New shocks w/autoride suspension

[bkcrna]

Greetings to all...I'm new here but have a "pressing question." Today I was told by the dealer that I frequent for service that my 2001 Yukon XL (with 93,500 miles) needs front and rear shocks replaced. The quoted cost is $2300...OUCH!!! I'd like to find out from experts here what is so special about these shocks that they are going to cost $2300. I thought I'd call Sears Automotive to find out if they have shocks that would work and they didn't sound too sure of themselves. The tech there quoted me a cost of 109.99 each w/$18.00 installation for Rancho...9000 something. My math tells me that this is a huge difference but I want to make sure these shocks will work with the autoride suspension. Any experts here have thoughts on this matter that you can share with me??

 

Honestly, I'm sitting here scratching my head wondering if it wouldn't be better just to sell the vehicle and purchase something new before more things start to go wrong.... decisions, decisions!

[Bish]

Greetings to all...I'm new here but have a "pressing question." Today I was told by the dealer that I frequent for service that my 2001 Yukon XL (with 93,500 miles) needs front and rear shocks replaced. The quoted cost is $2300...OUCH!!! I'd like to find out from experts here what is so special about these shocks that they are going to cost $2300. I thought I'd call Sears Automotive to find out if they have shocks that would work and they didn't sound too sure of themselves. The tech there quoted me a cost of 109.99 each w/$18.00 installation for Rancho...9000 something. My math tells me that this is a huge difference but I want to make sure these shocks will work with the autoride suspension. Any experts here have thoughts on this matter that you can share with me??

 

Honestly, I'm sitting here scratching my head wondering if it wouldn't be better just to sell the vehicle and purchase something new before more things start to go wrong.... decisions, decisions!

 

If you have the electronically controlled damping, you have wire leads running to each shock. The computer can vary the damping by applying juice to the shock and causing the fluid to change damping characteristics. This is why the replacements are so expensive. You can change to straight Bilsteins or another brand but you will need to have the computer re-programmed to stop the warning messages about a shock problem. I specifically stayed away from that option when I purchased my Tahoe. I knew hoe much $$$$ to replace and I knew I was keeping the truck for a long time.

[Burbman]

Bish is right on this one. Agree about the pricey repairs, but unfortunately, you couldn't get the 8.1 in the 2500 Sub without Autoride. Problem with aftermarket is that the ride control computer is linked into the ABS module and PCM also. You could probably jumper the leads going to the shocks with resistors, but unknown is what data the ride control computer feeds to other susyems, if any. You masy want to a search on this I seem to recall a similar thread a while back.

 

These shocks are also hard to find, and nobody makes a compatible unit except AC Delco. Last time I looked, the best prices were at www.worldautopartsdirect.com. AC/Delco front p/n 580-222 $269.45, rear p/n 580-223 $308.93, total cost $1156.76 plus shipping. Still not cheap but about half the price if you DIY the installation. Install is same as regular shock with the addition of an elec connector on each one.

[concours]

Geez.... I asked my GM parts guy one day just for kicks.... Auto-Ride 2500 Sub, less than $200 each. They're getting fat on the install, LOL.

[ChrisNJ]

My burb w/8.1 has autoride and it broke once, it bounced down the road like a bucking horse. thought a shock was bad, but it wasn't just the position sensor. maybe when the sensor goes it goes to full soft and hence the problem, but autoride works well.