AIR SUSPENSION Options!?!

[DuckTruck]

Anybody out there having problems with their air suspension other than the compressor? I currently am.

Apparently, I have a bad sensor or wiring loom in the "arm" the tells the cpu which tells the compressor to add or take away air from the rear bags. The ass end of my truck has been dragging around for about a week now at totally random times.........obviously, I am looking for a solution.

I am trying to decide between two options:

First, since my air lines and bags are in perfect condition, I was thinking about wiring the lines together with a "y" and using a schrader valve and an exterior air source to air them up and down at my liking. Thus, keeping the air compressor useful via the rear hatch plug. This would also be a cool option as I could raise and lower the rear end to the exact height I choose.

Second, would be just to fix the damn thing via factory parts, but I am hesitate to do so after reading all of the repeated problems with the air ride system and the approx. cost of 600 dollars worth of parts. I don't mind spending that amount IF it would fully fix the problem....but with other compressor issues, etc. looming, I feel that I might be throwing my money away.

What do you guys think? Has anyone successfully tried my "first" option?

DUCK

[HumminNBoatin']

Well do you tow allot? I do so when this same thing happened to me I just got a new sensor arm and wiring harness.

[timgco]

well? IMO, tear those bags out of there and install a rear set of coil springs with a suspensopn makes spacer (uses the same spacer as a Tahoe). Since you already have the the 3" cognito kit on the front, this will bring the rear up to were it should be with your front end kit. You could still plumb your compressor lines to use the compressor for filling up tires. Than rip the rest of that air susp. stuff out of there.

[DuckTruck]

Thanks for the responses fellas.

No, I don't tow much....only every now and again....probably less than once a month. If I needed extra "height" in the rear while towing, I guess I could always just fill the bags up manually and roll with it.

It would be nice to have the system to continue to be "automated", but with the repeated problems and issues with the system, I am beginning to agree with timgco!

I hate to buy coils and go that route while I have perfect airbags already in place. I think I might try the "manual fill" option and unhook the compressor from the bags to keep the ability to adjust the system as I want. Then, when/if the bags fail, go the coil route.

On a "coil" note, does anyone make an aftermarket spring that would give 2-3" of lift over stock so the use of a spacer wouldn't be necessary?

Thanks again,

DUCK

[DuckTruck]

Well...just found out that one of my airbags is shot so I will be joini g the ranks of those who have switched to coils.

Just FYI, I plan to keep the compressor to operate the fill station in the rear cargo area.

Anybody have a recommendation as to the best place to purchase them and price?

Thanks fellas.

[timgco]

Well...just found out that one of my airbags is shot so I will be joini g the ranks of those who have switched to coils.

Just FYI, I plan to keep the compressor to operate the fill station in the rear cargo area.

Anybody have a recommendation as to the best place to purchase them and price?

Thanks fellas.

try gmparthouse.com
gmpartsdirect.com

Please do a writeup and take pics when you do this. It seems every time someone does this, half of what is needed is left out.

I have a set of stock springs and a susupension max rear spacers, but have not done the swap yet.....not sure what else is needed.

[DuckTruck]

Will do Tim.

I am currently (with the help of my mechanic) compiling a list of what is needed and respective part numbers (if such exist).

Thanks to all......I will keep you posted.

DUCK

[DuckTruck]

Just ordered 2 coil springs and 2 insulators from gmpartsdirect.com (they have the cheapest prices by the way).

The coils are part numbers 25956182 and 25956183 respectively.

The insulators are part number 15765071.

Total price for all was $217.60 shipped to my door.

DUCK

[Easy Ed]

2 insulators ?

When I did mine 4 was required according to the parts diagram, same part number as yours, 15765071. One for the top of the spring and one for the bottom of the spring.

But, while I am looking at the invoice for some reason there is a difference in spring part numbers, 15179495 and 15179496 ? Your spring numbers for 3" taller springs ?

52248
52249
52250

[DuckTruck]

Ed,

thank you for your post. I never thought about getting 4 insulators...dumb huh!?! I will order them now.

As for the springs, they are part numbers that came up on gmpartsdirect.com and should be the stock size and rate. Where did you buy yours? U am wondering if that is why the numbers are different.

DUCK

[DuckTruck]

Ed,

I figured out the discrepancy on the coil part numbers. According to their website: "This part has been replaced by a new part number. The new part number will be used if you add this part to your cart."

Thus, when I entered your part number, the spring came up, but when I added it to my cart, the number I provided shows up. So, it appears that your part number has been succeeded by the one I listed earlier.

Thanks again,

DUCK

[Easy Ed]

Been three years ago but I am thinking it was from this site below. I did the year, make, model then went to the rear suspension, suspension components then coil spring. you should be able to see a "view illustration" and that is where you can see the four insulators. Cost was $80.59 each for the springs and $5.72 each for the insulators and I paid next day freight (a boat load) but again that was three years ago.

