Keep autoride when lowering?

[Eli B]

Hi, I'm new to this forum so please be patient as you may have answered these questions elsewhere. I have an 02hoe 5.3 autoride without air, on 22s, looking drop it down. Aside from general advice on what's the best course, I'm curious if there's a way to keep the autoride function since I do plan on occasionally towing. I have many other plans for my Tahoe but I'll post queries in their respective categories.
Thank you

 

[TheAutumnWind]

autoride without air? Please explain.

Is it functional?

In the rear you can run shock extenders, tweak the levelling sensor, and continue to have autoride.

Whatever you do definitely do the free travel mod!

What height is your goal?

 

[Eli B]

Hi thanks for the response. Yes my autoride uses no airbags, it's a 2002 LT, not sure when they started using airbags. Ok so the height can be adjusted, that's great news. My goal would be in the range of a 3/5 from what I've seen in pictures. Any advice on which kit to use?

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Hi thanks for the response. Yes my autoride uses no airbags, it's a 2002 LT, not sure when they started using airbags. Ok so the height can be adjusted, that's great news. My goal would be in the range of a 3/5 from what I've seen in pictures. Any advice on which kit to use?

What do your rear shocks look like? z55 and zw7 both have basically conventional looking shocks that have a built in air ballast in the rear. They look like this:

They are controlled by the computer and there is an air compressor on board that inflates them.

If you don't have that you don't have autoride AFAIK.

 

[Eli B]

Ah yes that is my system, I wasn't sure how it worked just knew I saw no traditional airbags.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Give Tony @NORCAL SS a call or text or message on these boards

You can call/text me 24/7 at 415 519 2432 or email me at [email protected] if you have any questions about lowering. My name is Tony and i'm here to help you out, and yes 24/7 means just that. If you see the parts for less shoot me a email and I'll see what I can do.

http://tbssowners.com/store/

He will set you up right. I always see him on here helping guys and everyone raves about him.

 

[Eli B]

Thank you!

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Thank you!

No problem. Welcome to the forum!

 

[NORCAL SS]

yah my 2/3-4 kit but hat being said many go with my 3/5-6 kit. gets rid of autoride and rides great. Plus new bushings and balljoints in front

 

[Eli B]

Thanks. So the 2/4 kit allows me to keep my autoride? Is it something I could do by myself? Also a"free travel mod" was mentioned but not sure what that is, could you elaborate? Thanks!

 

[16blkltz]

Thanks. So the 2/4 kit allows me to keep my autoride? Is it something I could do by myself? Also a"free travel mod" was mentioned but not sure what that is, could you elaborate? Thanks!

To give you an idea of "free travel mod", go to 5:00 in the following video:

 

[NORCAL SS]

Thanks. So the 2/4 kit allows me to keep my autoride? Is it something I could do by myself? Also a"free travel mod" was mentioned but not sure what that is, could you elaborate? Thanks!

Cutting bracket off frame.

google tahoe free travel mod and you will see pictures

its not a hard kit to put in

 

[Eli B]

Thank you all, very helpful.

 

[Big Mama]

Call Tony. But I can tell you I did a 2/3 drop and kept auto ride. For a drop like mine, which is an 07, the rear was just a spring swap and bending the actuators for auto ride, I had the front done for me as i used new spindles and didn't feel like I had the tools or stones to try it.

 

[Eli B]

Call Tony. But I can tell you I did a 2/3 drop and kept auto ride. For a drop like mine, which is an 07, the rear was just a spring swap and bending the actuators for auto ride, I had the front done for me as i used new spindles and didn't feel like I had the tools or stones to try it.

Hey thanks, I'm probably going with the belltech 2/4 drop which uses the extenders, springs & spindles. Is that what you did? That appears to keep the best ride and keep autoride.

 

[NORCAL SS]

Hey thanks, I'm probably going with the belltech 2/4 drop which uses the extenders, springs & spindles. Is that what you did? That appears to keep the best ride and keep autoride.

you will need the rear endlinks/bumpstops and free travel mod for best ride. i sell the belltech and the rear items.

 

[Big Mama]

I'd follow Tony's instructions. Nothing beats the advice of a pro. The ride stayed great and autoride made towing a breeze. Believe it or not I still have to use a 3" drop ball and hitch for it to feel right. Good luck and post pics throughout for new folks to see and pics when you're done.

 

[Eli B]

I'd follow Tony's instructions. Nothing beats the advice of a pro. The ride stayed great and autoride made towing a breeze. Believe it or not I still have to use a 3" drop ball and hitch for it to feel right. Good luck and post pics throughout for new folks to see and pics when you're done.

Hey thanks. Yea the autoride is definitely a huge benefit, even if only in the rear like mine. I think I'm going to pair the 2/4 drop with new sway bars and end links to avoid any swaying on the highway like I've heard can happen. What's the story with yours?

 

[Big Mama]

I don't tow my boat on the highway. Our lake is about 25 miles away via 2 lane roads. I didn't change sway bars but I do wish I'd have gone 4" in back.