2004 Denali Shock Replacment Help

[Moonlighter17]

I just got a 2004 Denali and it has the Service Ride Control Light on and the compressor is not working. Not sure if just the compressor is bad or if there are holes in the shocks (none are visible) which caused it to run all the time or what. The light was on when I got the Denali.

I don't want to invest very much money into the truck (only going to have it for a year) so I would like to replace the Air ride system with Regular HD Shocks. I've heard from some people you can just swap the shocks with no issues and some people say you need to replace the springs as well. I'm not worried about the CEL light. Mainly I want to improve ride quality. Right now the ride feels like I'm driving a huge Buick or Cadillas (like your on a boat) when you go over bumps/hills. And it gets kinda shaky as you get to higher speeds.

Will replacing the Air Shocks with some HDs help this at all? and do I need to replace the springs?

As anyone done this swap? What were your experiences.

Thanks for the Help!

 

[blueflamed03]

cant you pull the fuse for the compressor to keep it from coming on and off? And just do Nivomats?

 

[Moonlighter17]

The compressor never turns on. I'm sure it's probably burned out. I was wondering if I replaced my shocks with HD bilstiens, would it improve the ride?

 

[blueflamed03]

Yes, it should for sure.

 

[DenaliAK]

The HD Bilsteins are the common solution. If you want to maintain some resale value by keeping the air ride, one option is Arnott Industries. They make relatively cheap compressors and shocks. They have a Bilstein replacement air shock, too. It'll cost you more up front, but might pay off later if your buyer really cares about that.

It'd be about $550 for shocks and compressor with them, which is way cheaper than the OEM parts, believe me.

http://www.arnottindustries.com/part_GMC_Air_Suspension_Parts_yid15_pid95.html