2007 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2L v8 - planning to convert back to stock z55 / autoride all around - assistance/advice/input would be v appreciated

[denalilex]

hi all!
as title states; ive got an 07 denali
PO was plagued with a failing auto ride suspension & a few of its more expensive components so they had it converted to the cheaper shocks - bypassed & deleted autoride - installed resistors… etc.
my compressor is bad, driver rear air shock needs replacing.
i am interesting in restoring the system to stock as ill be replacing these components anyway.

how do i go about removing the modules that bypass autoride? & is there anything i need to consider prior?
aka i won’t be replacing the compressor before the shock as i don’t want the compressor to burn out again due to the ripped bag.
is there an order to this that you’d suggest personally as best method to conserve the integrity of the parts still installed / the ones that will be replaced?
currently have a service suspension system message on DIC & c0660-06 code on my scan tool that’s regarding level control exhaust valve short or open
compressor doesn’t engage at startup/ ever … have tried to command the alc exhaust valve to “on” with tool but didn’t respond.
not sagging but also not at my preferred ride height. hoping to rectify this.

TIA!
ps sorry if there is a post covering this already.. I'm relatively new here& still figuring it out!!

 

[swathdiver]

@Joseph Garcia

Joe recently did the same with his Denali. He'll be along soon enough to tell you what needs doing.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

As @swathdiver stated, I made the conversion back to the stock Z55 suspension last year, and I'm enjoying a much improved ride quality. My thread for this project is listed below.

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/converting-back-the-z55-air-ride-suspension.126751/

My first question is how far do you want go go with this conversion back to the Z55 suspension, and what is your budget? My truck had ~140,000 miles on it, so I wanted to replace as many suspension parts as possible, so that I could achieve an essentially new suspension. On the rear, I replaced shocks, springs, spring mounts, and the compressor. On the front, I replaced the upper and lower control arms (which includes all ball joints), the entire strut assembly (including springs and the top mounting plate, bump stops, etc.).

On the rear, I replaced everything myself. On the front, I had my local mechanic replace the control arms and struts, as he had the lift and spring compressor, and I did not. I subsequently did all of the electrical and pneumatic work to re-connect the the struts/shocks to the Electronic Suspension Control System.

First, assess what remains of the old Z55 suspension. Since they used resistors, I am assuming that the electrical wires to the 4 shocks/struts are still in place, and that is good. They probably cut off and threw away the electrical connectors that attach to the Z55 shocks/struts, but fortunately, I should have some extras for you.

Are the air lines to the rear shocks still in place around the area of the replacement shocks? If yes, then great.

Did they leave the 4 ride height sensors at each wheel? They probably did, but having those sensors still in place is critical.

Do you have a Tech 2 scan tool? If yes, that's good for this project.

I suggest that the best way to move forward is for you to PM me, and then we can get into the details of this project on that PM thread.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

hi all!
as title states; ive got an 07 denali
PO was plagued with a failing auto ride suspension & a few of its more expensive components so they had it converted to the cheaper shocks - bypassed & deleted autoride - installed resistors… etc.
my compressor is bad, driver rear air shock needs replacing.
i am interesting in restoring the system to stock as ill be replacing these components anyway.

how do i go about removing the modules that bypass autoride? & is there anything i need to consider prior?
aka i won’t be replacing the compressor before the shock as i don’t want the compressor to burn out again due to the ripped bag.
is there an order to this that you’d suggest personally as best method to conserve the integrity of the parts still installed / the ones that will be replaced?
currently have a service suspension system message on DIC & c0660-06 code on my scan tool that’s regarding level control exhaust valve short or open
compressor doesn’t engage at startup/ ever … have tried to command the alc exhaust valve to “on” with tool but didn’t respond.
not sagging but also not at my preferred ride height. hoping to rectify this.

TIA!
ps sorry if there is a post covering this already.. I'm relatively new here& still figuring it out!!

Are you going to move forward with this project?

 

[YukonOwner06]

As @swathdiver stated, I made the conversion back to the stock Z55 suspension last year, and I'm enjoying a much improved ride quality. My thread for this project is listed below.

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/converting-back-the-z55-air-ride-suspension.126751/

My first question is how far do you want go go with this conversion back to the Z55 suspension, and what is your budget? My truck had ~140,000 miles on it, so I wanted to replace as many suspension parts as possible, so that I could achieve an essentially new suspension. On the rear, I replaced shocks, springs, spring mounts, and the compressor. On the front, I replaced the upper and lower control arms (which includes all ball joints), the entire strut assembly (including springs and the top mounting plate, bump stops, etc.).

On the rear, I replaced everything myself. On the front, I had my local mechanic replace the control arms and struts, as he had the lift and spring compressor, and I did not. I subsequently did all of the electrical and pneumatic work to re-connect the the struts/shocks to the Electronic Suspension Control System.

