Can I replace Denali air shocks with gas shocks?

casey09

I have a Denali with 101k miles. I am told that my air shocks are bad causing tire cupping. @ 1200+ for just parts, I am wondering if anyone has any experience with replacing the air shocks with an OEM or aftermarket replacement gas shock? I would think the fit would be the same,(as for a standard Yukon 4WD, and just disconnect the air compressor either via the fuse or the harness. Also, would disconnecting the air system cause the ecm to throw a code? Thanks in advance.

ntwt16oz

I just had one of my rear air shocks blow out while on vacation. The dealer wanted $625 for one shock! I almost crapped my drawers! I though about biting the bullet and buying one shock, but had no idea if the other would blow out soon. I thought of replacing the shocks with Monroe air shocks, but couldn't find the right shocks. I finally found a PAIR of OEM replacement (Delphi) autoride air shocks at Arnott Inc. for $479. I had them drop shipped to where we were on vacation. It took about 30 minutes to replace both shocks. If you replace the shocks with the aftermarket Bilsteen electronic shocks $379, you get a plug that fakes out the computer.

winterman1

Yeah ... I was quoted $900 per shock!!! What the hell?? I'll try Arnott. You can also have a lower kit (installed!) at around $400-$500. That includes 4 shocks, springs, etc... the whole 9 yards.

david1061

I have same issue on 2002 Denali, but the air pump is bad too. I was quoted $500 ea shock for GM shocks plus $450 for the Arnott pump, but I found surplus GM shocks at a wholesaler, for $175 each, plus a better aftermarket pump for $200! I'd like to take a crack at doing it myself if anyone has any ideas what it entails.

chicco79

@David1061, can u direct me to that same wholesaler that u purchased your aftermarket shocks from please?

eha

Not a mechanic or DIY'er. Have been told $500./wheel to replace Air schocks. Ridiculous! Looking at either Strutmasters Conversion Kit or Arnott/Bilstein as an alternative solution for our mechanic. What is your experience, advice, etc? Thanks for helping me!

hotazgal999

david what dealer did you find the shocks at for that price? please let me know

jamiemac74

Hi... I recently purchased a 2004 Yukon Denali. After purchasing the truck I noticed the rear Air-ride shocks where shot and the compressor didn't seem to run. I researched online and ran upon a Monroe 90012 conversion kit. Figuring I didn't have anything to loose so I purchased the kit. The kit was easy to install even with the Autoride interface modules. That's right NO service suspension displayed on the dash anymore. I tested the factory compressor and found the main power fuse was shot. After replacing the fuse the compressor worked great. The rear shocks even had the same fittings a the factory shocks so connecting them was a dream. The vehicle drives great and levels when loaded. This was a very inexpensive fix at less than $150.00 with new shocks on all 4 corners. Monroe link: http://catalog.monroe.com/catalogPart/monroePartSearchFromECatalog.do?partKey=832527&partNumber=90012&catalogKey=580&methodName=initialiseMonroe&catalogCode=monroe&locale=EN&loadStatus=ACTIVE