OP
OP
mjenk430
Full Access Member
The electric clip on the air ride? Sorry I don't follow...
Mike's 2013 Tahoe Build
- Thread starter mjenk430
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
Blazed
Accepting Donations
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2010
- Posts
- 4,243
- Reaction score
- 10
He want you to disconnect the sensor for the shocks and tell him how it rides. He usually also says to tape it up in case of moisture. He's been experimenting with it for awhile seeing if people like the ride better unplugged. I'm sure he has something up his sleeve.
NORCAL SS
SUV SUSPENSION GURU
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2009
- Posts
- 8,744
- Reaction score
- 610
Rear autoride shocks there is a clip up top. Pop it off and start the truck up and go for a ride. See what you think of the ride. You can click of the service suspension system light on the dash and just take it for a roll. IM just getting feedback from others so see if I can do what im planning with the programming.
---------- Post added at 06:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:55 PM ----------
BTW talking about rake heres my driveway and body shifts over and no bag rubbing issues
---------- Post added at 06:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:55 PM ----------
BTW talking about rake heres my driveway and body shifts over and no bag rubbing issues
Last edited:
OP
OP
mjenk430
Full Access Member
Will removing the clip basically prevent the bags from airing up? Would this basically let me see how low it could go if I shortened the links? And let me feel how it would ride with no air in the bags?
Do these air shocks really make for a better ride over the standard shocks, it seems to me it would make it rougher.
Do these air shocks really make for a better ride over the standard shocks, it seems to me it would make it rougher.
NORCAL SS
SUV SUSPENSION GURU
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2009
- Posts
- 8,744
- Reaction score
- 610
no its not the cap where the air comes in its the electrical harness that plugs in to the top of the shock. Shortening the links will let air out of the bags also but you will be on the stops so will ride harsh due to limited travel.
Autoride shocks are a nice ride especailly when you tow or have 6 people in the truck and its lowered.
Autoride shocks are a nice ride especailly when you tow or have 6 people in the truck and its lowered.
OP
OP
mjenk430
Full Access Member
So what does unplugging it do?
Blazed
Accepting Donations
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2010
- Posts
- 4,243
- Reaction score
- 10
I've been in autoride trucks and non autoride trucks and my own with the custom suspension and nothing beets autoride in my own opinion.
NORCAL SS
SUV SUSPENSION GURU
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2009
- Posts
- 8,744
- Reaction score
- 610
By unplugging it you get rid of the dampening feature. Sounds like its bad but just take it for a ride. There is a reason aftermarket places keep the air lifting function but get rid of the automatic valving control.
But if your bottoming out already now no use doing it until you cut the bracket off the frame
But if your bottoming out already now no use doing it until you cut the bracket off the frame
GalaxyBlackEsky
BlackedoutLT3
Welcome and very nice start.. looking forward to seeing what it looks like with the rims on.
OP
OP
mjenk430
Full Access Member
Did the free travel mod on the passenger side tonight. Man, that is a lot of work. Ended up using a 4-1/2" grinder with a cutoff disc, grinding disc, and then cleaned it up a little with a flap wheel. Then hit it with some black semigloss. I was originally hoping to clean it up completely by grinding the welds smooth, but it's just too much work for something I'll never see and I don't think it looks that bad the way it is. I plan to tackle the drivers side in the morning. Probably going to be more of a challenge because of the gas tank.
Here's a pic of the passenger side.
There is something so wrong about taking a grinder to the frame of a vehicle with less than 500 miles on it. But yet it feels so right!
I haven't even made the first payment on it yet. LOL!
I'm going to swap out the bolts for the larger grade 8 like Tony recommends while I've got it all back apart. Forgot about it when I did the original install on Tuesday.
Anybody know the drill and tap size for the shorty bumpstop that comes with Tony's kit? As I don't see how I would ever get the nut on the backside. I need to pick up a tap while I am out getting the bolts.
Emailed the guy I bought the wheels from on ebay. He said he was delayed with the powder coating and shipping because of the holidays. The delivery company was supposed to pick them up at his shop this evening. Modesto, Ca. to Bumf**k, VA., probably another week.
Here's a pic of the passenger side.
There is something so wrong about taking a grinder to the frame of a vehicle with less than 500 miles on it. But yet it feels so right!
I haven't even made the first payment on it yet. LOL!I'm going to swap out the bolts for the larger grade 8 like Tony recommends while I've got it all back apart. Forgot about it when I did the original install on Tuesday.
Anybody know the drill and tap size for the shorty bumpstop that comes with Tony's kit? As I don't see how I would ever get the nut on the backside. I need to pick up a tap while I am out getting the bolts.
Emailed the guy I bought the wheels from on ebay. He said he was delayed with the powder coating and shipping because of the holidays. The delivery company was supposed to pick them up at his shop this evening. Modesto, Ca. to Bumf**k, VA., probably another week.
Last edited:
NORCAL SS
SUV SUSPENSION GURU
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2009
- Posts
- 8,744
- Reaction score
- 610
3/8 x 16 and when you drill and tap you can use red locktite and screw it in will never come out.
Or check to see if your axle has a hole on the top of the pad you can attach it there and bolt from under the bracket.
Or check to see if your axle has a hole on the top of the pad you can attach it there and bolt from under the bracket.
OP
OP
mjenk430
Full Access Member
Yeah, it has the hole in the pad. I thought about that, but was afraid it might look ghetto. Might just do it though, I hate drilling holes, never seem to be able to find a sharp bit.