First, assess what remains of the old Z55 suspension. Since they used resistors, I am assuming that the electrical wires to the 4 shocks/struts are still in place, and that is good. They probably cut off and threw away the electrical connectors that attach to the Z55 shocks/struts, but fortunately, I should have some extras for you.

Are the air lines to the rear shocks still in place around the area of the replacement shocks? If yes, then great.

Did they leave the 4 ride height sensors at each wheel? They probably did, but having those sensors still in place is critical.

Do you have a Tech 2 scan tool? If yes, that's good for this project.

I suggest that the best way to move forward is for you to PM me, and then we can get into the details of this project on that PM thread.

What would you use the Tech 2 scan tool for? I have a 2006 SLT with autoride and I replaced my rear shocks as the originals were shot. Is there a reset or calibration that needs to be completed after installing new rear shocks?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

What would you use the Tech 2 scan tool for? I have a 2006 SLT with autoride and I replaced my rear shocks as the originals were shot. Is there a reset or calibration that needs to be completed after installing new rear shocks?

Yes, although not absolutely required, you should use the Tech 2 to reset the Automatic Level Control (ALC) function. Get to a known level spot, and the Tech 2 will do the ALC procedure.

 

[YukonOwner06]

Thank you for the additional information. I will get my hands on a Tech 2

 

[koolkeith6]

As @swathdiver stated, I made the conversion back to the stock Z55 suspension last year, and I'm enjoying a much improved ride quality. My thread for this project is listed below.

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/converting-back-the-z55-air-ride-suspension.126751/

My first question is how far do you want go go with this conversion back to the Z55 suspension, and what is your budget? My truck had ~140,000 miles on it, so I wanted to replace as many suspension parts as possible, so that I could achieve an essentially new suspension. On the rear, I replaced shocks, springs, spring mounts, and the compressor. On the front, I replaced the upper and lower control arms (which includes all ball joints), the entire strut assembly (including springs and the top mounting plate, bump stops, etc.).

On the rear, I replaced everything myself. On the front, I had my local mechanic replace the control arms and struts, as he had the lift and spring compressor, and I did not. I subsequently did all of the electrical and pneumatic work to re-connect the the struts/shocks to the Electronic Suspension Control System.

First, assess what remains of the old Z55 suspension. Since they used resistors, I am assuming that the electrical wires to the 4 shocks/struts are still in place, and that is good. They probably cut off and threw away the electrical connectors that attach to the Z55 shocks/struts, but fortunately, I should have some extras for you.

Are the air lines to the rear shocks still in place around the area of the replacement shocks? If yes, then great.

Did they leave the 4 ride height sensors at each wheel? They probably did, but having those sensors still in place is critical.

Do you have a Tech 2 scan tool? If yes, that's good for this project.

I suggest that the best way to move forward is for you to PM me, and then we can get into the details of this project on that PM thread.

The 2007 GMC YUKON DENALI 6.2l AWD L92 has Z95 suspension not Z55.

 

[SpareParts]

My 2007 has Z55

 

[Joseph Garcia]

The 2007 GMC YUKON DENALI 6.2l AWD L92 has Z95 suspension not Z55.

I beg to differ with you on the suspension type. The 2007 Yukon Denali had a Z55 Electronic suspension, and the Z95 Magneride suspension was not offered until a few years later.

 

[petethepug]

* All 07-14 Yuke Denali z55 (Autoride)
* Some 07-14 Burb, Tahoe Yuke equipped w/ optional z55 (AutoRide)
* All 07-08 Esky z55 (AutoRide)
* All 09-14 Esky z95 (MagRide)

* z55 systems have struts filled with hydraulic fluid and use same mechanical parts as z95 except strut and spring rate may differ. All have electrically actuated valving.

* z95 systems have struts filled with meteorological fluid (M/F) that cause cancer in laboratory rats in CA. They perform similarly to z55 except they also electrically charge the M/F to instantly change the viscosity of the damper fluid along with electronic valve control like z55.

Both have auto adjust rear air bags for height via a compressor. Both use a different control module. The control modules are not interchangeable for functionality. It has been attempted with a z55 module on z95 system. It did not ride well.

The z55 on Gen 2 and Gen 3 (07-14) with 17”-20” rims is one of the best rides for a full size SUV. z95 can be too harsh for 22” rims when suspension components wear like bushings & strut bearing.

 

[petethepug]

Ran outta room.

Below are the parts and prices of front strut rebuild from rock auto. Ignore the TPMS module & z95 struts since you’re z55. The link below shows how to swap from steel to aluminum front suspension like the 15-20 trucks use.

I’m doing the aluminum swap since my 09 Esky AWD (Denali clone) has 185k miles on original suspension. It’s cheaper to buy new Suspension parts in Alum or Steel vs instal new bushings in the same susp parts.

