Lifting Autoride Tahoe with shocks

[MMiller]

I'm wanting to lift my '01 Tahoe with Autoride 2-4"; the Autoride is non-functional (shocks blown and compressor out). Basically instead of replacing the Autoride shocks with standard ones, I'd like to maybe lift it while I'm at it. Can I simply install extended shocks to lift it or do I need additional parts? Completely new to lifts so any input would be appreciated. Tires are 265/75/16 ATs and I'd like to keep them for the time being.

 

[justinlw]

You will need an actual Lift Kit, or Leveling Kit depending on how high you want to go. If you were to keep the autoride with a lift kit, shock extenders would allow this to an extent. If you're planning to replace with standard shocks, you can buy shocks sized for your lift height, and won't need a shock extender.

---------- Post added at 03:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:08 PM ----------

Also, if your autoride is self leveling in the rear, you will need new rear springs as the load leveling shocks actually bear some of the suspension load. Most of your 3.5-6" lift kits include lift springs for the rear to replace the stocks.

 

[MMiller]

Thanks for the reply. Like I said, the Autoride is blown. I was hoping there'd be a simpler way to lift without dropping a ton of money on it. Since all my shocks need replaced anyways, I wanted to know if simply installing a taller shock would raise the height at all. If not, what would be the cheapest way to gain 2 inches?

 

[justinlw]

2 inches in the front would level the truck. You can buy a set of 2.5" leveling keys for the torsion bars. Readylift, or others on eBay are available.

---------- Post added at 08:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:29 PM ----------

You could go through the autoride removal, and get a stock set of z71 springs for the rear for cheap.

 

[justinlw]

I actually have a set of Ready Lift 2.5" keys with Bolts and Instructions.

 

[MMiller]

Interested in selling? I talked to a guy at a shop who did a lift job on an 01 Autoride, told me it was a disaster due to the rear weight of the truck. Not sure why that would matter if I'm replacing the shocks anyways

 

[justinlw]

The shocks are load bearing, meaning they support some of the truck's weight. That's why you'll need to install a set of Z71 coil springs to replace the ones supplied for autoride.

 

[MMiller]

Alright I'm ditching the lift idea in the interest of expedience. If I go with a set of Ranchos or Bilstein shocks will I still need the z71 springs in the rear?

 

[justinlw]

Yes. Your stock springs shared the load with the autoride shocks. It will be low and soft in the rear without them.

 

[MMiller]

2 inches in the front would level the truck. You can buy a set of 2.5" leveling keys for the torsion bars. Readylift, or others on eBay are available.

---------- Post added at 08:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:29 PM ----------

You could go through the autoride removal, and get a stock set of z71 springs for the rear for cheap.

Sorry I'm asking so many questions. New to this so need all the help i can get.I found these keys (worth the risk?) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...akeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en.

If I install this kit, will I need extended shocks or will standards be fine? I also take it I will still need the z71 springs? Thanks for your help

 

[justinlw]

Standard shocks will work with the included shock extenders. Since you're buying new shocks, just buy shocks for 1-3" lift and you won't need the extenders. You will most likely need the z71 springs. Jack your truck up and remove the autoride shocks, measure before and after. See what the height difference is at the fender.

 

[MMiller]

Standard shocks will work with the included shock extenders. Since you're buying new shocks, just buy shocks for 1-3" lift and you won't need the extenders. You will most likely need the z71 springs. Jack your truck up and remove the autoride shocks, measure before and after. See what the height difference is at the fender.

Update: I installed a Monroe conversion kit, they're still air but passive now. My compressor is most definitely done for but the shocks work great. I also purchased a Ground Force 2" torsion key kit; however, it didn't come with shock extenders. Is it necessary to use rear spacers & the extenders with this kit? I'm running 265/70R/16s now and won't be changing anytime soon.

 

[justinlw]

You could install the keys and level the front to the rear. If you don't install rear coil spacers and just level the front, you may be able to get away without using shock extenders. They're only around $30 on eBay though.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Yes. Your stock springs shared the load with the autoride shocks. It will be low and soft in the rear without them.

Any reason why a rear spacer would not help in this situation? It wouldn't make them not "soft" but it would effectively increase the ride height.

 

[oscar_ac50]

We bought an 05 yukon SLT, looks to have autoride on all corners. Has 275/60R20 cooper zeon's on it so i'd imagine the front keys are cranked as it has a cali lean. Would it need a small rear coil spacer to bring it closer to level or give it a slight rake?

 

[01Konvict]

My guess is there are no spacers in the rear. Look at the back axle and see if there is any spacer under the coil spring. I doubt it so look on eBay for a 1" or 1.5" to level it and some shock extenders.

 

[owl_93]

My guess is there are no spacers in the rear. Look at the back axle and see if there is any spacer under the coil spring. I doubt it so look on eBay for a 1" or 1.5" to level it and some shock extenders.

I bought 1.5" spacers and 1-3" keys for my auto ride. Will I need two sets of shock extenders, (i.e. front and rear??)