GM Air Ride Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JamesDean · #1 05-21-2011, 06:17 PM

Hey everyone,

I've got this Olds Silhouette van with a busted air ride system. The air shocks look pretty worn and the compressor doesnt work (I tried to fire it up manually) but it didnt respond.

So rather than replacing the shocks and pump (50+300) I was thinking about just replacing the shock with standard type shocks. I know they had this van w/o air ride and they sell standard type shocks.

My question is, does anyone know if I can just throw the new shocks in? Is there a different in mounts? Will I need to replace the rear springs as well?

My wager is yes I should replace the springs as they are probably designed to work with the air ride shocks...

I also wager the mounts for the air-ride vs regualar shock are the same...

Any thoughts?

Nate · #2 05-22-2011, 02:43 PM

GM makes the WORST air ride ever. I suspect the leveling switch (attached to the passenger? rear control arm) is faulty... Re reading your post, looks like you tried to bypass that, and the compressor's dead.

Do you tow, or carry heavy loads with the van? The shock mounts are the same, but the leafs "may" be thinner then the standard suspension vans. I would suggest monroe "air max" or similer shocks, and just manually add air as needed to stop the sagging, if it's indeed a problem. If not, their still monroe LT shocks, which are fine for the van.

Check the front control arm bushings, front sway bar links, and front sway bar bushings... Known issues on the FWD GM vans... By moog, or you'll regret it.

~Nate

catmandoo62 · #3 05-22-2011, 03:35 PM

do you haul alot of weight??

JamesDean · #4 05-22-2011, 03:36 PM

Yeah I verified that the relay was getting turn on signal and battery voltage, I threw 12v down to the compressor and nothing So its dead.

We do carry a bunch of dj equipment with the van. The air-ride has been dead for quite a while too.

I was under the impression that these used coil springs (from looking up parts).

I was contemplating the LT shocks as they're pretty cheap.

How does one fill the max-air shocks? crawl underneath with air hose? or ?

Aquaticedge · #5 05-22-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesDean

Yeah I verified that the relay was getting turn on signal and battery voltage, I threw 12v down to the compressor and nothing So its dead.

We do carry a bunch of dj equipment with the van. The air-ride has been dead for quite a while too.

I was under the impression that these used coil springs (from looking up parts).

I was contemplating the LT shocks as they're pretty cheap.

How does one fill the max-air shocks? crawl underneath with air hose? or ?

a system I had on a ford Excursion, there were Tire like studs that sat on either side of the license plate on the bumper and you would add or remove air that way. it's a simple but nice system really and the ride is decent

JamesDean · #6 05-22-2011, 03:40 PM

I was also thinking of replacing the springs with heavy-duty springs, they're listed for the longer wheel base version of the van...I wasnt sure if they'd work.

" Rear; HD; Variable Rate; 2WD; 120" Extended WB; For 1 1/2" to 2" Lift For Constant Heavy Rear Load"

JamesDean · #7 05-22-2011, 04:48 PM

something like that would work perfectly. does the max-air stuff from monroe have kit that I can get that'll do that?

They list this adapter kit:
Kit

Nate · #8 05-22-2011, 06:40 PM

My mistake, it's coil springs for the rear.

The Air Max system with that adapter kit will work well, it connects the shocks together, and gives you a shrader valve to fill them (like a car tire)... With discount codes, you can get everything quite inexpensively, but also keep in mind that you "should" be able to order the Monroe parts through Peach Parts

~Nate