Replace entire AirRide System or Convert to Passive?? - 2003 Denali

[bldn10]

I have a 190000 mile '02 Tahoe w/ Z55 Autoride and G69 level control and am getting it ready to tow for my first time. A 3000# car on open aluminum trailer, max 4500#. As far as I can tell the systems are totally shot - no warning lights, no nothing. The shocks appear to be the original Delphis. I talked to a tech guy at Arnott and he said the components are only good for about 80,000 miles and that I need to replace the shocks and compressor. Does that sound right?
I frankly don't think I really need the Autoride dampening but what about the level control?
If I replace those parts is it certainty the system will work? I.e. isn't there some electronic control that could be bad too?

 

[adventurenali92]

@bldn10 , it is my understanding that the entire system functions as one. Auto level and dampening occur together. Not independently. If no air is being pumped into the shock then the dampening and leveling aren't happening. So if you replace your shocks and your compressor, the entire system will function as it should.

 

[bldn10]

But somewhere isn't there a "brain" that takes in the sensor inputs and "decides" what to do? If that doesn't work, I'm not sure that anything will.

FWIW I also have 2 stored fault codes:
P1571 TCS PCM Circuit No Frequency
P1689 Delivered Torque Circuit Fault

 

[Rocket Man]

There is a Suspension Control Module but it rarely goes out. As far as damping, you can buy the shocks with or without. Arnott sells a premium rear shock that just has air bags without damping. It uses resistors to fool the SCM into thinking it has damping. I am running those and their compressor.
PS you won't be able to read codes in the SCM without a Tech II or Snap-On equivalent.

 

[adventurenali92]

@redrocket, I've heard alot of horror stories of guys buying the Arnott shocks with the resistors and that the resistors always burn out and then the service ride control or suspension light always comes in. How are yours holding up?

 

[Rocket Man]

@redrocket, I've heard alot of horror stories of guys buying the Arnott shocks with the resistors and that the resistors always burn out and then the service ride control or suspension light always comes in. How are yours holding up?

I had problems with the fronts but I think it was because my cats were clogged and it was making the manifolds hot which made the resistors fail since they were right next to them. Regardless, I bought some wire wound heavy duty ones and wired them in place. I did all 4 just to be safe.

 

[adventurenali92]

That's a good idea!

 

[kebm]

I just replaced all 4 autoride electric (not air) shocks on my 2003 Yukon xl 2500 quadrasteer.
For the front I put in Monroe reflex, rears are monroe load adjusting coilovers. I did not put resistors on the wire ends, and have not had any warnings on the dash yet. I also replaced the front sway bar links and mount bushings with energy suspension polyurethane. A short test drive proved excellent results. I chose the rear coilover shocks to help with tongue wieght while towing.
The autoride shocks were toast, the only thing they were good at was making clunk and clank noises lol. I dont think I will ever go back to autoride shocks, but I left the sensors in place.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

I just replaced all 4 autoride electric (not air) shocks on my 2003 Yukon xl 2500 quadrasteer.
For the front I put in Monroe reflex, rears are monroe load adjusting coilovers. I did not put resistors on the wire ends, and have not had any warnings on the dash yet. I also replaced the front sway bar links and mount bushings with energy suspension polyurethane. A short test drive proved excellent results. I chose the rear coilover shocks to help with tongue wieght while towing.
The autoride shocks were toast, the only thing they were good at was making clunk and clank noises lol. I dont think I will ever go back to autoride shocks, but I left the sensors in place.

Huh... I had no idea that the Yukon XL's had the quadrasteer option. 2500 only? Anyways happy to hear your shock replacement was a success.

 

[kebm]

Huh... I had no idea that the Yukon XL's had the quadrasteer option. 2500 only? Anyways happy to hear your shock replacement was a success.

It was available in the suburban 2500 as well as the yukon denali(1500). I have seen it on extended cab and double cab trucks, too. Too bad they never made an avalanche with it. I would love to have a duramax/allison quadrasteer avalanche!
I dropped the yukon off to have the a/c repaired today, and the service ride control message was on. I guess I will be getting some resistors...