Opinions on Towing with Yukon

[02tahoeindiana]

If you have autoride you wont need them. Autoride will do the same thing and level the load. Ive never towed with a tahoe with autoride but my 2008 denali autoride doesnt sag one bit when loaded down.

 

[YukonBill]

Can anyone recommend good replacement rear shocks for the Autoride? Mine seem to leak down after the vehicle sits for an hour or so

 

[z0lt3c]

If you want to maintain auto dampening, the Monroe's are the best deal and will perform like OEM (via amazon or rockauto);

Monroe 40034 "Rear; Escalade Base Model; w/ Electronic Suspension" $238x2
Monroe 40044 "Front; w/ Electronic Suspension" $238x2

If you only want to maintain auto leveling, and are willing to loose the auto dampening, the Arnott/Bilstein shocks (ARNOTT AS-2127) will save you some money compared to the Monroes, at $350 for the pair on ebay.

I personally did the Monroe's on the front, where the effects of the auto-dampening are significant and went with the Arnott/Bilstein product in the rear, to save a few dollars where I could. You could also use standard shocks and resistors to bypass the SCM, which is the cheapest options, but results in the worst ride quality.

 

[Dave01]

What exactly goes on with auto-dampening?

 

[z0lt3c]

What exactly goes on with auto-dampening?

Auto dampening is part of the autoride system and uses dynamic and variable valving in the shock absorbers to adjust dampening electronically. This allows the vehicle to switch from firm to stiff shock response based on actual road and vehicle conditions. The GM system in the NBS uses 6 sensors, 4 to judge height, one to judge yaw and one to judge steering wheel position, which are used as inputs into the SCM, which then has outputs cabled to each shock, so that they can be adjust individually.

 

[Dave01]

Wow, I never knew that, thanks for the info. How about in my 2010 NNBS, same system?

 

[z0lt3c]

Wow, I never knew that, thanks for the info. How about in my 2010 NNBS, same system?

Autoride in a NNBS is similar but uses Magnetic fluid in the shocks to adjust dampening, instead of valves, which makes it adjust much faster then the older system in the NBS. Generally speaking they work similar but the NNBS is a little more refined/better version.

 

[Dave01]

Wow, a lot going on in that system! I guess when I drive home tonight I'll have a bit more appreciation for that smooth ride!

 

[YukonBill]

So do the rear shocks on a 2001 with Autoride have electronic damping like the fronts?

 

[YukonBill]

anyone?

 

[anguyen325]

Just put on a set of airlift bags. Noticeable difference with handling with only 10 psi. Seems a lot more firm and stable. Kind of reminds me of driving a dropped car (came from an 08 Altima dropped on eibachs) without the height change. It does get a little bumpier though but doesn't bother me too much

 

[YukonBill]

If I put air bags on I guess I can leave the original air shocks on to?

 

[anguyen325]

I honestly don't know yukonbill. I have an 02 SLT and don't have the autoride system. I would imagine if you have the coil springs in the rear suspension, you can add the bags. After looking online about the autoride system, it seems like it only pertains to the shocks so you might be able to add the bags; however, don't take my word for it. Hopefully someone that has done this can chime in. GL

 

[05YukonDenaliXL]

I have 2001 Yukon SLT 5.3 4WD with Autoride suspension. Im looking to tow a 20Ft enclosed car trailer that when loaded will weight around 6500 lbs. Can this Yukon handle that much wight? Im also looking for recommendation on extendable mirrors since the trailer will be 102" wide.

I towed a 24' Car Hauler, 6,800lbs with an Anderson Trailer Hitch. Drove from CA, to TX, and back. I installed ST rated tires on my 05 Yukon Denali XL, flushed the transmission fluid, both F/B differential fluids, changed the oil, and never had issues. I had a hard time climbing though. I was very sluggish but made it though. I went to get the snap on extended mirrors at etrailer.com. Worked well for me. The mirror vibrates a lot but tolerable.

 

[02tahoeindiana]

You cannot add airbags with factory autoride. With factory autoride there is no spring but just a airspring in its place. If you want to add airbags you must havd traditional springs. Airlifts website may have a airkit that replaces your stock airsprings with bigger ones though. Go there and put in your model and look. I just used my Saab to tow and its autoride worked flawlessly just like my Denali.