Hi Folks,
As I was installing my new Hellwig sway bar on the rear of my 07 Yukon XL Denali, I noticed that I have a leaking rear shock. So, I need to replace the rear shocks.
When I purchased this new-to-me truck, the OEM rear air ride had already been replaced with cheap coil-over shocks. I currently have OEM coil springs, which look 'relatively' new, and I verified that they are in fact the OEM springs meant to be used with the air ride shocks, by looking at the part number tag (25783732) on one of them.
My understanding is that when the air ride is removed on these trucks, the coil springs need to be replaced with stronger springs, as the springs supplied with the air ride are weaker, as the air ride shock combo takes part of the task of supporting the weight of the truck. Is this true?
As I see it, I have 3 options available.
1. Restore the original air ride system by purchasing air ride shocks and reconnecting the compressor and all related accessories. My current feeling is that I do not want to pursue this option, as I do not know the current condition of the compressor and all or the related accessories. I do not want to go down a monetary rat hole.
2. Replace the existing coil-over shocks with a decent quality coil-over shocks, if one can be found for this truck.
3. Replace the existing coil springs with stronger coil springs, and replace the existing cheap coil-over shocks with decent quality standalone shocks.
I'd like to hear from all of you with your thoughts and perspectives. Perhaps, there are additional options beyond the three above, that I have not yet identified. In your responses, if you have specific brand/part number recommendations on the coil springs and shocks that I should be considering, I'd certainly like to see them.
Thanks in advance.