Lifting Autoride Tahoe with shocks

[MMiller]

I'm wanting to lift my '01 Tahoe with Autoride 2-4"; the Autoride is non-functional (shocks blown and compressor out). Basically instead of replacing the Autoride shocks with standard ones, I'd like to maybe lift it while I'm at it. Can I simply install extended shocks to lift it or do I need additional parts? Completely new to lifts so any input would be appreciated. Tires are 265/75/16 ATs and I'd like to keep them for the time being.

 

[justinlw]

You will need an actual Lift Kit, or Leveling Kit depending on how high you want to go. If you were to keep the autoride with a lift kit, shock extenders would allow this to an extent. If you're planning to replace with standard shocks, you can buy shocks sized for your lift height, and won't need a shock extender.

---------- Post added at 03:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:08 PM ----------

Also, if your autoride is self leveling in the rear, you will need new rear springs as the load leveling shocks actually bear some of the suspension load. Most of your 3.5-6" lift kits include lift springs for the rear to replace the stocks.

 

[MMiller]

Thanks for the reply. Like I said, the Autoride is blown. I was hoping there'd be a simpler way to lift without dropping a ton of money on it. Since all my shocks need replaced anyways, I wanted to know if simply installing a taller shock would raise the height at all. If not, what would be the cheapest way to gain 2 inches?

 

[justinlw]

2 inches in the front would level the truck. You can buy a set of 2.5" leveling keys for the torsion bars. Readylift, or others on eBay are available.

---------- Post added at 08:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:29 PM ----------

You could go through the autoride removal, and get a stock set of z71 springs for the rear for cheap.

 

[justinlw]

I actually have a set of Ready Lift 2.5" keys with Bolts and Instructions.

 

[MMiller]

Interested in selling? I talked to a guy at a shop who did a lift job on an 01 Autoride, told me it was a disaster due to the rear weight of the truck. Not sure why that would matter if I'm replacing the shocks anyways

 

[justinlw]

The shocks are load bearing, meaning they support some of the truck's weight. That's why you'll need to install a set of Z71 coil springs to replace the ones supplied for autoride.

 

[MMiller]

Alright I'm ditching the lift idea in the interest of expedience. If I go with a set of Ranchos or Bilstein shocks will I still need the z71 springs in the rear?

 

[justinlw]

Yes. Your stock springs shared the load with the autoride shocks. It will be low and soft in the rear without them.

 

[MMiller]

2 inches in the front would level the truck. You can buy a set of 2.5" leveling keys for the torsion bars. Readylift, or others on eBay are available.

---------- Post added at 08:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:29 PM ----------

You could go through the autoride removal, and get a stock set of z71 springs for the rear for cheap.

Sorry I'm asking so many questions. New to this so need all the help i can get.I found these keys (worth the risk?) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...akeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en.

If I install this kit, will I need extended shocks or will standards be fine? I also take it I will still need the z71 springs? Thanks for your help