NORCAL SS
SUV SUSPENSION GURU
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2009
- Posts
- 8,744
- Reaction score
- 610
wont be ghetto and works perfect.
OP
OP
mjenk430
Full Access Member
Been busy today. Finished the free travel mod on the drivers side and installed the button bumpstops in the axle pad.
Shortened my links to 2-3/4" and replaced the sway bar end links with 1/2" grade 8. And added blue locktite to everything.
With a full tank of gas she now sits at:
FL: 34-1/8" FR: 34-3/8"
RL: 33-7/8" RR: 34-1/8"
Basically a 1/4" lower in the back than the front. Still need to get an alignment. After that, I'll tweak on the links to get it perfectly level, front to back.
Just eyeballing the front, it looks like the front is cambered in at the top. With the drop spindles, I didn't realize they would effect camber, thought that was only if changed to shorter springs. Is there enough adjustment in the factory a-arms for the alignment shop to adjust it or am I going to have to install a camber kit? I know when I jacked up my Sport Trac I had to buy special washers for the top a-arm to get it back in check.
She rides much nicer now and the compressor barely cuts on at all. I actually have a slight bit of tire rub in the rear when going around corners at speed. They are rubbing the inside plastic fender well in one little spot on both sides. Anybody got any handy tricks to persuade the plastic fender well out of the way?
Shortened my links to 2-3/4" and replaced the sway bar end links with 1/2" grade 8. And added blue locktite to everything.
With a full tank of gas she now sits at:
FL: 34-1/8" FR: 34-3/8"
RL: 33-7/8" RR: 34-1/8"
Basically a 1/4" lower in the back than the front. Still need to get an alignment. After that, I'll tweak on the links to get it perfectly level, front to back.
Just eyeballing the front, it looks like the front is cambered in at the top. With the drop spindles, I didn't realize they would effect camber, thought that was only if changed to shorter springs. Is there enough adjustment in the factory a-arms for the alignment shop to adjust it or am I going to have to install a camber kit? I know when I jacked up my Sport Trac I had to buy special washers for the top a-arm to get it back in check.
She rides much nicer now and the compressor barely cuts on at all. I actually have a slight bit of tire rub in the rear when going around corners at speed. They are rubbing the inside plastic fender well in one little spot on both sides. Anybody got any handy tricks to persuade the plastic fender well out of the way?
NORCAL SS
SUV SUSPENSION GURU
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2009
- Posts
- 8,744
- Reaction score
- 610
Drop spindles always change camber as well as drop struts and springs .You dont need a camber kit it will align fine. More than enough adjustment ther. Also when the camber gets sucked in the truck will lift up a little in the front.
Rear you will need to trim the plastic which on the 24s will need to more since taller tire.
Rear you will need to trim the plastic which on the 24s will need to more since taller tire.
Last edited:
OP
OP
mjenk430
Full Access Member
Got it aligned today. Here's the spec sheet if anyone is interested.
Kinda funny, when the technician was done he pulled it out front where I was and looked at the DIC to get the mileage, started pushing buttons and he looked confused. He asked the other technician walking by how do you get it off of the tripometer and onto the odometer. The other guy told him it is on the odometer, at 800 and some odd miles.
Also, I took the roof rack of today to see what it would look like, still undecided. Not sure the best way to cover up the holes attractively and seal it from the elements.
Kinda funny, when the technician was done he pulled it out front where I was and looked at the DIC to get the mileage, started pushing buttons and he looked confused. He asked the other technician walking by how do you get it off of the tripometer and onto the odometer. The other guy told him it is on the odometer, at 800 and some odd miles.
Also, I took the roof rack of today to see what it would look like, still undecided. Not sure the best way to cover up the holes attractively and seal it from the elements.
NORCAL SS
SUV SUSPENSION GURU
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2009
- Posts
- 8,744
- Reaction score
- 610
measure the front im curious how much it went up now that camber was taken out.
OP
OP
mjenk430
Full Access Member
3/4 tank of gas
FL 34 3/8" FR 34 5/8"
RL 34 1/8" RR 34 3/8"
The whole truck is exactly 1/4" higher than it was last night, that's interesting, I understand the front going up slightly with the corrected camber. I guess the back is due to a little less gas in the tank and maybe more air in the shocks ??????
FL 34 3/8" FR 34 5/8"
RL 34 1/8" RR 34 3/8"
The whole truck is exactly 1/4" higher than it was last night, that's interesting, I understand the front going up slightly with the corrected camber. I guess the back is due to a little less gas in the tank and maybe more air in the shocks ??????
NORCAL SS
SUV SUSPENSION GURU
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2009
- Posts
- 8,744
- Reaction score
- 610
yeah normal for corrected camber. Rear try another 3/16 longer on links shoudl do it.
Goodinblack
I Like Tacos
Truck looks great.
I used a heat gun to reshape my plastic fender liners.
You have to watch for a change in the shininess of the plastic....when it does push on it. I used a piece of wood contoured round.
Also, unless you want to sit there a hold it till it cools..... have a water hose near. I heated mine, shaped it, held it there, and blasted it with cold water to instantly "freeze" the desired shape.
From my Walkie Talkie
I used a heat gun to reshape my plastic fender liners.
You have to watch for a change in the shininess of the plastic....when it does push on it. I used a piece of wood contoured round.
Also, unless you want to sit there a hold it till it cools..... have a water hose near. I heated mine, shaped it, held it there, and blasted it with cold water to instantly "freeze" the desired shape.
From my Walkie Talkie
Last edited:
