Shock Upgrade - Get rid of autoride?

kazuaki · December 17, 2003

I have a 2003 Suburban 2500 with Autoride. My understanding is that this is a computer controlled shock adjustment system. I can see where there are sensors on each corner to sense the suspension motion. My complaint is that the suspension is too soft offroad and I get beat to death while towing. It's the small sharp bumps or jolts that are annoying while towing. I am seriously considering upgrading to Rancho 9000's, especially because of my offroad use. Obviously, this would mean disabling the Autoride system. Is this going to cause any problems? Is the am I going to lose anything by getting rid of the Autoride? I plan on doing it in such a way that I can reinstall the Autoride shocks if I sell/trade the Sub later. Thanks!

gave20 · December 17, 2003

My understanding of autoride is the computer monitors shock travel 32 times per second stiffining and loosening the shock pressure to provide a very smooth ride as seen in GMC's infomercial. If your ride is not cloud like you should take it back to the dealer cause something ain't right. In GMC's video you could balance a glass over the speed bumps with autoride and abrley keep from getting nausious without it. I don't think by disabling the system you will hurt it, but I don't think you will get the same smooth ride with conventional shocks even 9000's.

Just curious if you didn't think you'd like it why did you get the option, cause it's not cheap.

kazuaki · December 18, 2003

Just curious if you didn't think you'd like it why did you get the option, cause it's not cheap.

I got the option because you have no choice when you order the K2500 Sub with the 8.1L engine. If I had my way, I would NOT have gotten it. IT is great for most situations. The ride is exceptional for a 3/4 ton SUV. My complaint is that it is underdamped when I am towing my heavy trailer. In addition, I just noticed one of the rears is leaking badly. I'll take it to the dealer for repair. Maybe the leaking rear shock has caused some of the "looseness". However, I expect the dealer wil try to deny replacing the shock because I have airbags on the vehicle. I can just see them blaming the airbags for the blown shock...

gave20 · December 18, 2003

I never understood that game auto makers have when ordering a vehicle. If you're spending that much for a vehicle you should be able to pick and choose every option and not be limited to packages and restrictions.

I suspect the leak is causing the shocks not to work right...I also wonder if these shocks are not suited for towing/hauling heavy loads it seems the shocks would have to work twices as hard as an unloaded truck to keep the smooth ride causing them the wear faster. I'm not saying you're at fault I'm simply saying GM should warn customers. The envoy with ride control for example would work very hard to keep a level ride with a trailer near max towing capacity thus causing faster wear on the system.