Thoughts on air/eletronic versus air versus ,gas shocks

[Oshkosh]

Hi,

I see suspension work in my future.
Looking for input from people who have converted to Arnott air with electronic dampening removed/bypassed and or conversion to standard gas shocks.Or stayed stock......

What are your opinions of which ever way you went and why?

Are the stock rear coils sufficient for day to day use? My thoughts are I could add airbags in the coils if I start towing more or even a weight dist hitch....

I'm not opposed to retaining the stock setup but if something else handles better I dont really need the computer telling the truck how to dampen the shocks when Bilstein has figured that out a long time ago....

Thanks for the input...

 

[Alex33]

Hey Allan, there are a few threads on here about this subject. I'll throw in my .02 anyway. I like the Bilstein HDs as they firm up the ride in a pretty sloppy truck. I went from an autoride setup on a 2/3 drop to a 4.5/5.5 drop with the Bilsteins. They make a big difference, that's jmho.

 

[Oshkosh]

I was hoping...

Hey Allan, there are a few threads on here about this subject. I'll throw in my .02 anyway. I like the Bilstein HDs as they firm up the ride in a pretty sloppy truck. I went from an autoride setup on a 2/3 drop to a 4.5/5.5 drop with the Bilsteins. They make a big difference, that's jmho.

I've seen a bunch of different postings but nothing really thorough, I was hoping to have solid examples/specifics and comparisons of what people liked and didn't like with what they decided to run.Not just swapping out because it was a cheaper way to go.
I have to say my XL handles pretty good with the stock suspension air/electronic and I am not even sure the compressor is working anymore,looking at it I cant imagine it is.lol
I've road raced autos(COM,SCCA), ice raced etc so I have a pretty good feeling for good and bad suspensions. This "Truck" doesn't handle badly for what it is.
That being said if and when(lol) ok when I get to my suspension I am not opposed to upgrades or even a step backwards to a standard setup if it is an improvement over the "high tech" air/electric,sensors and crap.

 

[Alex33]

I'll share my experience in before and after. My truck had a very soft ride with the stock autoride equipment installed. It wasn't the best handling vehicle, but it rode very well and was quite comfy. If I were to leave the truck stock, I could live with it. That being said, the bilsteins really firmed up the ride and made me feel more like I was driving the truck versus being along for the ride.

 

[Oshkosh]

I'll share my experience in before and after. My truck had a very soft ride with the stock autoride equipment installed. It wasn't the best handling vehicle, but it rode very well and was quite comfy. If I were to leave the truck stock, I could live with it. That being said, the bilsteins really firmed up the ride and made me feel more like I was driving the truck versus being along for the ride.

So your not driving your living room sofa anymore.lol
I've had KYB's and other high pressure gas shocks in other vehicles over the years and I think I am leaning that way.And urethane swaybar bushings just because..lol
I like everything I have been reading about the Bilsteins in gm products in general...
I could always put airbags in the coils if I start towing more and feel the need down the road.
Just seems like allot to go wrong with the elec/air system over time.Esp here in New England where we fight snow with salt and calcium products,better living threw chemicals I guess...
Thanks for your thoughts...

 

[DansOtter]

I'll share my experience in before and after. My truck had a very soft ride with the stock autoride equipment installed. It wasn't the best handling vehicle, but it rode very well and was quite comfy. If I were to leave the truck stock, I could live with it. That being said, the bilsteins really firmed up the ride and made me feel more like I was driving the truck versus being along for the ride.

So did you switch to regular gas shocks and get rid of the compressor/air ride setup? If so, is there any issue there with electronics and sensors?

I've got an '05 LT Autoride, and I'm pretty sure my compressor will be dead soon... it's been pretty loud lately and coming on all the time. I'm considering the Rough Country Leveling Kit:

http://www.roughcountry.com/chevy_4wd_99-06_tahoe-2.html

4 shocks, level suspension, half the price of replacing air ride components. Any thoughts?

 

[Alex33]

So did you switch to regular gas shocks and get rid of the compressor/air ride setup? If so, is there any issue there with electronics and sensors?

I sure did! No issues with sensors at all.

I've got an '05 LT Autoride, and I'm pretty sure my compressor will be dead soon... it's been pretty loud lately and coming on all the time. I'm considering the Rough Country Leveling Kit:

http://www.roughcountry.com/chevy_4wd_99-06_tahoe-2.html

4 shocks, level suspension, half the price of replacing air ride components. Any thoughts?

I don't have any personal experience with lift/leveling kits so I can't say which is good or not, but I can say that once you start to modify the suspension the autoride feature becomes more hassle than benefit imho.