[memphismachinist]

2005 QX56
At some point since I purchased this vehicle, I saw a post stating that the ride height at the top of the fender well on a RWD should be 36". I have a non working air suspension system that I have bypassed and aired up the newly installed Arnott shocks, manually. In order for me to get to that height, I have to fill the shocks up, it appears, all the way. Plus, my passenger side sits about 1/2" lower than the driver side. I theorize, as the previous owner neglected the air suspension, the rear springs paid the price. I plan on installing new springs next weekend and may install air bags while I have them out. My question being, with zero air in the shocks, no weight in the back, how high should the top of the fender well be? I think currently, mine sits at 34 inches or so.

 

[n8dogg]

With zero air in the shocks you're not going to have a proper ride height. The springs are intentionally soft, heavily relying on the air to maintain the ride height, which I believe was to be level with the front wheel well. Many of us have switched to the stiffer springs specified for the Non-air models. Search "rear air delete" in the forum for much more conversations on this. The stiffer springs will give a slightly higher ride height in the rear. You can still keep your Arnott air shocks and air bags when needed for maximum payload, ie. towing a trailer.

 

[memphismachinist]

With zero air in the shocks you're not going to have a proper ride height. The springs are intentionally soft, heavily relying on the air to maintain the ride height, which I believe was to be level with the front wheel well. Many of us have switched to the stiffer springs specified for the Non-air models. Search "rear air delete" in the forum for much more conversations on this. The stiffer springs will give a slightly higher ride height in the rear. You can still keep your Arnott air shocks and air bags when needed for maximum payload, ie. towing a trailer.

The measurement I wanted with zero air was just to reference to my current situation, to confirm a theory. I have read elsewhere, on one of Facebook groups I think, that the stiffer springs could not be used with the air shocks. Can you inform me of the springs to get. I was looking at the Moog #81091, which are the exact replacements.

 

[n8dogg]

I know I saw a diagram in the forum here somewhere that showed the different ride heights by trim, I used it to help me make the decision to change my set up...I'll see if I can find that post. In the mean time, the stiffer springs I'm referring to would be #81085...my Armada also started with the 81091 you referenced. When I switched to these I replaced my worn out air shocks with regular shocks (Bilstein). I'm quite sure I could have stay with air shocks if I wanted too, I just wanted the simplicity and performance of regular shocks over the pricier air shocks that seem to cause so many headaches! The functionality would only change in that you have a ride height sensor that tells the air compressor when to turn on...with the taller/stiffer springs, you'd have to add some more weight before there is enough sag to engage that sensor and thus the air system.

see if the diagram in this thread helps...

Ride Height?

Ok, think I fixed most air leaks, now what is the correct ride height (06 LE w/18's) Thanks Brian

www.clubarmada.com

 

[memphismachinist]

This is the diagram i saw posted elsewhere. As far as the air system goes, currently I am not using the autoleveling. I manually aired up the shocks and may keep it that way for simplicity.

 

[n8dogg]

I manually aired up the shocks and may keep it that way for simplicity.

Sounds like a good plan to me.

 

[slypher25aussie]

Sorry to jump in here, but I'm also looking at doing this same conversion. I have an '07 QX56 RWD. I didn't realize there were different coils for 4WD vs RWD. Moog says the 81091 is the correct coil for RWD and the 81085 that everyone recommends is for 4WD. My concern is that if I get the 81085, the rear will ride too high. Thoughts?

 

[memphismachinist]

Sorry to jump in here, but I'm also looking at doing this same conversion. I have an '07 QX56 RWD. I didn't realize there were different coils for 4WD vs RWD. Moog says the 81091 is the correct coil for RWD and the 81085 that everyone recommends is for 4WD. My concern is that if I get the 81085, the rear will ride too high. Thoughts?

That, I cannot say. I installed the 81091 with the firestone air bags. Did both sides in a little over an hour. Here is how mine is riding currently. I have both the air shocks and the air bags supplied on 1 circuit with 20psi.My auto leveling is nonfunctional

.

 

[slypher25aussie]

That, I cannot say. I installed the 81091 with the firestone air bags. Did both sides in a little over an hour. Here is how mine is riding currently. I have both the air shocks and the air bags supplied on 1 circuit with 20psi.My auto leveling is nonfunctional

That height looks good. Looks even and level across the front and back.

 

[memphismachinist]

Alas, I found out today that airing up my air shocks and helper springs to 35PSI is not enough to keep the truck level with the travel trailer connected. I will have to separate them. It is not terrible, but it is squatting.

 

[slypher25aussie]

Bummer. Doesn’t look too bad. I wonder if the 81085 springs would have resolved that…?

 

[memphismachinist]

Bummer. Doesn’t look too bad. I wonder if the 81085 springs would have resolved that…?

Once I separate the two air systems, I cann add more to the air shocks. Should not take 20 psi more to get the correct ride height.