Denali guys: Ordered new Bilstein rear shocks/air compressor

[wade]

Ok, seems 3-5 of us on here all complain about our Denali rear suspension systems being old and shot. Well me being one, I bit the bullet and ordered from Arnotts, the Bilstein shocks and their air compressor. Should be here soon. Pics of install.

Kinda nervous to mess with the compressor/wiring, etc...


I am NOT getting the air bag helpers yet for the springs. I wanna see how much the new vs. old broken shot suspension is a difference on load level once I get it in towing. If it still sags more than I like, the bags will go in.

 

[DenaliAK]

Looking forward to seeing how you like that setup. I can't afford it for another month or so, so it'll be good to get an opinion before I order. I'm contemplating deleting the whole system and going with standard Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks, so keep us updated.

 

[wade]

Will do. I am just nit picky and kept it all the way it comes. I don't like to make things different than the way they come.

 

[Tribalbreak]

finally someone bit the bullet! definatly keep us updated on your progress... PICS!!!!

 

[wade]

Stuff came!

Apparently no one at ARNOTT can read and they sent me the wrong suspension. They sent me the OEM shocks. WAY TO ******* GO! hah but, I am fine with the OEM. They said they are out of the Bilsteins for quite some time and they sent me the OEM equipment which is about $100 more for NO additional cost. and for my troubles, they will be warrantied for life!

 

[Tribalbreak]

nice! i should jump on and get me some, and get the oem for cheaper! haha

 

[DenaliAK]

It's nice they gave you the other ones and the warranty, but I didn't particularly like the old ones anyway...lol. I'd be annoyed I didn't get the Bilsteins. I want to see how they ride compared to the OEM's. Traditionally, Bilsteins are a better ride then OEM shocks, so even though they are less expensive they may still be the superior shock.

 

[wade]

I am a little annoyed, but hey.... ever since I have had the truck, they been blown so even the OEM ones that are now new and a new pump, will seem 100x better than what I am used to since day one. I will live.

 

[Rivieraracing]

How much did that set up swing ya and do you have any pics?

 

[wade]

pics soon, install tomorrow if all goes well.

379.00 for the oem replacement rear shocks.
179.00 for the new compressor.

---------- Post added at 01:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:26 PM ----------

Wow, so I was bored and wanted to take a peek at the old compressor on my Denali.... DAMN!

Its so bad. Not only is it just old and failed... the cast/aluminum or cast steel housing on the pump has completely corroded away, there is hardly even a skeleton of a compressor left. This will be a hellacious removal I feel, but will make for good pictures!

 

[DenaliAK]

Hmm...hadn't thought about corrosion being an issue with the compressor. I am likely moving to a coastal town that sees a lot of rain. I hope to replace my dead compressor before the move (it's to an island, where everything is more expensive), but now I'm thinking I might be better off with the whole autoride deletion. :??? Stupid decisions....I hate them....lol

 

[wade]

I am dead hungover, blacked out last night, so install is going to be later this week. Hopefully doing it at my old shop on a lift.

I am going to fabricate up a better kindof box/shroud for the compressor to be in so it is less exposed to the elements on the road

 

[Tribalbreak]

pics pics pics!!!! i want to see how this install goes

 

[DenaliAK]

Must've been one hell of a hangover.....

 

[wade]

Good gosh, lol, relax.

I am sorry I have a career and dont work some slap headed kid job where I have all the time in the world to work on my truck guys. ) I work alot, have a woman, and family to take care of.

ANYWAYS, I got the compressor off last night. If any of you are not skilled in mechanic work, take it to a shop. This was a *****. Everything was corroded and seized shut. Had to sawzall off all (3) screws that mount the compressor to the frame which mounts to the truck frame rail. Ultimately, the frame the compressor is mounted to, had to come off first because it was not seized on. There is 3 studs that hold it to the frame rail. 2 are easily seen, one is not. You have to go from an entrance opening in the frame rail from the other side. You will understand once you are under the truck. Pics this weekend of the shock install, and of the new and old compressor.

 

[DenaliAK]

I was just giving you a hard time, not trying to be mean.

I have a job, wife, and kids too so I know the drill. Mine will be done in a shop because I don't have the time (or skills) to figure it out myself.

 

[Tribalbreak]

yea man we were just bustin your stones... im a corrections officer and spend about 65-70 hours a week in the prison... i have a woman, and a house and i have been working a few nights a week as a bouncer... so i too know the drill despite my age... no kids job here...