ZW7 suspension

[Joseph Parker]

Not sure why this is so difficult. I would like to replace all 4 shock absorbers on my 2014 GMC Yukon XL. Front code 6sh rear ZW7. Premium smooth ride. VIN 1GKS2KE7XER161824. No luck at the local parts store and I've called 3 different dealers and have gotten 3 different sets of part numbers. Through cross referencing and my own deduction... I've come up with front = 22811853 and rear = 22811845. These are gm parts numbers. Can anyone confirm that they are the correct parts? I know the rear shocks are supposed to be self adjusting (nivomat). I just don't have confidence in these parts guys.

 

[Fless]

What are your Gxx RPO codes inside the glovebox lid?

I don't believe that the NNBS ZW7 uses Nivomats, but someone else on here will know.

 

[CaptainAmerica1]

My ZW7 had nivomats…

 

[swathdiver]

Not sure why this is so difficult. I would like to replace all 4 shock absorbers on my 2014 GMC Yukon XL. Front code 6sh rear ZW7. Premium smooth ride. VIN 1GKS2KE7XER161824. No luck at the local parts store and I've called 3 different dealers and have gotten 3 different sets of part numbers. Through cross referencing and my own deduction... I've come up with front = 22811853 and rear = 22811845. These are gm parts numbers. Can anyone confirm that they are the correct parts? I know the rear shocks are supposed to be self adjusting (nivomat). I just don't have confidence in these parts guys.

If your RPO shock codes are 6SH and 7SH then your front struts are 560-707/20955487. The rears are 540-435/25871227.

The rears are not Nivomats, those were used on the GMT800s, unless you crawl under the back and see Nivomats or have G65 RPO code then they are original to the vehicle!

You ought to replace everything, and not just the shocks. Some fellas did the bare minimum and complained about the ride afterwards. The jounce bumpers and spring pads do make a difference and new springs restored my truck's ride height and stance back to original. She was sagging in the rear some.

Here's a parts list and the torque values and socket sizes are on my build page, "Useless Information". The list also includes the other suspension and steering parts and all are GM OE save for the rear coil spring ACDelco Professional number, the originals I could not locate anymore when I was looking for mine.

Front Suspension and Steering
1	Nut, Top	11561435	2
2	Mount, Shock Absorber	25869477	2
3	Coil Spring Seat	15803177	2
4	Bumper, Front Strut	20982216	2
5	Spring Insulator, Upper	15840291	2
6	Front Coil Spring	25876861	2
7	Spring Insulator, Lower	15808594	2
8	Front Strut	540-460/20765171	2
9	Control Arm, Upper, Driver's Side	25812725	1
10	Control Arm, Upper, Passenger's Side	25812726	1
11	Alignment Cam Guide Pin	45K26008	4
12	Alignment Caster/Camber Kit	45K5012	2
13	Control Arm, Lower, Driver's Side	20869201	1
14	Control Arm, Lower, Passenger's Side	20869202	1
15	Suspension Control Arm Bolt, Front, Lower	15733533	2
16	Suspension Control Arm Bolt, Front, Lower	15733534	2
17	Suspension Control Arm Nut, Front, Lower	11516133	4
18	Suspension Control Arm Washer, Front, Lower	15567836	4
19	Stabilizer Bar, Shaft Link, Front	25918049	2
20	GM OE - Tie Rod, Inner	19178561	2
21	GM OE - Rack and Pinion Bellows	15254057	2
22	GM Tie Rod, Outer	15254061	2
Rear Suspension
0	Track Bar (Panhard Rod)	22863710	1
1	Rear Coil Spring Insulator - Upper	15251980	2
2	Rear Coil Spring Set	25783733 - 45H2164	1
3	Rear Coil Spring Insulator - Lower	15765071	2
4	Rear Shock Absorber	540-435/25871227	2
5	Jounce Bumper, Rear	15115208	2
6	Control Arm, Rear, Lower	22868629	2
7	Control Arm, Rear, Upper	15767252	2
8	Stabilizer Bar End Link, Rear	15257472	2

 

[Joseph Parker]

Only codes that start with g are GU6 AND G80. GU6 = 3.42 gear and the G80 = auto locking rear diff.