The parts actually came from McCann Motors in Washington by the way.
Phone number was 253-474-9424

https://www.hummer-parts.com/oe_parts_catalog.html

As a side note I tried to type in both your spring numbers and the ones I had and mine came up as the HUMMER springs. But I typed in my numbers into the Parts Direct site and it said that my number had been replaced with a new one. They just cannot keep it simple can they :-)

Good luck, Ed



Ed,

thank you for your post. I never thought about getting 4 insulators...dumb huh!?! I will order them now.

As for the springs, they are part numbers that came up on gmpartsdirect.com and should be the stock size and rate. Where did you buy yours? U am wondering if that is why the numbers are different.

DUCK

[timgco]

...getting closer! It will be intersting to see the process. It doesn;t look that hard to do...just supporting the truck properly when doing this. Than removing the proper fuses and I think having the dealer clear the air susp. code? or do you just pull the fuse and game over?

[tomp]

The SamCo coils provide 1-1.5" more lift in the rear, over the OEM coils. However, they are slighly lighter spring rate so if you tow - it is a good idea to add aftermarket air bags.

There is certainly nothing wrong towing with coil springs. I towed my RV for years with both the OEM and the Samco coils and never had an issue.

[Easy Ed]

Installed myself. Got to raise the frame up enough that the rear axle will hang high enough when supported by a floor jack to remove the two lower shock mounted and the two upper sway bar to frame mounts. Now lower the floor jack and there will be plenty of room to remove to air springs. Caution must be used here, if you cut the two air lines things tend to do weird sh!t, just be careful. The air spring has a anti rotation catch on top that when push down will allow you to turn the spring and remove it. The new coils come in a left and right spring with both needing to be "up". To me and the way I installed mine was that the drivers side of the truck is the LEFT side. Read some of the descriptions in the service manual to find out. The job for putting in the coils took about a hour.

The work of removing ALL compressor related parts, wires, sensors, plugs and even the ride height button took the rest of my weekend tracing wires was the hard part but I am so OCD that I wanted it all gone :).

Attached Imageshttp://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/images/attach/jpg.gifRight and Left Spring with Isolator.jpg (http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=36251&d=1171333028) (76.8 KB, 278 views)http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/images/attach/jpg.gifCompressor Mounts 025.jpg (http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=36252&d=1171333258) (72.4 KB, 256 views)http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/images/attach/jpg.gifCompressor Mounts 026.jpg (http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=36253&d=1171333337) (85.3 KB, 237 views)
__________________

[DuckTruck]

Thanks for all of the info fellas. I don't plan to remove the air system entirely as I want to keep it for rear cargo use, so I won't be pulling it all out

We will just be removing the airbags and deaf-heading all of those lines. The compressor will stay as well as the lines to the cargo area.

I am making a hybrid of sorts.

DUCK

[Easy Ed]

You beat me to it by eleven minutes :clapping:


Ed,

I figured out the discrepancy on the coil part numbers. According to their website: "This part has been replaced by a new part number. The new part number will be used if you add this part to your cart."

Thus, when I entered your part number, the spring came up, but when I added it to my cart, the number I provided shows up. So, it appears that your part number has been succeeded by the one I listed earlier.

Thanks again,

DUCK

[DuckTruck]

The SamCo coils provide 1-1.5" more lift in the rear, over the OEM coils. However, they are slighly lighter spring rate so if you tow - it is a good idea to add aftermarket air bags.

There is certainly nothing wrong towing with coil springs. I towed my RV for years with both the OEM and the Samco coils and never had an issue.


Where do you get these Samcro springs and how do they clare in price to stock coils?

DUCK

[timgco]

Where do you get these Samcro springs and how do they clare in price to stock coils?

DUCK

http://www.samcofabrication.com/products/product_info.php?products_id=52&language=en

$380/ add shipping.

SamCo rear coil springs for the rear of an H2 provide approximately 1/2" to 1" of lift for the rear of your H2 Hummer, compared to the factory rear coil springs. They also provide the potential for more wheel travel, as they were designed for pre runners and race H2's. The springs have a 2.5" longer free length, but less spring rate than the factory springs to provide a ride quality similar to the factory air bag suspension. The additional free length would allow for about 20% more wheel travel with the use of longer shocks and refabricated shock mounts. Sold in pairs.

[DuckTruck]

http://www.samcofabrication.com/products/product_info.php?products_id=52&language=en

$380/ add shipping.

SamCo rear coil springs for the rear of an H2 provide approximately 1/2" to 1" of lift for the rear of your H2 Hummer, compared to the factory rear coil springs. They also provide the potential for more wheel travel, as they were designed for pre runners and race H2's. The springs have a 2.5" longer free length, but less spring rate than the factory springs to provide a ride quality similar to the factory air bag suspension. The additional free length would allow for about 20% more wheel travel with the use of longer shocks and refabricated shock mounts. Sold in pairs.

