What would you do? Suspension refresh / overhaul

[Kapitein]

Hey folks.

My 07 Denali XL now has 175k miles on it. I promised myself that if after a year it had proven reliable, I was gonna sink some money in to the suspension... that time has arrived but I feel a bit lost.

Its a Z55 car. The front shocks visibly leak and are rock solid. All sensors etc seem to be in place and there are now system codes.

The rear air ride still works well. Pump looks to be somewhat newer than the rest of the car, so maybe thats all been replaced at some point.

I find the idea of the autoride very cool, and I wouldnt mind too much investing in it and keeping it, but theres a BUT and its a big one.... my location:

Im based in Europe.

There is little to zero support for these cars here and I dont have a Tech2 and I dont know a shop with one either. Im confident in replacing the shocks etc, but my worry is that it sill wont work (module broken, something needs reprogramming etc)... I really really dont want that.
So would you perhaps recommend going for a 'dumb' system and bypass all the electronic stuff, and if so, is there a gold standard set of springs shocks I should be looking at? Or do the modules usually prove quite reliable and should I go for it with the autoride

Ride quality is important to me... and the truck will start towing a 3500lb trailer from next year (if that makes a difference).


Thanks

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Replace the leaking front shocks with OEM front shocks. If you purchase the entire strut assembly, you won't need a heavy duty spring compressor to disassemble/reassemble the strut. If your rear shocks are not leaking, leave them in place.

In theory, you should perform an automatic level control (ALC) reset, which needs a bi-directional scanner to perform. Many folks do not bother with the ALC reset, and they are happy.

 

[Kapitein]

Replace the leaking front shocks with OEM front shocks. If you purchase the entire strut assembly, you won't need a heavy duty spring compressor to disassemble/reassemble the strut. If your rear shocks are not leaking, leave them in place.

In theory, you should perform an automatic level control (ALC) reset, which needs a bi-directional scanner to perform. Many folks do not bother with the ALC reset, and they are happy.

That would be with these items, right?

Arnott Air Suspension MR-3568 Arnott Front Magnetic Struts with Springs | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Arnott Front Magnetic Struts with Springs with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Coilover Shocks and Struts at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Arnott is an acceptable replacement for OEM parts for this application, and Summit Racing is a respected vendor on this Forum.

 

[Geotrash]

That would be with these items, right?

Arnott Air Suspension MR-3568 Arnott Front Magnetic Struts with Springs | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Arnott Front Magnetic Struts with Springs with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Coilover Shocks and Struts at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

Yes, those are the correct ones for your truck. And I agree with Joseph the they are good quality replacements.

 

[Kapitein]

OK folks, so ive bit the bullet and spent some $$$$
Ive ordered 2x Arnott MR-5368 (I actually found European stock in Germany!)
And then a Mevo TTX front end kit, plus Mevo TTX lower arms.
Is there anything else obvious that I should be ordering?

Thanks

 

[Kapitein]

Would I need new strut bearings? Or would they normally be included with the new complete strut assembly.....

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Would I need new strut bearings? Or would they normally be included with the new complete strut assembly.....

They are included in the full strut assembly.

 

[Kapitein]

Well, almost all the parts are in. Just waiting on some suspensionmaxx 1.5" levelling spacers.

Shop time is booked 21st September

 

[Kapitein]

Finally on the car!!

Super happy with the results. It drives great and also eliminated my highway shakes/wobbles in the wheel. It drives beautifully.

I also took the opportunity to do a 1" level. Now got space for 33s

It was a sizeable investment on an old car, but I hope it will be worth it.

TTX arms and balljoints etc = $1150 incl intl delivery and taxes.

Arnott electronic shocks = $1000

Level kit = $280

Workshop hours for fitting = $600

So almost $3k. I hope the old girl stays reliable and pays me back.