Shock Absorber Substitution w/Z55 Autoride

[Alberta Tahoe]

Did a search but didn't find what I'm looking for specifically.
Subject: 2003 Tahoe with the Z55 Autoride suspension.
The Autoride function is damaged beyond any reasonable repair (to me).
My question is whether the mounting points for the front and rear shock absorbers are the same regardless the RPO option? That is, can I install a non Autoride shock in place of the OEM one? I believe I have such as substitute on the truck already although that doesn't necessarily mean it's right.
Are the mounting points the same?
Thanks in advance.
For the record. I don't care if the "Service Ride Control" message displays in the information centre.

 

[Da90]

Did a search but didn't find what I'm looking for specifically.
Subject: 2003 Tahoe with the Z55 Autoride suspension.
The Autoride function is damaged beyond any reasonable repair (to me).
My question is whether the mounting points for the front and rear shock absorbers are the same regardless the RPO option? That is, can I install a non Autoride shock in place of the OEM one? I believe I have such as substitute on the truck already although that doesn't necessarily mean it's right.
Are the mounting points the same?
Thanks in advance.
For the record. I don't care if the "Service Ride Control" message displays in the information centre.

Yes. I just replaced my Autoride on my 09. A quick google search and there is plenty of info regarding this.

https://www.arnottindustries.com/pr...tahoe-1500/4x2-4x4-w-autoride-suspension/2003




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[95escahoe]

Yes the mounting points are the same, if you get rid of Autoride you might want to replace the rear springs due to the rear being self leveling the springs have some movement for that so when you put regular shocks back there it might be a little more bouncy then it should


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[Alberta Tahoe]

Yes. I just replaced my Autoride on my 09. A quick google search and there is plenty of info regarding this.

https://www.arnottindustries.com/pr...tahoe-1500/4x2-4x4-w-autoride-suspension/2003

I had come across several articles too but they were more towards replacing the Autoride with aftermarket parts but similar in function to the OEM. Like replacement compressors and air shocks.
What I was after was whether I could take the plain passive shock absorbers from my non-Autoride 06 and put them on my Z55 equipped 03. I'm also seeing that it's not the case as the air shock supported some of the load so a spring change appears necessary on the rear as well. I haven't zeroed in on the front replacements yet.
Thanks for the link.
Which "kit" did you get?

 

[Alberta Tahoe]

Yes the mounting points are the same, if you get rid of Autoride you might want to replace the rear springs due to the rear being self leveling the springs have some movement for that so when you put regular shocks back there it might be a little more bouncy then it should


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I see the kits include a replacement spring.
Interestingly, while I had the truck in for an inspection, the mechanic commented that the rear shocks were of the passive variety. I don't have any unusual ride qualities that you've suggested might occur with the original springs. Could be the springs were replaced too. I can say the rear appears to slightly higher than would otherwise be in stock form.

 

[95escahoe]

I see the kits include a replacement spring.
Interestingly, while I had the truck in for an inspection, the mechanic commented that the rear shocks were of the passive variety. I don't have any unusual ride qualities that you've suggested might occur with the original springs. Could be the springs were replaced too. I can say the rear appears to slightly higher than would otherwise be in stock form.

I’ve seen others that have used the Moog rear spring replacements when ditching the Autoride the Z71 springs are commonly used, when I ditch the Autoride on mine I’m going to do a 2” rear lowering spring so it sits level and add bags to the rear springs if I ever happen to tow to correct the rear sag


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[Alberta Tahoe]

I had considered the lowered approach as well. Seeing as the rear springs and four shocks are getting replaced for the Autoride conversion, the only additional change looks to be the offset keys for the front bars. Might as well just go for the lowered look when losing the Z55 option.

 

[95escahoe]

I had considered the lowered approach as well. Seeing as the rear springs and four shocks are getting replaced for the Autoride conversion, the only additional change looks to be the offset keys for the front bars. Might as well just go for the lowered look when losing the Z55 option.

You might get by with the stock keys not sure how much movement they have I’m trying to figure that out but with the 2” rear lowering springs the front will be 1/2 higher well I’ve got an Escalade so it should be close


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[Alberta Tahoe]

Now that it's been explained (to me) that the mounting points are the same (and thanks to all who demonstrated that) it's easy to dig into substitute parts.

As an example when comparing the Z55/Autoride delete vs 4 corner lowering:
The Arnott's least expensive kit at $515:

https://www.arnottindustries.com/pr...t-w-ebm-00-06-various-short-wheelbase-gm-suvs

or there's Belltechs lowering kit also for $515:

https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/bel-760nd/overview/year/2003/make/chevrolet/model/tahoe

Seems a no-brainer when considering a drop.