Converting back the Z55 Air Ride Suspension

[gooffeyguy]

How much is the control module?

GM front struts are like $300 each, compressor is about $200, and rear air shocks are $300. Nowhere near $3500, unless I'm missing something?

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[Joseph Garcia]

How much is the control module?

GM front struts are like $300 each, compressor is about $200, and rear air shocks are $300. Nowhere near $3500, unless I'm missing something?

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I used costs quoted to me from GM by a member of this Forum.

 

[avalonandl]

You DO NOT want the Dorman Compressor. Get the Arnott $ 223

The GM 5801095 are the correct air shocks $ 255 ea.

 

[gooffeyguy]

I used costs quoted to me from GM by a member of this Forum.

So from a GM dealership?

Again, how much is this control module?

Just curious where the $3500 figure came from. It seems quite high.

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[HACK BLOCK]

Still researching my options and associated costs.

At this point, however, I am leaning toward restoring only the auto-leveling portion of the Z55 suspension by using air shocks in the rear, as the total cost to fully restore the full Z55 suspension (electronic and air), using GM OEM parts, including front struts, rear air shocks, compressor, and control module, will probably exceed $3500, and this assumes that the height rods and wheel sensors are all still on the truck and fully operational. I simply cannot justify spending that amount of money on this truck for this specific work, as I do not believe that the incremental improved handling from the electronic portion of the Z55 suspension would be worth the incremental level of investment to include it.

For restoring the auto-leveling by replacing the front strut assemblies with new strut assemblies and replacing the current coil-over rear shocks with rear air shocks, and a new compressor and control module, I am currently looking at front strut assemblies by Arnott SK-2954, the rear air shocks by Arnott AS-3430, and the compressor by Arnott P-3430, and the control module by ACDelco 15095294. This can be accomplished for less than $1500. And, perhaps, I won't need to replace my existing control module.

I'm still researching and evaluating, but this is where my current mindset is.

the Arnott SK-2954 are not an electronic shock like the original z55. it says it in the description

 

[Denaliz]

I recently replaced my z55 rears with arnotts (rides as good as the day I bought it new) and have the new front oem ACDelcos struts in hand to get installed this weekend I’m hoping.

As someone who’s recently bought the parts and paid for rears to be installed- I’m scratching my head why you’re looking at 3500.00

Maybe we can help you if you can share the breakdown of that 3500 quote?

 

[HACK BLOCK]

I recently replaced my z55 rears with arnotts (rides as good as the day I bought it new) and have the new front oem ACDelcos struts in hand to get installed this weekend I’m hoping.

As someone who’s recently bought the parts and paid for rears to be installed- I’m scratching my head why you’re looking at 3500.00

Maybe we can help you if you can share the breakdown of that 3500 quote?

I'm thinking parts should be at least 1000 for the front and rears without the compressor

 

[Denaliz]

Absolutely- for me personally..The rear Arnott’s were under 500 I know after core refund.

the AcDelco 580-484’s (373,etc) I priced out at 250 ish per (best I see online )

I spent another 70 for bumpers, insulator and new top nuts.

 

[91RS]

Can you post some pictures of the suspension on the truck? You shouldn't need the control module, as far as I know there is no way to remove the module completely on a truck that came with it or the truck will not run. They would have had to use resistors to trick the module into thinking the shocks are still there. Was the front mag ride deleted as well? If not and the front shocks aren't leaking you don't need to replace those. Has the compressor been removed or do you already know it is bad?

 

[adventurenali92]

Can you post some pictures of the suspension on the truck? You shouldn't need the control module, as far as I know there is no way to remove the module completely on a truck that came with it or the truck will not run. They would have had to use resistors to trick the module into thinking the shocks are still there. Was the front mag ride deleted as well? If not and the front shocks aren't leaking you don't need to replace those. Has the compressor been removed or do you already know it is bad?

As far as I know mag ride shocks were not an option on the GMT900 Denali package, only on the escalades.

 

[George B]

So where we at on this one @Joseph Garcia?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

So where we at on this one @Joseph Garcia?

Nowhere right now, George. I placed the project on the back burner.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I am resurrecting this project (thank you, @George B for your gentle nudge), and my immediate need is to find the electrical connector pigtails for all 4 shocks for the electrical connections associated with the Z55 suspension. The previous owner simply cut them off and replaced them with resistors. So far, my search for online sources of these electrical connector pigtails have not turned up anything substantive. I have not yet contacted the dealer to see if they sell them, and how many of my children they would want in exchange for them. Nor, have I contacted any salvage yards, yet.

If anyone knows, or can suggest, where else I should look, I'm all ears.

