Converting back the Z55 Air Ride Suspension

[TollKeeper]

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...

Pair Air Suspension Strut Shocks For Cadillac GMC Yukon XL Chevy Escalade Tahoe | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Pair Air Suspension Strut Shocks For Cadillac GMC Yukon XL Chevy Escalade Tahoe at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

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Fakes with resistor caps. Good price for anyone deleting the Z55, but keeping the air ride.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

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!

Super news!!!

I just PM'd you with the shipping information.

This is just another example of how this Forum AND its members rock!!!

 

[adventurenali92]

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...

Pair Air Suspension Strut Shocks For Cadillac GMC Yukon XL Chevy Escalade Tahoe | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Pair Air Suspension Strut Shocks For Cadillac GMC Yukon XL Chevy Escalade Tahoe at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I’m just gonna throw this out.... if it’s cheap and seems too good to be true.... it usually is... I’ve been there and done that with the cheaply priced replacement air shocks and it’s so not worth it. They were cheap Chinese knock offs that didn’t last a year.... they were pathetic. I have since invested in arnott shocks and couldn’t be happier. I can’t say this enough but don’t trust the cheap offerings on fleabay.....

 

[wsteele]

I’m just gonna throw this out.... if it’s cheap and seems too good to be true.... it usually is... I’ve been there and done that with the cheaply priced replacement air shocks and it’s so not worth it. They were cheap Chinese knock offs that didn’t last a year.... they were pathetic. I have since invested in arnott shocks and couldn’t be happier. I can’t say this enough but don’t trust the cheap offerings on fleabay.....

Totally agree, that is why is said if you are feeling adventurous...

I have had good luck with the OE units. I got almost 100K out of my first set and so far so good on the current ones. I love the auto level option and the way the autoride shocks work has served me well for the last 14 years, so for me, the OE units are worth it. In the grand scheme of owning one of these full sized trucks, kind of small potatoes.

 

[adventurenali92]

Totally agree, that is why is said if you are feeling adventurous...

I have had good luck with the OE units. I got almost 100K out of my first set and so far so good on the current ones. I love the auto level option and the way the autoride shocks work has served me well for the last 14 years, so for me, the OE units are worth it. In the grand scheme of owning one of these full sized trucks, kind of small potatoes.

I agree that the OE units are worth their price tag and they’re functionality. I love the auto leveling function. Works wonders when towing. Had the funds been available when I needed to replace I would have gone OE. But that was not the case, but I also had the chance to buy a very gently used set of arnott rear and OEM front auto ride shocks for my ride last year from another member here for an insanely good deal and I just couldn’t pass it up. Lol

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Fully agree, and I'm going with OE replacement parts. You get what you pay for.... at best.

 

[TollKeeper]

Parts are shipped @Joseph Garcia

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I completed the replacement of the compressor, the rear shocks and the rear springs. I connected the air shocks to the compressor, but I did not connect the electrical connectors to the shocks, as I am awaiting receipt of a salvage set of electrical connectors. All went relatively smoothly, and I did not get the opportunity to invent many new swear words.

When I started the truck, though, it threw a bunch of DTC codes, with the ABS light being the most unexpected code. I diagnosed it with my Tech 2, and I narrowed it down to the rear driver's side wheel. So, I jacked up the truck and pulled off the wheel, and I found that the ABS connector on the frame had become disconnected somehow from the wire running to the wheel hub. Once I reconnected it, all the trouble codes went away.

I then used my Tech 2 to re-set the automatic level control trim on the truck.

Next week, the front suspension components will be installed.

So far, so good.

 

[OR VietVet]

Looking forward to the new updates. Pesky connectors

 

[George B]

I completed the replacement of the compressor, the rear shocks and the rear springs. I connected the air shocks to the compressor, but I did not connect the electrical connectors to the shocks, as I am awaiting receipt of a salvage set of electrical connectors. All went relatively smoothly, and I did not get the opportunity to invent many new swear words.

When I started the truck, though, it threw a bunch of DTC codes, with the ABS light being the most unexpected code. I diagnosed it with my Tech 2, and I narrowed it down to the rear driver's side wheel. So, I jacked up the truck and pulled off the wheel, and I found that the ABS connector on the frame had become disconnected somehow from the wire running to the wheel hub. Once I reconnected it, all the trouble codes went away.

I then used my Tech 2 to re-set the automatic level control trim on the truck.

Next week, the front suspension components will be installed.

So far, so good.

Looking forward to the new updates. Pesky connectors

I had the same pesky connector give me trouble too.

 

[TollKeeper]

Let me know when the package gets there. Hoping it has everything you need to finish this job.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I received the package this afternoon. They are exactly what I needed. Again, thank you SO much!

This Forum and its members ROCK!!!!

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Initial Assessment - Rear Suspension Z55 Upgrade

Old: Original Z55 springs and Suncore coil over shocks (no air, no electric, and one shock leaking)
New: New Z55 springs and new Z55 air/electric shocks (air connected, but no electric yet)

I've had the new rear Z55 shocks and springs installed, and I've driven about 20 miles on various country roads for my initial assessment.

The rear of the truck sets about one inch or more lower, but the truck is now essentially level. The ride is a bit stiffer than before, but not at all an issue. The replacement Dorman compressor is VERY quiet, much quieter than the original compressor. You actually have to listen to hear it kick in, a few seconds after the ignition key is switched to on.

I'll post an update after the front suspension is upgraded to Z55, and the electrical connecters are in place and operational.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

The suspension replacement work (except for the electrical) is complete for the front end of my truck. New control arms, new ball joints, new springs, new struts, and new related suspension accessories. The truck rides well, but perhaps with a little bit stiffer ride, presumably because of the new struts.

I'll be tackling the last part of the project shortly - the reconnection of the electrical portion of the Z55 suspension.

 

[TollKeeper]

Quick question.. Why did you replace the springs?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

The springs presumably had 140k+ miles of wear on them, and while I had the entire strut assembly apart, and replacing every other component of the strut, including the top mounts, I figured that it made sense to replace the springs, as well. The OEM springs are no longer manufactured, so I used Moog springs.

 

[91RS]

Quick question.. Why did you replace the springs?

Springs wear out. New springs raised the front of my 150k mile 2008 3/4” and raised the front of my 185k mile 2012 1” and both ride significantly better. I used OEM springs but I bought some of the last ones available.

 

[swathdiver]

Springs wear out. New springs raised the front of my 150k mile 2008 3/4” and raised the front of my 185k mile 2012 1” and both ride significantly better. I used OEM springs but I bought some of the last ones available.

I was lucky to get GM OE springs for the front but had to get ACDelco Professional springs for the rear, no more anywhere after months of searching. In another twelve years I reckon we'll be forced to run Moog!

 

[gooffeyguy]

Springs wear out. New springs raised the front of my 150k mile 2008 3/4” and raised the front of my 185k mile 2012 1” and both ride significantly better. I used OEM springs but I bought some of the last ones available.

Have they stayed at that height, and how long has it been? I know new springs will settle a bit.

 

[OR VietVet]

I recently replaced my rear springs with the Moog 81069 set. They went 1.25" higher but after about 6 months of hard driving, they have settled 1/2" at this point.