Autoride or Bilstein 5100 shocks?

[denali5500]

Is there a difference in ride quality between the two? And how does autoride compare to RC shocks ?

 

[bhcbman]

I bet when new the Autoride would be more compliant than 5100's, but most with Autoride have enough miles on their vehicles that the systems are in need of lots of work. I bought my Suburban in March and it had 157k miles on it. Maybe the electronics in the front shocks were still working, dunno, but I don't think the rear compressor was working and I don't think the shocks could hold air anyway. 157k on factory shocks; it was time to change. A true Autoride replacement was more than I wanted to spend, and this site led me to go with Z71 rear springs and Bilstein 5100's, and cheap resistors from ebay that I wired in myself to fake the computer out that the electronic shocks were still there (need to leave the height sensors in place). The rear sits a little higher now, and I will install keys up front to level it at some point, but I certainly don't think the ride is harsh. It's much better than the worn out Autoride. I don't know anything about RC shocks.

 

[MCAT069]

I have a 2004 2500 8.1 Suburban with autoride and I replaced all four shocks this past summer. It rides well and handles much better now, especially when towing. Wal-Mart.com had the best prices when I was looking for them. The 2500 series Autoride set up is different though, all four corners are electric and there is no rear air compressor.

 

[Dan Acosta]

I have a 2004 2500 8.1 Suburban with autoride and I replaced all four shocks this past summer. It rides well and handles much better now, especially when towing. Wal-Mart.com had the best prices when I was looking for them. The 2500 series Autoride set up is different though, all four corners are electric and there is no rear air compressor.

How did you know it was time to replace? I have an 03 6.0 2500 with autoride. Right now I am at 165k Miles, but it seems to ride ok. It is definitely rougher than my old autoride Tahoe, but I cannot determine if it is because of the suspension or old autoride.

 

[MCAT069]

I replaced mine because I saw oil seeping out of the top on the rear ones. I figured with 200+k it was time to replace them.

 

[Cyclemoe]

I replaced the autoride shocks with Bilstien 5100’s on my 06 2500. I deleted the autoride also. My fronts started knocking going over bumps with 200k on the clock. The ride was good but couldn’t justify spending $1k on all four. The 5100’s have been fantastic.

 

[denali5500]

***update. ended up doing with the Bilstein 4600's. Don't have any lift so a 5100 wasn't necessary. Ride is much better than worn out air suspension. The ride isn't as soft as factory air ride, but body roll is almost non existent and performance is superb. Don't regret at all