Can I level my autoride Tahoe side-to-side with spacers?

[KMeloney]

Hey all,

My Tahoe, like most of these trucks, sits @ 1/2"-3/4" higher on the passenger's side than on the driver's side. I have recently lowered the truck with spindles and springs, and I have the 1" spacers in rear. After the drop, since all things stayed equal, the right side is still higher.

I'm really only noticing the side-to-side difference at the rear. Given this, can I cut the right rear spacer 1/4"-1/2" shorter than the left spacer, and level the truck side-to-side this way? Will doing that "work?"

Also, since I have autoride, will the autoride system be thrown off in any way doing this? And would I have to shorten the right rear link, or do the rear shocks get aired up EVENLY, regardless of one being higher/lower?

Thanks!

 

[yates ™]

The shocks should air up a certain height on each side which from the factory was level. I assume that your springs are not exactly the same height, I would adjust the leveling arms until the truck sits level. The only thing to watch is that you do not have a lot more air in one side as that could affect a lot. If you get to that point I would look at the lowering components.

 

[KMeloney]

Yates -- What are you calling the "leveling arms" that I should adjust? Also, My truck sat unevenly -- as many of these trucks do -- in factory trim. So, the truck never was level from the start.

Need some more info, please. Thanks!

---------- Post added at 03:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:22 PM ----------

If you're calling the autoride links the "leveling arms," then that makes sense. And if so, you're saying that the compressor puts DIFFERENT amounts of air in the shocks, as needed? I figured that if there was a call for air, both rear shocks got the SAME amount of air. You're saying that's not true?

 

[NORCAL SS]

yet again call me I can walk you thru this. The lean is nothing new.

 

[KMeloney]

Haha! Ok, Tony. Going to call you now!

 

[yates ™]

I do not have this exact system but to my understanding the only way a leveling system would work is to distribute the air into which side needs it. I use leveling arms and have not really spent the time to look at a factory system. If both sides air up at the same level what is the need for separate "links"? Every thing would have to be exact for this to even remotely work (like length of hose).

 

[KMeloney]

I do not have this exact system but to my understanding the only way a leveling system would work is to distribute the air into which side needs it. I use leveling arms and have not really spent the time to look at a factory system. If both sides air up at the same level what is the need for separate "links"? Every thing would have to be exact for this to even remotely work (like length of hose).

Interesting take. Well, the only problem with the theory is that this is really only a front-to-back leveling system. If the rear gets loaded up with weight, then the compressor will air up the rear. I can't imagine that it would compensate for, say, weight only being added to the left rear of the vehicle, and only air up that shock (or, air that shock up more). But, what do I know. That's why I asked the question.

Thanks for the response. I'm certainly not going to rule out the idea that the compressor can air up each shock different amounts...

 

[yates ™]

But if it does not work independently then which ever side the compressor is on would always fill faster then the other side so it would never be level. If that is the case then this system makes absolutely no sense to even have on there.

 

[randuff]

I noticed this on my Z71 as well. What is the easiest way to level the rear from side to side?

Doing a forum search now.

 

[KMeloney]

But if it does not work independently then which ever side the compressor is on would always fill faster then the other side so it would never be level. If that is the case then this system makes absolutely no sense to even have on there.

Couldn't they just run the same length hoses to the shocks, regardless of where the compressor sits?