[Guest]

I need advice bad. Muffler guy says my rear shock is leaking. after reading some posts, I do not understand the rear shock set up. It is stock, autoleveling. Does it have a shock and an air shock too? Can someone explain to me how the autolevel and shocks work together?

Some posts mention AirLift at Summit. What is the AirLift? Could I get Airlfts and Bilsteins for the rear? Bilsteins seem highly thought of. I do not tow but have considered getting one of those micro-lite travel trailors.

What should I get to have a good suspension for the rear?

I have considered asking DAL what he would recommend but would like to get advice here as well.

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

Plenty of information & advice available here.

Autolevel system is a factory option (RPO G67) that uses air shocks, an air compressor (front lower left of car, in front of the wheel, behind a shield), and a level sensor that activates the compressor, located above the rear axle, with a link to one of the upper axle control arms, to provide body height information to tell the compressor to run or stop.

The mechanic may mean that there is a fluid leak on the shock (not unlikely if it's original) or it could be an air leak if the rubber bladder has worn out--again not unusual for the number of miles on the car if the shock is the original production part.

Some of us use AirLift air bags (bladders) which fit inside the rear coil springs, and use regular (non-air) shocks, which includes the ability to use Bilstein, preferred by many as the best compromise of performance and cost. You can spend more, but for most wagon folks, it's probably not going to result in much further "gain", depending on your goals for the car. The idea is that the OE air shock is asked to do 2 things--control suspension/body motion AND lift the rear of the car when directed by the level sensor.

The shock used by GM as an air shock typically does not control motion as well as a premium shock, such as the Bilstein, operating independent of the level control--and you can use the same air lines that originally went to the air shocks to pressurize the Air Lift bags.

[ 03-03-2007, 11:56 PM: Message edited by: Navy Lifer ]

 

[Guest]

I just replaced my second set of air shocks with the Monroe Severe Service Shocks and I like them a lot. I like the auto level feature but the shocks just don't seem to last. The set I just replaced was not even a year old. The first was covered under warranty but I really don't like changing shocks so this was the better way to go for me. Next up is a pair of Air Lift bags for the springs.

 

[Guest]

I have a perfect set of Severe Service rear shocks with coil-overs only used for 2yrs/12K from my wagon that I might sell to ya' for 1/2 price if interested, we also have them in the gold wagon - the other two cars have air-shocks. I just lowered my wagon 2" w/springs & bags - had to use the regular Sev. Svc. units (which cost me $95) as the coil-overs would raise it back up 1". I never had the air-shocks/auto level on my car & initially installed the coil-overs which raised it 1/2-3/4" to the stance that a functioning auto-level car would sit at. They gave a nice firm ride, a friend didn't like them when he installed a set in his sedan, but with the extra rear weight of the wagon, they worked well & I never had car sag under any loads.