Can I Use Non-oem Shocks And Not Mess Up The Traction Control?

[Tage]

I have a 2003 Yukon XL Denali with AWD and the autoride. The shocks desperately need to be replaced but the factory units are a bit too expensive considering the age of the vehicle. Can I just put any aftermarket shock on in the front without messing with the traction control or autoride?

 

I honestly don't care that much about traction control but the last thing I want to do is buy some new shocks and then throw a check engine light or have my "traction control" light be blinking at me while I drive or something. I don't "think" the front shocks are air shocks (like the rears) but there is a cable/wire that plugs into the top of the front shocks and I'm not sure what that is for???

 

Since I use the SUV to tow my enclosed trailer (approx 6000#) I wouldn't mind replacing the rear shocks with some aftermarket shocks and then rerouting the air lines to some custom mounted airbags (<-- since they have additional capacity) but I don't want to invest time/money into parts that might screw with all the electronics and suspension safety crap. Anyone know?

[pennzoil29]

I don't see why you couldn't go with an after market, especially if money is tight. My '99 needs new ones, but I'm pretty much in the same boat as you, so I'm looking for a good after market myself.

[2000DV4.8]

If I remember correctly, the autoride feature is controlled by rear air shocks that will level the truck if there is a lot of weight in the rear. You may not break anything by putting normal shocks in the rear, but the auto-leveling feature won't be functional anymore, and you may get some warning light on the dash.

 

I'd wait for someone with experience with autoride to chime in on this one.

[Tage]

Right... I know the truck isn't going to blow up or anything if I put a non-stock shocks on there but what I'm trying to avoid is lighting up my dash with all sorts or various lights because the truck "knows" I didn't spend $2K on new factory shocks. When I go to aftermarket shock websites there isn't any applications for my SUV but there are for similar models like a Tahoe, however it always specifically says, "not a replacement for electronic dampers". I definitely want to hear from a GM Tech or someone that has done this before. I would have posted this in "ask the GM Tech" but the forum rules say don't ask them questions on non-stock parts which makes sense.