coil springs

[cmd]

Has anyone replaced the air ride with coils? i am looking for a coil kit to replace my air ride, and what is all required. Are there any aftermarket coils available, with possibly a 1" or 2" ride height diff.

THANKS

[Adam in CO]

Didn't you pay extra for the airbags in the first place?

I want to see front coils instead of the torsion bar set up like on the new GMT900 trucks. Anyone know when the H2 will switch to the new platform?

[Hummie2]

Originally Posted by cmd

Has anyone replaced the air ride with coils? i am looking for a coil kit to replace my air ride, and what is all required. Are there any aftermarket coils available, with possibly a 1" or 2" ride height diff.

THANKS

Are you having problems with the air suspension?

I have seen it done on a truck with a Rancho lift. He blew a few airsprings offroad and the dealer warrantied them atfirst, but said they wouldn't do them anylonger due to the truck being lifted. He ordered the 4" coils from Rancho and changed out his airsprings, end of problems. Still had his compressor to airup tires if I remember correctly. So in theory you can do it by ordering the stock coils and adding coil spacers like: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY-REAR-COIL-SPACER-AVALANCHE-TAHOE-2-LIFT-KIT_W0QQitemZ220061472214QQihZ012QQcategoryZ33585Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
you will probably need longer shocks also.

It would be a much better solution (and probably cheaper) to have a longer spring built by GOOD spring shop. About 2" of rear lift is just enough to start a driveline vibration, it caused a faint vibration on mine with 2" of lift. I had to go to a CV joint in the rear driveshaft to end the vibration. Leave the vibration and pinion bearings will be short lived.

If you are having problems with the airsprings blowing out and and the problem can't seem to be found with the air system or ride height sensors, check the rear lower control arms. If the end bushings get worn it will cause axle "wrap-up" under load and the airspring will spit out sideways. This usually results in a broken plastic end piece instead of a ruptured bag. Sounds like a shotgun when it blows. A coil is alittle more forgiving but the real problem needs to be corrected with it too.

[timgco]

I have a full set of coils for you. THey are off an 06. Send me a PM with an offer and your zip and I'll figure out shipping.

The swap has been done on stock height trucks before also. I'm not sure on all parts needs, but I think PhilD may have this information tucked away somewhere.

[cmd]

Thanks guys, i have had too many issues and it is time to move on to coils, I think i will stick however to stock hight as i already have drivetrain vibration and believe it is from the drive shaft area.
How do you overcome drivetrain vibration problems when installing a lift kit?.

[timgco]

Originally Posted by cmd

Thanks guys, i have had too many issues and it is time to move on to coils, I think i will stick however to stock hight as i already have drivetrain vibration and believe it is from the drive shaft area.
How do you overcome drivetrain vibration problems when installing a lift kit?.

Some have had custom drivesahafts done.

I have the Rnacho 4" kit with no driveshaft vibration at all.

The Fabtech kit comes with new shafts I think.


BTW- I have stock height coil springs only. You'll still have to purchase the other parts seperate.

[cmd]

I understand that there is a differance in the shocks with the off road package or without, i take it the off road package is the air ride so that would mean i need shocks as well.
Anyone know what the diff in the shocks are, i read in one of the threads that the shocks are gas charged at 300psi and im sure that was for air ride units.

[cmd]

Me either untill i checked with the dealer

[cmd]

That would not be a first, i will look further into it.

[f5fstop]

Originally Posted by Adam in CO

Anyone know when the H2 will switch to the new platform?

[DDWH]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

[Hummie2]

Originally Posted by cmd

That would not be a first, i will look further into it.

If I remember correctly the only difference in shocks was the airspring stock shock had a little more extension lenght. This was due to the airspring extra extension when you pushed the button to raise the rear of the truck offroad.

Be advised that the only thing that retains the coil spring in place is the shock at full suspension droop. Use a shock that has too much extension (or break a shock) and the coilspring can unseat and fall out at full droop.
I run limit straps as an added saftey incase of a broken shock, don't want to go chasing a spring down the trail.