb-gmt93x-gmt94x-excl-hybrids-left-or-right

 

[avalonandl]

I HATE Rancho shocks, ride hard.

I put 2708's on my Denali rear position and they ride great and help me tow my VERY heavy boat.

 

[HACK BLOCK]

SK-2954
https://www.arnottindustries.com/sk...-lwb-gmt93x-gmt94x-excl-hybrids-left-or-right

when I looked up that part number the description says it comes with a sensor to eliminate errors. I'm looking for a direct replacement plug and play