@915_Tahoe can you check to see if these electrical connector pigtails are even offered for sale at the dealers?

 

[TollKeeper]

I might be heading to the salvage yard next weekend for some small parts. I can check if the Denali or Esky they have them, and snip them? I cant imagine the yard charging much, if anything, for them. Here is Colorado, we dont get much for corrosion. Maybe if we ask nicely, we can get @Sam Harris to join in on the forage.

As for the rest of this thread.. I would go with the Dorman Compressor. They seem to have better reviews over the Arnott counterpart, and its a local warranty, depending on where you buy.

If money wasnt a factor, I would be going with the Monroe rear Z55 shock. Mainly for local warranty. But that price.. They are certainly proud of those. Its a shame the previous owner already removed the Z55 rear shocks, cause if you went the Monroe route, you could then sell your old shocks to them.

Cant help you on the front, yours is different than mine.

 

[Sam Harris]

I might be heading to the salvage yard next weekend for some small parts. I can check if the Denali or Esky they have them, and snip them? I cant imagine the yard charging much, if anything, for them. Here is Colorado, we dont get much for corrosion. Maybe if we ask nicely, we can get @Sam Harris to join in on the forage.

As for the rest of this thread.. I would go with the Dorman Compressor. They seem to have better reviews over the Arnott counterpart, and its a local warranty, depending on where you buy.

If money wasnt a factor, I would be going with the Monroe rear Z55 shock. Mainly for local warranty. But that price.. They are certainly proud of those. Its a shame the previous owner already removed the Z55 rear shocks, cause if you went the Monroe route, you could then sell your old shocks to them.

Cant help you on the front, yours is different than mine.

Sounds like fun! I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make it, but keep me in the loop please!

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I might be heading to the salvage yard next weekend for some small parts. I can check if the Denali or Esky they have them, and snip them? I cant imagine the yard charging much, if anything, for them. Here is Colorado, we dont get much for corrosion. Maybe if we ask nicely, we can get @Sam Harris to join in on the forage.

As for the rest of this thread.. I would go with the Dorman Compressor. They seem to have better reviews over the Arnott counterpart, and its a local warranty, depending on where you buy.

If money wasnt a factor, I would be going with the Monroe rear Z55 shock. Mainly for local warranty. But that price.. They are certainly proud of those. Its a shame the previous owner already removed the Z55 rear shocks, cause if you went the Monroe route, you could then sell your old shocks to them.

Cant help you on the front, yours is different than mine.

If you do go to the salvage yard, I'd be much appreciative if you asked about these 4 electrical connector pigtails. The 2 in the front insert into the top of the strut shaft, while the 2 in the rear insert into the top side of the shock body. I'd gladly pay the salvage charge and shipping cost, and I'd add in an Amazon gift card in for your personal time. Please let me know, as your plans firm up.

 

[915_Tahoe]

I am resurrecting this project (thank you, @George B for your gentle nudge), and my immediate need is to find the electrical connector pigtails for all 4 shocks for the electrical connections associated with the Z55 suspension. The previous owner simply cut them off and replaced them with resistors. So far, my search for online sources of these electrical connector pigtails have not turned up anything substantive. I have not yet contacted the dealer to see if they sell them, and how many of my children they would want in exchange for them. Nor, have I contacted any salvage yards, yet.

If anyone knows, or can suggest, where else I should look, I'm all ears.

@915_Tahoe can you check to see if these electrical connector pigtails are even offered for sale at the dealers?

Sure thing, I'll let you know in the morning

 

[TollKeeper]

If you do go to the salvage yard, I'd be much appreciative if you asked about these 4 electrical connector pigtails. The 2 in the front insert into the top of the strut shaft, while the 2 in the rear insert into the top side of the shock body. I'd gladly pay the salvage charge and shipping cost, and I'd add in an Amazon gift card in for your personal time. Please let me know, as your plans firm up.

Got em!

Wasnt planning on going today. But I needed a steering column small part for the Esky, and they had an Esky with the Z55. The front 2 have about 6 inchs of extra wire, where it goes into the bigger loom. And the rears have probly 12 inchs or more of wire and air tube, where it goes into the bigger loom.

I still cant believe they charged me 5 bucks for each connector, but.. What you gonna do?

I cant imagine shipping charges are going to be much. They should fit into one of those small USPS If it fits it ships boxes.

Let me know!

 

[OR VietVet]

$5 for the correct hard to find connectors, that is a bargain, IMO.

 

[wsteele]

I can't even remember how I got to these shocks on eBay today, but when I saw this thread, I thought I should pass it along.

For my own part, I wouldn't put anything other than OE shocks back in, but maybe if you are feeling adventurous...

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