advice needed for shock replacement

[accely]

Hey all, new to the forum, had my 04 H2 since 2010 summer. love it!!

My H2 is at 100k miles and it's still on stock shocks & suspension so the ride seems a little rougher than I'm sure it could be with some new parts.

I'm primarily interested in making it a softer ride for daily driving. Suspension lift kit may come later. So I'm looking for suggestions on what to do. Would it be as easy as replacing stock shocks? should I check out aftermarket shocks? I was looking at Rancho rear/front shocks for around 50$ each one on a few sites.

Also, can someone explain the air ride suspension for me? How do I know if my H2 has it? If it doesn't, can it be installed?

Thanks guys.

Dan

few pics since I'm new!

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stay away from the cheaper Rancho's. Your stock shocks ride better than those.

However, the Rancho 9000xl's are superior. I have used them on every H2. you can dial in your ride for softer and harder ride, twist up the rears if you're loading the truck down or trailering.

Also, swap out your steering stabilizer to a Rancho. They make a nice difference as well.

So those items, and your truck will handle better than it was new. @ 100K I bet they are due anyhow.

When swapping out the steering stabilizer have your idler/ pitman checked as well.

[timgco]

Airride: check to see if you have a button below your tow/ haul. If you do, you will also have an air fitting and compressor switch in teh rear/ pssd cargo area. Also look under the rear of the truck for airbags or coil springs.

[accely]

Originally Posted by timgco

stay away from the cheaper Rancho's. Your stock shocks ride better than those.

However, the Rancho 9000xl's are superior. I have used them on every H2. you can dial in your ride for softer and harder ride, twist up the rears if you're loading the truck down or trailering.

Also, swap out your steering stabilizer to a Rancho. They make a nice difference as well.

So those items, and your truck will handle better than it was new. @ 100K I bet they are due anyhow.

When swapping out the steering stabilizer have your idler/ pitman checked as well.

thanks. I actually had the idler arm replaced a week ago when i had all my fluids changed, spark plugs/wiring replaced and some other things for a tune up. I think I will go ahead and find some Rancho9000XL shocks then and probably the steering stabilizer.

Dan

[accely]

Originally Posted by timgco

Airride: check to see if you have a button below your tow/ haul. If you do, you will also have an air fitting and compressor switch in teh rear/ pssd cargo area. Also look under the rear of the truck for airbags or coil springs.

ok thanks, I don't think it's there so I guess I won't worry about it.

[accely]

Any suggestions on where I should order this stuff from?

Edit: Nevermind, went ahead and ordered from Amazon, should have the stuff next week