Question about Bilstein shocks.

[Eckl]

So naturally my autoride system is leaking. I'm looking at two replacements...

1. Bilsteins. Is this a direct swap that still relies on the air compressor? Or a pre-charged air/gas shock? Honestly, I don't want something that still relies on the rest of the crap 9compressor and sensors) failing.

2. Strutmasters conversion kit. It's a progressive system that converts air to non air suspension.


Any comments?

 

[05Yukon]

The bilsteins are a direct replacement that is still an air shock and still uses the compressor and everything. I dont know anything about the strutmasters kit.

 

[DenaliAK]

I'm looking at the Bilstein/Arnott air shocks. They still use the compressor, but it deletes the electronically adjustable portion of the shock. And, they are guaranteed for LIFE as a Bilstein product.

 

[wade]

so if the bilstein doesnt need the adjuster, how does it know when the truck is not level

 

[DenaliAK]

They aren't auto-leveling, they just use the compressor to adjust to heavy loads. I don't know how it's triggered.

 

[wade]

well damn, decisions decisions

 

[DenaliAK]

lol

No kidding. I'm weighing the options, too. Not sure which route to take.

 

[wade]

i tow a lot and like to have my ride as level as possible, so what is best

 

[Eckl]

The benefit I see from using a progressive shock replacement, is that you don't need to rely on the compressor or sensors anymore. So farther down the line, you don't need to buy a new compressor when it craps out also.

And how does the Bilstein auto level with the compressor if the sensor is disconnected?

 

[DenaliAK]

I'm not an expert by any means, but this is how I think it works:

The OEM shocks are electric air shocks. The electric part softens or dampens the ride depending on the road conditions. This is the part that would be disconnected with the Bilsteins. The air part does the leveling based on load, which would still work. That's what I've come up with after talking to the guys at Arnott Industries (the ones that sell the Bilsteins), anyway. I still don't completely understand it, although it more or less makes sense in my head now....lol