Z55 rear air shock good/bad?

[TollKeeper]

You may get lucky, and the compressor works when you get the new shocks installed.

Just a warning, chances are, it to is going to need to be replaced

 

[91RS]

If you plan to keep this truck, buy the OEM shocks. I'm in the minority here that thinks Arnott is not good quality but I've seen some of them fail in ways that the OEM shocks cannot fail. Some of the shocks aren't attached properly at the top and any time the truck is lifted the airbag doesn't move and it'll rip the connectors out of the shocks and damage them. Looking at Rock Auto the OEM shocks don't even cost that much more than their rebuild shocks which all they do is replace the airbag and don't do anything with the internals. Spend $100 more and get a completely new shock.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Arnott has a lifetime warranty, so it probably doesn't matter to some. It's not like the rear shocks are hard to replace and take hours to do them if one needs to be replaced.

George B's email from Arnott in post #15 above says that there is more done than just replacing the air bladder.

 

[91RS]

Still, if a whole brand new shock is only ~$50 a side, why even bother? They’ll last another 10 years.

 

[sam03v]

Looking at Rock Auto the OEM shocks don't even cost that much more than their rebuild shocks which all they do is replace the airbag and don't do anything with the internals. Spend $100 more and get a completely new shock.

Yeah, thats a good point. I was initially thinking about getting rid of the air ride completely since I was given a new pair of stiffer coil springs. But after reading many threads I'm most likely gonna keep the air ride. I replaced the nivomats and coil springs on my old 2000 Yukon, so I've done the basics job before. I'm still looking around, but getting close to pulling the trigger on these shocks. Thanks!

 

[George B]

Still, if a whole brand new shock is only ~$50 a side, why even bother? They’ll last another 10 years.

Looks like now the OE shocks are $63.10 each more expensive than the Arnott units.

 

[gooffeyguy]

I guess it all depends on if you want to spend $380 or $500 on a set of rear shocks. They both have lifetime warranties

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Yeah, thats a good point. I was initially thinking about getting rid of the air ride completely since I was given a new pair of stiffer coil springs. But after reading many threads I'm most likely gonna keep the air ride. I replaced the nivomats and coil springs on my old 2000 Yukon, so I've done the basics job before. I'm still looking around, but getting close to pulling the trigger on these shocks. Thanks!

I recently converted my 07 back to a fully stock Z55 suspension, using OEM ACDelco parts, and I have no regrets. The truck's handling is better, and the truck is always level, regardless of the load on the rear of the truck.

There is a recommended automatic level control calibration procedure, which is run after installation, and that needs a bi-directional scanner/programming tool like a Tech 2 to accomplish.

 

[sam03v]

"There is a recommended automatic level control calibration procedure, which is run after installation, and that needs a bi-directional scanner/programming tool like a Tech 2 to accomplish."



Any recommendations on where to get a "Tech 2" scanning tool or a particular brand? I have an Actron OBDII pocket scanner , but I'm guessing this won't help me here...

 

[Joseph Garcia]

"There is a recommended automatic level control calibration procedure, which is run after installation, and that needs a bi-directional scanner/programming tool like a Tech 2 to accomplish."



Any recommendations on where to get a "Tech 2" scanning tool or a particular brand? I have an Actron OBDII pocket scanner , but I'm guessing this won't help me here...

AliExpress is where I purchased mine, and delivery took approximately 3 weeks.

https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20211116084541&SearchText=tech+2+GM

Just make sure that you purchase a full kit with all of the attachments, including the CANDi module, and that it is for a GM vehicle (not a Saab).

 

[TollKeeper]

... Or.

See if any of the forum members live near you that I have one..

We got a thread about that somewhere around here...

 

[sam03v]

Well I didn't know a Tech 2 scanner was so expensive (when they were new). I'm still looking for a substitute, if one exists...

 

[sam03v]

Well, I bit the bullet and ordered an OEM set of shocks from Rock Auto...AC Delco. Hopefully will arrive today.

 

[George B]

... Or.

See if any of the forum members live near you that I have one..

We got a thread about that somewhere around here...

Tech 2 Owners Map

There are quite a few members that have a Tech 2 and there are always people who wish they had one to use so I thought I would post this thread to try and help each other out. If you own a Tech 2 and would be willing to help out another forum member that might be local to you then post up your...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[Geotrash]

Well, I bit the bullet and ordered an OEM set of shocks from Rock Auto...AC Delco. Hopefully will arrive today.

I think you'll be happy. I also went with OEM from RA when I replaced the air shocks on both of my XL Denali's. Best price around and the originals lasted for 120K of towing and people hauling.

 

[sam03v]

"I think you'll be happy. I also went with OEM from RA when I replaced the air shocks on both of my XL Denali's. Best price around and the originals lasted for 120K of towing and people hauling."

Yeah, I'm hoping I'll notice a difference, I wouldn't be surprised if the current shocks are the originals.

I'm just curious, did you do the "automatic leveling recalbration" that was mentioned a few posts back?

 

[Geotrash]

"I think you'll be happy. I also went with OEM from RA when I replaced the air shocks on both of my XL Denali's. Best price around and the originals lasted for 120K of towing and people hauling."

Yeah, I'm hoping I'll notice a difference, I wouldn't be surprised if the current shocks are the originals.

I'm just curious, did you do the "automatic leveling recalbration" that was mentioned a few posts back?

No, I didn't. I do have a Tech2 so I could if needed, but it hasn't been necessary on either truck. They both level out fine once I hook up the camper, install the WDH bars for the hitch, and turn on the ignition. They take up all remaining squat perfectly and they sit level.

 

[sam03v]

Cool. Thanks.

 

[91RS]

"I think you'll be happy. I also went with OEM from RA when I replaced the air shocks on both of my XL Denali's. Best price around and the originals lasted for 120K of towing and people hauling."

Yeah, I'm hoping I'll notice a difference, I wouldn't be surprised if the current shocks are the originals.

I'm just curious, did you do the "automatic leveling recalbration" that was mentioned a few posts back?

You don't need to do the calibration if you aren't changing the ride height (lifting or lowering). When you replace them just make sure to cycle the key a few times so the compressor puts air in the airbags before you set the truck back on the ground or it will roll the bags.

 

[sam03v]

Thanks. Good to know I won't have to do the re-calibration. I had the truck parked so it was leaning a bit(my driveway isn't level) and the passenger shock was extended. See below. I think this verifies that this shock is shot!