What are your Gxx RPO codes inside the glovebox lid?

I don't believe that the NNBS ZW7 uses Nivomats, but someone else on here will know.

 

[swathdiver]

My ZW7 had nivomats…

Oh, that's right. Must have been a 2007 thing. Never seen them on any other. You have the G65 RPO code too, right?

 

[Joseph Parker]

Oh, that's right. Must have been a 2007 thing. Never seen them on any other. You have the G65 RPO code too, right?

There is no G65 code listed. I have the build sheet and it's not on there.

 

[Joseph Parker]

If your RPO shock codes are 6SH and 7SH then your front struts are 560-707/20955487. The rears are 540-435/25871227.

The rears are not Nivomats, those were used on the GMT800s, unless you crawl under the back and see Nivomats or have G65 RPO code then they are original to the vehicle!

You ought to replace everything, and not just the shocks. Some fellas did the bare minimum and complained about the ride afterwards. The jounce bumpers and spring pads do make a difference and new springs restored my truck's ride height and stance back to original. She was sagging in the rear some.

Here's a parts list and the torque values and socket sizes are on my build page, "Useless Information". The list also includes the other suspension and steering parts and all are GM OE save for the rear coil spring ACDelco Professional number, the originals I could not locate anymore when I was looking for mine.

View attachment 348409

Front Suspension and Steering
1	Nut, Top	11561435	2
2	Mount, Shock Absorber	25869477	2
3	Coil Spring Seat	15803177	2
4	Bumper, Front Strut	20982216	2
5	Spring Insulator, Upper	15840291	2
6	Front Coil Spring	25876861	2
7	Spring Insulator, Lower	15808594	2
8	Front Strut	540-460/20765171	2
9	Control Arm, Upper, Driver's Side	25812725	1
10	Control Arm, Upper, Passenger's Side	25812726	1
11	Alignment Cam Guide Pin	45K26008	4
12	Alignment Caster/Camber Kit	45K5012	2
13	Control Arm, Lower, Driver's Side	20869201	1
14	Control Arm, Lower, Passenger's Side	20869202	1
15	Suspension Control Arm Bolt, Front, Lower	15733533	2
16	Suspension Control Arm Bolt, Front, Lower	15733534	2
17	Suspension Control Arm Nut, Front, Lower	11516133	4
18	Suspension Control Arm Washer, Front, Lower	15567836	4
19	Stabilizer Bar, Shaft Link, Front	25918049	2
20	GM OE - Tie Rod, Inner	19178561	2
21	GM OE - Rack and Pinion Bellows	15254057	2
22	GM Tie Rod, Outer	15254061	2
Rear Suspension
0	Track Bar (Panhard Rod)	22863710	1
1	Rear Coil Spring Insulator - Upper	15251980	2
2	Rear Coil Spring Set	25783733 - 45H2164	1
3	Rear Coil Spring Insulator - Lower	15765071	2
4	Rear Shock Absorber	540-435/25871227	2
5	Jounce Bumper, Rear	15115208	2
6	Control Arm, Rear, Lower	22868629	2
7	Control Arm, Rear, Upper	15767252	2
8	Stabilizer Bar End Link, Rear	15257472	2

So now I have a 4th set of numbers. Im curious to know what years the numbers that you gave me might cover. When I look them up the latest vehicle fitment I can find is a 2010. Not saying that the part has changed but maybe the numbers have.

 

[Joseph Parker]

So as I understand it, if the G65 RPO code is not there, I do not have nivomat shock absorbers.

 

[Joseph Parker]

I

So now I have a 4th set of numbers. Im curious to know what years the numbers that you gave me might cover. When I look them up the latest vehicle fitment I can find is a 2010. Not saying that the part has changed but maybe the numbers have.

I take that back the numbers for the front do fit the 2014. So does the 22811853. Any 8dea what the difference is?

 

[Brandon2489]

According to gmpartsgiant with your VIN plugged in this is the part numbers for the front and rear shocks and struts. You can also use gmpartsdirect and plug in your vin. I have noticed if I use gmpartsdirect and plug vin in it still shows me all options for other rpo codes other than mine. Gmpartsgiant seems to pull parts just for my vin.

