[djais1801]

So...I just bought my 03 EXT and love it so far. The Service Suspension Light was on when I bought it. The owner told me it only comes on when its cold outside. It just went off today. However, when I had the truck checked out prior to purchase, they told me the rear shocks were deflated.

Is it cheaper/easier to just replace the rear shocks with gas shocks? or just get new shocks/compressor from Arnott Industries.
The truck has 90k on it...hopefully this will be the last time I will have to change them out.

What do you guys think???:stirpot:

 

[RippyPartsDept]

it's definitely cheaper but usually the ride and handling characteristics take a nosedive ... many forum members will tell you that they love their gas shocks though so it's really up to you

i can offer you a good deal on the OEM parts - if you are interested PM me your VIN and i'll work you up a quote tomorrow

 

[enger126]

If you switch over to gas shocks you have to do all 4.

 

[djais1801]

It does have front struts...correct?

 

[RippyPartsDept]

front absorbers actually

 

[bstiffmanofsteel]

If you switch over to gas shocks you have to do all 4.

Not true, I switched to Arnott gas shocks and only did the rear. Easy swap, no codes thrown.

 

[enger126]

Yes correct if you go with the Arnott shocks they come with a sensor to disable the auto dampening control but if you go with straight gas shocks you do need to replace all 4 and pull the RTD fuse under the hood so you don't get any error messages.

 

[djais1801]

So, if I go with Arnott rear gas shocks I don't have to replace the fronts or the compressor. Correct? Do I still need the compressor?

 

[enger126]

So, if I go with Arnott rear gas shocks I don't have to replace the fronts or the compressor. Correct? Do I still need the compressor?

If you go with the Arnott/Bilstein shocks you don't have to replace the fronts or compressor unless they are bad but you do still need the compressor because the Arnotts/Bilstein are still air and gas shocks they just aren't electronic like the stock ones.

 

[enger126]

I replaced all four of my shocks with Bilstein gas shocks and the Bilstein rear springs for $320 to get rid of the air ride and electronic dampening.

 

[jordan00escalade]

Sorry about high-jacking this post... BUT RIPPY can you give me a price on replacing my front and rear shocks OEM? Thanks taking a trip soon and I recently got the "service ride control" (or something like that) message... I have a 2006 Escalade with about 80,000 miles. If you need any additional info, I'll keep checking this post. Thanks

 

[RippyPartsDept]

got your PM... i'll get back to you in the morning :thumbsup:

 

[jordan00escalade]

Great thanks!

 

[ViperRy]

I went with oem refurbed air shocks from Arnotts and compressor rebuild kit. Simple enough and you keep the nice air ride. No splicing like you have to do with the billstein air shock alternative.

 

[bstiffmanofsteel]

If I ever replace the shocks on my current Lade, I'll do the electric replacements.

 

[jordan00escalade]

I'm with BSTIFF... one shock at a time though lol Man we are driving down to Palm Springs next month and I need to change my shocks... Tags due this month, there's another 300. Why can't they just let maintenance fee's be our luxury tax and call it even? Gas over 4 dollars a gallon.. Apologies for being so far off topic. What is the normal life span of the shocks for the 02-06 absorbers? Just curious

 

[jordan00escalade]

I'm with BSTIFF... one shock at a time though lol Man we are driving down to Palm Springs next month and I need to change my shocks... Tags due this month, there's another 300. Why can't they just let maintenance fee's be our luxury tax and call it even? Gas over 4 dollars a gallon.. Apologies for being so far off topic. What is the normal life span of the shocks for the 02-06 absorbers? Just curious

 

[djais1801]

So I replaced my rear shocks yesterday and they were completely blown out. I ordered the bilstein air shocks kit and installed yesterday. my error message still appears on start up, and come to think of it...i don't hear the compressor coming on anymore. should i go for the new compressor from Arnott, or is there a rebuild...the Arnott is $180.

 

[bstiffmanofsteel]

Try disconnecting the battery for a few minutes to see if that resets anything!?!

 

[djais1801]

if i do that, will i lose my radio?