Autoride suspension

Wxman · October 31, 2001

Looking into purchase of '02 Tahoe. Would like to know opinions on the available autoride suspension. Worth the cost? Any problems with durability? Do the shocks still wear out and what do I do if that happens?

Seems OK in short test rides, but I wanted to get opinions from those who have lived with it a little longer. Seems like a lot more stuff to go wrong.

BTW, I don't tow, but do occasionally max out the load.

Wxman

Markeaux · October 31, 2001

I've had my 01 4x4 Autoride Tahoe since Sep00, it rides and handles fantastically well in the smooth and the rough. I have also added speed rated 285/65 Pirelli Scorpion Zero's which improved the ride/handling, too. I don't tow but have loaded the rear quite a bit, the active rear leveling works great. The Tow/Haul switch can be used for spirited driving in the hilly twisties - firms up the shocks and retains a lower gear longer; but, I believe all the GM trucks have this same T/H feature BUT in the Helm service manuals it says the Real Time Damping feature also has hooks into the Autoride system ... I used to have a 98 Z28 and enjoyed its high performance, and I must say this 'Hoe surprises me in its handling, comfort and power - it is quite unexpected for such a large vehicle. I would definitely get this vehicle again exactly as it is, except if I could afford an Escalade or Denali!

Mark

chevy4x4trucks · October 31, 2001

The autoride is a smooth road ride, howerver if you plan on either lifting or dropping the vehicle don't get it because you'll loose it then and the money you paid for it will be wasted. But other than that, I've been in one, it's a nice ride.

hughbd · June 3, 2002

We sold our 30' Award travel trailer to a guy with a 2002 Tahoe. It had the AutoRide feature. I set up the trailer for him, Reese Twin Cam sway control and Reese frictio sway bar. Took it out for a test tun, it was awsome. I've towed that trailer for about 20,000 miles and my old '96 Sierra 1500 never felt that stable. Wind was blowing 30 to 40 mph and the Tahoe never budged. The guy had never towed a trailer before and had to drive from Syracuse, NY to Indiana. The rig never missed a beat. When he started out, the winds were up to 40 to 50 mph. He never had a problem.