I picked up a 2500 suburban over the weekend

Anyway it sorta feels like it could used some new shocks. The windosticker says it has the option auto ride and tow package...

When i popped the hood i saw this on the front two shocks. What the heck is that and what does it do?

 

IIRC the autoride feature is either an adjustable air shock or a magnetic fluid shock, something like that. That line you see there is either a power line for the magnetic shock or an air line. That's my best guess anyway.

 

that sounds expensive....

Why would that be placed on the front? I know the rear have the air "bag" on top of the leaf to level out the load...

 

I believe it's an adjustable damping rate for the shocks...not just a load helper like the rear bags would be.

Here's another forum that I found with a quick google search....maybe this will be helpful to you....

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0af225

 

If you like the fronts, wait 'til you check out the rears.

To the best of my knowledge, the sensors feed data to the Stabilitrak system, but there is no adjustable damping or magnetic ride control in the shocks. You can replace the shocks, but you'll need to run some inline resistors to eliminate the "Service Ride Control" nastygram on the DIC. I did this on my '03 SUV after dropping the suspension...I ran Bilstein's designed for 2WD rigs. I can look up the specs on the resistors and get back to you, but...honestly....I think what you're experiencing is the 2500 ride quality. Obviously I can't speak to the history of your rig, but in general I'd be really surprised if new shocks had any effect.

Congrats on the new rig...that's definitely quite a beast.

 

thanks guys.

Ive had 2500 before just not a suburban.. it sorta float with you in the front end. The shocks looks to be original. all i know is our 2500 truck doesent float.