Aluminum / XFE NNBS Front Suspension Rebuild

It's front-end refresh time. I'm fast approaching 180K miles on our 09 Esky ESV. It has the original everything on the suspension. The front sway bar bushings have been replaced with poly recently because they were ready to disintegrate. While looking around at parts I saw that aluminum upper...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[Doubeleive]

The 2007 GMC YUKON DENALI 6.2l AWD L92 has Z95 suspension not Z55.

Chuck disagree's

 

[petethepug]

I’m dating myself by acknowledging who & what show Chuck was hosting.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I’m dating myself by acknowledging who & what show Chuck was hosting.

I'm with you, as I recognized Chuck.

 

[Fless]

I'm with you, as I recognized Chuck.

I’m dating myself by acknowledging who & what show Chuck was hosting.

I'd gong both of you.

 

[drummin1]

* All 07-14 Yuke Denali z55 (Autoride)
* Some 07-14 Burb, Tahoe Yuke equipped w/ optional z55 (AutoRide)
* All 07-08 Esky z55 (AutoRide)
* All 09-14 Esky z95 (MagRide)

* z55 systems have struts filled with hydraulic fluid and use same mechanical parts as z95 except strut and spring rate may differ. All have electrically actuated valving.

* z95 systems have struts filled with meteorological fluid (M/F) that cause cancer in laboratory rats in CA. They perform similarly to z55 except they also electrically charge the M/F to instantly change the viscosity of the damper fluid along with electronic valve control like z55.

Both have auto adjust rear air bags for height via a compressor. Both use a different control module. The control modules are not interchangeable for functionality. It has been attempted with a z55 module on z95 system. It did not ride well.

The z55 on Gen 2 and Gen 3 (07-14) with 17”-20” rims is one of the best rides for a full size SUV. z95 can be too harsh for 22” rims when suspension components wear like bushings & strut bearing.

Do you know of any direct part replacements for the Z55 Autoride front strut assemblies? Looking for the complete strut/coil unit..I’m not having much luck online, getting overwhelmed…….

 

[petethepug]

Confused, so am I. Blame Arnott. They now spec out using the same z95 Mag filled strut for all z55 Hydraulic filled Autoride struts on the Denali & LTZ. Both use different controllers and valving.

Keep in mind some here have installed the Arnott z95 on their Denali and liked it …

What would you do? Suspension refresh / overhaul

Hey folks. My 07 Denali XL now has 175k miles on it. I promised myself that if after a year it had proven reliable, I was gonna sink some money in to the suspension... that time has arrived but I feel a bit lost. Its a Z55 car. The front shocks visibly leak and are rock solid. All sensors...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

Arnott’s catalog spec’g out z95 Mag struts for Non Mag vehicles…

So … for loaded (complete with spring) there’s Dorman. They also recommend mixing the two up.

Dorman …

There’s Arnott…

And there’s OEM z55 …

OEM orig lasted almost 15 years on our 08 Denali YXL. Without replacing the springs and replacing only the struts, it rode like a limo.

To do it over again I’d buy all the parts I listed on the excel spreadsheet in previous post and the lifetime guaranteed OEM a/c Delco z55 L/R struts inserts above, all from rock auto.

Take boxes to your favorite mechanic and have One & Done for 15 years and / guaranteed for life through R/A.

 

[petethepug]

When I added up all the above parts on R/A site with the forums 5% discount and without tax or shipping it came to

for both sides for OEM or $518.11 per side for z55 autoride.

 

[drummin1]

Confused, so am I. Blame Arnott. They now spec out using the same z95 Mag filled strut for all z55 Hydraulic filled Autoride struts on the Denali & LTZ. Both use different controllers and valving.

Keep in mind some here have installed the Arnott z95 on their Denali and liked it …

What would you do? Suspension refresh / overhaul

Hey folks. My 07 Denali XL now has 175k miles on it. I promised myself that if after a year it had proven reliable, I was gonna sink some money in to the suspension... that time has arrived but I feel a bit lost. Its a Z55 car. The front shocks visibly leak and are rock solid. All sensors...

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

Arnott’s catalog spec’g out z95 Mag struts for Non Mag vehicles…
View attachment 446215

So … for loaded (complete with spring) there’s Dorman. They also recommend mixing the two up.

Dorman …

View attachment 446216

There’s Arnott…

View attachment 446217

And there’s OEM z55 …

View attachment 446218

OEM orig lasted almost 15 years on our 08 Denali YXL. Without replacing the springs and replacing only the struts, it rode like a limo.

To do it over again I’d buy all the parts I listed on the excel spreadsheet in previous post and the lifetime guaranteed OEM a/c Delco z55 L/R struts inserts above, all from rock auto.

Take boxes to your favorite mechanic and have One & Done for 15 years and / guaranteed for life through R/A.

Wait,so you’re saying the Arnott MR-3568 works w/ Z55?