Converting back the Z55 Air Ride Suspension

[Joseph Garcia]

After considering the various recommendations from you knowledgeable folks here in the Forum, I am going to convert back to the original Z55 air suspension on my 07 Yukon XL Denali.

I will change out the entire front strut assemblies, as I do not know the condition of all their current sub-assemblies. I will change out only the air shocks on the rear, as it looks like the springs are new, and they are the correct part number for the Z55 suspension. I will also change out the compressor, as it is 14 years old, and I do not know its current condition.

Specific suggestions/recommendations on brands/part numbers for the front struts, and air shocks for the rear, and the compressor are welcome.

Also, if anyone has a link to an exploded view of the front and rear suspension and compressor assemblies, I would welcome receiving it, as I need to determine how much the original electrical and pneumatic components and connectors were hacked up, when the previous owner converted away from the Z55 suspension. As such, I believe that I will be searching for electrical connectors and air lines and pneumatic connectors, in order to restore the Z55 suspension system. I do believe that the original height sensors and rod assemblies are still in place on all 4 wheels.

Thanks in advance.

 

[OR VietVet]

Good luck with the upcoming work to get back to stock.

 

[kbuskill]

Dorman 949-099 is the compressor I went with...

https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-101394-949-099.aspx

It has a rubber "mud flap" covering over the top as well as the bottom to help protect it from the debris slinging off the rear tire.

It also has a thermal protection switch (circuit breaker) to keep the compressor from overheating and it comes with a lifetime warranty.

 

[adventurenali92]

Dorman 949-099 is the compressor I went with...

https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-101394-949-099.aspx

It has a rubber "mud flap" covering over the top as well as the bottom to help protect it from the debris slinging off the rear tire.

It also has a thermal protection switch (circuit breaker) to keep the compressor from overheating and it comes with a lifetime warranty.

It’s funny I’ve read lots of things on the arnott and dorman compressors and how dorman parts usually aren’t the best, and to go with the arnott compressor for these rebuilds. I used the dorman compressor for my 2006 when I did all new rear Z55 suspension, the compressor has been in the truck for almost 4 years I think, and not a single problem. Works flawlessly.

 

[gooffeyguy]

I replaced my compressor back in March and went with the Dorman. Advance Auto online and shipped to me had it the cheapest, something around $175

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[kbuskill]

It’s funny I’ve read lots of things on the arnott and dorman compressors and how dorman parts usually aren’t the best, and to go with the arnott compressor for these rebuilds. I used the dorman compressor for my 2006 when I did all new rear Z55 suspension, the compressor has been in the truck for almost 4 years I think, and not a single problem. Works flawlessly.

Dorman is hit or miss, it just depends on the part.

As an example, I wouldn't trust their plastic heater hose T-connectors BUT they are the only company who makes an aluminum Y-connector for the hoses between the water pump, surge tank, and heater core... and it is a solid piece and eliminates the plastic connector in that location.

 

[adventurenali92]

Dorman is hit or miss, it just depends on the part.

As an example, I wouldn't trust their plastic heater hose T-connectors BUT they are the only company who makes an aluminum Y-connector for the hoses between the water pump, surge tank, and heater core... and it is a solid piece and eliminates the plastic connector in that location.

Yeah that’s where I’m at too. Depends on the part. Lol.

 

[91RS]

Use the OEM parts, especially for the shocks. If you're going to do all the work to put it back to stock after the previous owner hacked it up, you want it actually ride/handle like it was supposed to. I know I'm in the tiny minority here but I think Arnott is crap compared to the OEM. I've seen a number of their shocks fail in very unique ways (ways the OEM ones could not fail in because of how they're made) and they do not ride like the OEM. I would only buy Arnott for an airbag only suspension, I do not like their shocks in any way, shape, or form.

 

[George B]

Use the OEM parts, especially for the shocks. If you're going to do all the work to put it back to stock after the previous owner hacked it up, you want it actually ride/handle like it was supposed to. I know I'm in the tiny minority here but I think Arnott is crap compared to the OEM. I've seen a number of their shocks fail in very unique ways (ways the OEM ones could not fail in because of how they're made) and they do not ride like the OEM. I would only buy Arnott for an airbag only suspension, I do not like their shocks in any way, shape, or form.

Would you care to elaborate on the failures you are speaking of?

 

[gooffeyguy]

Arnott rear air shocks are rebuilt OEM

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