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Air suspension compressor and Arnott springs

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11K views 42 replies 8 participants last post by  flyweed  
#1 ·
Hey all a couple of quick questions.
Can someone verify if ALL suspension compressors between 02-09 are the same model number across the trailvoy model lineup? Our 02 has been low riding in the rear for some time now (about a month) and I'm considering a newer model low mileage used pump when ordering the Arnott springs.
Secondly I've read mixed opinions between the original springs and the 2nd generation ones as far as fitment goes. If given the choice would most of you go with stock units or not?
Appreciate the feedback!
 
#2 ·
Well I can't verify the air compressor part numbers. I have an 02 Bravada that the compressor failed on. I ordered the compressor and the Gen 2 air springs from Arnott. Everything dropped right in with ease. It took me longer to get the vehicle jacked up and properly supported than it did to actually change out all the parts.

Don't be scared of the new Voss type fitting on the gen 2 bags. When I received my bags they had a revised instruction. I did not have to modify my air lines in any way. I just had to push the airline into the new bag just like the original air bags.

Hope this helps you out some.
Jerry
 
#3 ·
That's great and good to know. Can you tell me how the bags actually fit into the stock locations? Some they they don't "snap in" properly like the factory ones.
Anyone else know if the compressor part numbers are the same?
 
#6 ·
Actually they are both the same price from Arnott on EBAY,$179.00 free ship.
Mine aren't bad but,I think that I would like to have spares on hand so that I don't get caught some holiday week end with a low rider.
I'm leaning towards the OEM bags mostly because I don't like things with thin metal bands in the salt belt.I emailed Arnott to see if the bands might be stainless but, they never got back to me.
Going to springs is another option but,the air ride is so sweet....Mike.
 
#12 ·
Yeah but I'm in Canada so I pay even if its from Ebay. Shipping was about $35or so for me. How much are they quoting you? If after the initial $10 savings down from the $179 plus the 10% off its still higher then buy it from Ebay:tiphat
 
#14 ·
Thanks Guys

(Not to turn this into the Home Shopping forum but,)They made me work for it but,after several tries the (expired)coupon did work and with shipping the whole deal was $165.65 and paypal made it handy 'cause that's my crazy fund.
I don't know what these go for over the GMC counter but,I have to think it's more than that..least that's what I'm telling the wife...Mike:nono:
 
#15 ·
Ordered KYB's

:worried: Okay so I figure I may as well do the rear shocks at the same time so I ordered a set of KYB GR2's or Excel. I've read somewhere now that they don't make a rear shock for air spring TV's, is this true? I specified my suspension when ordering from the vendor and they said the part is correct but I found this potential discrepency after the fact. The part number from the vendor is KYB1622179 which doesn't seem to be valid for KYB's website.

Can you guys confirm?

Appreciate it!
 
#16 ·
Okay I spoke with KYB directly today and say it should be fine. The part # he says is 343395. Mine are supposed to arrive today so I'll check when I get home.
What started this - I ordered from Tire Rack originally and they called me back and said it won't fit, so I cancelled the order.
Keep you posted.
 
#17 ·
HELP - Update!

So after installing the air springs and KYB's on the rear I had to cycle the key on and off for sometime as the compressor shut off quite quickly, however after awhile she picked herself back up to a normal ride height. My wife loved the improved ride. Tonight though after about 3 days she comes home and the truck is low riding again :suicide:
After turning the key on and waiting I noticed the compressor does not run as it did before. Can anyone please help? What else can or should I check for? I don't want to begin a wild goose chase but just perhaps a diagnostic procedure to follow.
Thanks
 
#18 ·
Probably not what you want to hear.

Jay,It sure sounds like your compressor is on it's last legs.If your old bags had been leaking for a while, your compressor may have been running excessively and just wore out.Now with new bags it's not up to the task.
You might want to check the air connections,those push-in type connectors on the bags can sometimes be tricky to seat properly....Mike
 
#19 ·
Thanks Mike.
Here's what I'm thinking... When I go to the rear and turn on the compressor switch it runs fine until I turn it off or it cycles off. The problem I see is its not activating with the ignition on. On another note the old bags I removed, I could not find where they were leaking from, in fact I think they were fine in retrospect. So it seems there is something else happening but I'm currently stumped. I read about this "valve kit" or something similar which can be replaced on the compressor however I'm unaware of the condition this faulty part would create.:undecided
Thanks in advance everyone!
 
#20 ·
Jayman

That's strange,perhaps your leveling switches are bad but,I doubt that both would be bad and if it were one switch you would be pitched to one side.
The thing with the compressor is that I believe that the logic board is located in there so it may not be processing the various inputs properly.In manual mode those things are probably bypassed.
I think that GM in the interest of noise pollution put those compressors in the worst possible place.If I ever have to spring for a new one I think that I will relocate it under the hood,it would only take some wire and air tube....Mike.
 
#21 ·
Jayman

I take back what I earlier said regarding the leveling sensors.There is a condition where if the left sensor goes bad the compressor disregards that signal and relies on the right sensor for input,if that sensor goes bad too the system is disabled except for the inflator.
There are three possible DTC,s that are displayed by the LED at the inflator control.These are blinking pulses of one,two or three and are repeated until the problem is corrected.....are you seeing any DTC,s?...Mike.
001 system disabled
002 left sensor
003 right sensor
 
#23 ·
Jayman

I believe key on.The way I understand it is that once the key is switched off the codes will clear if the problem has been corrected,so if your problem is intermittent the codes might not be present and you would have to wait until it acts up again also it could be a problem outside of the three DTC,s....hope this helps..Mike.
 
#24 ·
Thanks again. No DTC's (flashing lights) on the inflator.
I also read that the connector can be a problem on the compressor per some TSB. I removed them both and reinserted them firmly, lowered it, replaced fuse and started it but nothing happens. However when I push the inflator button it always runs. I'm stumped!
 
#25 ·
Jayman

Another possibility is the VSS(veh.speed sensor),the compressor monitors that for possibly? not allowing the system to change vehicle attitude above a predetermined speed.
Still I'm thinking compressor processor board which is probably integral to the compressor and not replacable.I hope I'm wrong because as you know they are alot of $$ or $$$ in Canadian funds...Mike.
 
#26 ·
LOL you know it us Canucks pay through the nose.
Not so sure the VSS comes into play because it wouldn't inflate when stationary as it usually does.
On the other hand I was moving it outside for a moment to pull mine in the garage and as I left it running and went to mine the compressor began to run! Its not all the way up yet (it took some time to come up after the air spring install) but I'm optimistic for now. So clearly it appears to be intermittent for some reason. Perhaps A new compressor is in order... I really don't want to go through dealer diagnosis - maybe I'll get lucky and it will continue to run? Ya right!
Jay
 
#27 · (Edited)
Jayman

Not so sure the VSS comes into play because it wouldn't inflate when stationary as it usually does.
I'm pretty sure that the inflate circuitry operates outside of the logic board circuitry,in other words it's just a switch on/off deal with some protection schemes built in.
Those intermittents can drive you crazy,good luck....Mike.

Jay: Your next $$$ might be better placed here> http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-Chevy-...EM-BOOKS-/160732260201?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item256c63a769&vxp=mtr