Cool option, but they seem awfully expensive versus stock as they only provide for .5 to 1" of lift and only allow 20% more flex when the vehicle is fitted with longer shocks/new shock mounts.

DUCK

[pohlease]

I replaced my airbags and now my Service Air Suspension warning won't go away. Anyone find a permanent solution to this? I've already tried removing the fuse in the front left wheel well.

[timgco]

I replaced my airbags and now my Service Air Suspension warning won't go away. Anyone find a permanent solution to this? I've already tried removing the fuse in the front left wheel well.

Yep, depending on teh year, you either need a new pcm OR they reflash for 3 issues. I'll get you list when I get mine done. The Castlerock HUMMER dealer is going to do mine. 06 gets re-flashed.

[Easy Ed]

Edit: Did you remove your bags for springs ? I have been reading through your post here and am a little confused. This post says you replaced your air bags, http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/s...t=38979&page=2 (http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38979&page=2) to me that means you had new air bags installed but I guess it could mean you replaced them with coil springs (sorry, I am a little slow on reading between the lines) ;) . But, I went over to the "other" site you said that you put springs in, if that is the case, try unplugging the compressor control module in pic below, remove the relay completly under the fenderwell and disconnect the battery, the light should go out.

P.S. Nice looking truck from what I've seen at the other site.

[pohlease]

Easy Ed thanks for keeping me in line. I actually posted and forgot to check to see if anyone replied. I don't see a picture in your post? My truck is a 2003. Thanks for the compliment on the looks. You should see it with my boat :)

[Easy Ed]

My bad, I posted the wrong link, duh.

Try looking at the pic at the bottom of this post ;) http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38543

I will also edit my other one with the bad link/no pic. Edit: won't let me edit my own post ??

Good luck, Ed

Easy Ed thanks for keeping me in line. I actually posted and forgot to check to see if anyone replied. I don't see a picture in your post? My truck is a 2003. Thanks for the compliment on the looks. You should see it with my boat :)

[DuckTruck]

Update time guys! Here's the deal.....

First, found out that one of my rear bags was about to fail (looked like it was sitting crooked under the truck), so I replaced them with coils.

Second, we left ALL of the electronics for the air ride suspension due to me wanting to still be able to use the rear cabin hook-up for tire inflation, etc.

Third, to avoid warning lights we unhooked nothing electrical. All my mechanic/buddy did was "dead head" the compressor.....in otherwords he cut the airline from the driver's side that was headed to the airbag and plugged it into the passenger's side compressor fitting.

Forth, the compressor (and all electronics therewith) are fooled into thinking the truck's rear ride height is always perfect. This also allows the rear cabin connection to still be used.

Fifth, only negative of this is that I loose the functionality of the rear "ride height" adjustment feature......very minor trade off (in my opinion) compared with the functionality of the coils vs. the bags.

Lastly, I have NO WARNING LIGHTS for the last 3 days and my compressor in the rear works perfectly and my coils are now bulletproof.

I highly recommend this to everyone. Let me know if any questions exist.

DUCK

[twenty2]

Just ordered 2 coil springs and 2 insulators from gmpartsdirect.com (they have the cheapest prices by the way).

The coils are part numbers 25956182 and 25956183 respectively.

The insulators are part number 15765071.

Total price for all was $217.60 shipped to my door.

DUCK

how long did it take to get to your door for shipping?

[DuckTruck]

If I remember correctly, 4-5 business days......maybe a week total, but I think less.

DUCK

[thibble]

Strutmasters factory is 40 minutes from me so I'm getting the strutmaster coils tomorrow.

http://www.strutmasters.com/Hummer-H2-Air-Suspension-Rear-Conversion-Kit-p/-h2-r1.htm

Thats the kit. Doesn't come with insulators and they say you don't need 'm...dunno...should I just get a set of insulators anyway??

thibble.:violin:

[DuckTruck]

Strutmasters factory is 40 minutes from me so I'm getting the strutmaster coils tomorrow.

http://www.strutmasters.com/Hummer-H2-Air-Suspension-Rear-Conversion-Kit-p/-h2-r1.htm

Thats the kit. Doesn't come with insulators and they say you don't need 'm...dunno...should I just get a set of insulators anyway??

thibble.:violin:

I would add the insulators.....don't see what it would hurt as it keeps metal off of metal.

DUCK

[OrangeCrush]

Ed,

I figured out the discrepancy on the coil part numbers. According to their website: "This part has been replaced by a new part number. The new part number will be used if you add this part to your cart."

Thus, when I entered your part number, the spring came up, but when I added it to my cart, the number I provided shows up. So, it appears that your part number has been succeeded by the one I listed earlier.

Thanks again,

DUCK

Is the succession the reasoning? GM's part numbers obviously are differentiated by even numbers being the part on the pass. side and odd ending numbers on the left even if they are identical.

Just wondering...


Mark