Replace rear air ride shocks with standard shocks

[Tahoe Bill]

2017 Tahoe LT with air ride shocks z55. Has anyone replaced shocks with standard shocks? Do not tow but shocks and compressor need replacementNot getting any messages presently but mechanic concerned with service suspension message.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

There's got to be over 100 threads on this topic on this Forum. Do some searching and you will find the information and opinions that you are looking for. Try the search string key words 'Z55 Suspension Delete'.

Bottom line: There are folks who support keeping the GMC OEM active suspension, and there are folks who support moving to a passive suspension system. At this point, you could say that it is a matter of personal preference. Form my perspective, I've had both the active and passive suspensions on my truck, and, IMO, the active suspension is a much better system.

Some facts: If you go the passive suspension route, you will need to purchase and install 4 electrical resistors, one for each wheel, to disable (or fool) the truck's electronic into thinking that you still have an active suspension, and eliminate the dash warning light. To go the passive suspension route, you will have to change the rear springs to a stronger non-active spring GMC specification, since the active system uses the air shocks in conjunction with softer springs to provide the necessary lift and ride quality.

Please give us your thoughts, after you've had a chance to review the applicable threads in this Forum.

 

[Jeadding]

2017 Tahoe LT with air ride shocks z55. Has anyone replaced shocks with standard shocks? Do not tow but shocks and compressor need replacementNot getting any messages presently but mechanic concerned with service suspension message.

I have a 2015 Tahoe. I hooked up my utility trailer and the air compressor wouldn’t turn off. I couldn’t find the right shocks, and ordered the wrong ones. I was desperate and put regular shocks on. My Tahoe sagged on the trip to Colorado and back, but I made it. When I got home I bought the shocks from the dealer at around $330 each. This was rear shocks, no electrical connections, just an air hose connection on these shocks. The job was easy, and I found a YouTube video that helped. Oh yeah, I took the air compressor off when I put the regular shocks on. If you don’t tow or carry heavy loads the regular shocks would probably be okay, but you’ll have to deal either notification on the dash.

 

[Tahoe Bill]

I have a 2015 Tahoe. I hooked up my utility trailer and the air compressor wouldn’t turn off. I couldn’t find the right shocks, and ordered the wrong ones. I was desperate and put regular shocks on. My Tahoe sagged on the trip to Colorado and back, but I made it. When I got home I bought the shocks from the dealer at around $330 each. This was rear shocks, no electrical connections, just an air hose connection on these shocks. The job was easy, and I found a YouTube video that helped. Oh yeah, I took the air compressor off when I put the regular shocks on. If you don’t tow or carry heavy loads the regular shocks would probably be okay, but you’ll have to deal either notification on the dash.

What are seeing for a message on the dash?

 

[Tahoe Bill]

What are seeing for a message on the dash?

Which shocks did you hget at the dealer for $330?

 

[Jeadding]

Which shocks did you hget at the dealer for $330?

They are the OEM shocks, same as the ones that came off it. I don’t recall any markings on them, plain box too.