 

[Brandon2489]

According to gmpartsgiant with you VIN plugged in this is the part numbers for the front and rear shocks and struts.

Notice how this says from 2012 to 2014 also.

 

[swathdiver]

I

I take that back the numbers for the front do fit the 2014. So does the 22811853. Any 8dea what the difference is?

The numbers I provided after looking them up with your VIN and RPOs are for GM Original Equipment grade parts. The number above also refers to 560-707 so more than likely it is either newer or older than the one I provided earlier. GM often changes part numbers when they switch vendors or make even slight improvements. I wouldn't over-think it, just look at Rock Auto, Amazon and Ebay and see who has the best availability and prices with those 3 part numbers. More than likely, one of those GM part numbers is right next to the ACDelco number on the shock box and sticker. Rock Auto has a 5% off code on this website somewhere.

Unlike generic shocks, GM went to great lengths to fine tune the ride depending on our vehicle's weight because of how its equipped with options. A lesser optioned truck would require different shock valving to offer the same ride as a heavier truck. Mine weighs 5900 pounds on the CAT Scales and have seen a few on here a little heavier and a bunch a bit lighter and all have different valving but all used the same springs.

Are you doing the work yourself or having someone do it?

 

[CaptainAmerica1]

Oh, that's right. Must have been a 2007 thing. Never seen them on any other. You have the G65 RPO code too, right?

Negative no g65 code, but I did remove nivomat shocks from the rear when I bought the truck.

 

[Joseph Parker]

The numbers I provided after looking them up with your VIN and RPOs are for GM Original Equipment grade parts. The number above also refers to 560-707 so more than likely it is either newer or older than the one I provided earlier. GM often changes part numbers when they switch vendors or make even slight improvements. I wouldn't over-think it, just look at Rock Auto, Amazon and Ebay and see who has the best availability and prices with those 3 part numbers. More than likely, one of those GM part numbers is right next to the ACDelco number on the shock box and sticker. Rock Auto has a 5% off code on this website somewhere.

Unlike generic shocks, GM went to great lengths to fine tune the ride depending on our vehicle's weight because of how its equipped with options. A lesser optioned truck would require different shock valving to offer the same ride as a heavier truck. Mine weighs 5900 pounds on the CAT Scales and have seen a few on here a little heavier and a bunch a bit lighter and all have different valving but all used the same springs.

Are you doing the work yourself or having someone do it? That's kind of what I figured on the parts number change. Yes I am doing it myself.

 

[Joseph Parker]

That's what I figured on the parts number change. Yes I am doing the work myself.

 

[swathdiver]

Negative no g65 code, but I did remove nivomat shocks from the rear when I bought the truck.

Huh. Well, I reckon that the previous owner may have put them on and they are not original to the truck.

That's what I figured on the parts number change. Yes I am doing the work myself.

What spring compressor will you be using? Are you going to replace anything else while it is apart? How many miles are on the truck?

 

[Joseph Parker]

Huh. Well, I reckon that the previous owner may have put them on and they are not original to the truck.

What spring compressor will you be using? Are you going to replace anything else while it is apart? How many miles are on the truck?

145k on the truck. I was planning on having my local shop put the struts together for me and I would just do the install. I have not yet decided on what else I was going to replace. Wanted to square away the shock absorber numbers first because the first dealer quoted me over $1500 for the parts alone. That took a chunk out of my budget. With the confirmation of the new parts, I have more room ($) to replace more stuff.

 

[swathdiver]

145k on the truck. I was planning on having my local shop put the struts together for me and I would just do the install. I have not yet decided on what else I was going to replace. Wanted to square away the shock absorber numbers first because the first dealer quoted me over $1500 for the parts alone. That took a chunk out of my budget. With the confirmation of the new parts, I have more room ($) to replace more stuff.

The upper and lower ball joints start to go at around this mileage. I had one start going bad much earlier (120K) and then changed them all out at 161K.

We used an OEM Tools MCPhereson Strut Spring Compressor 27036 and had to grind down the locking pins to fit our coils. I should have spent the extra $120 and picked up the clamshell type (K-Tool 70372). The Harbor Freight Ball Joint Separator 99849 also had to be extensively modified and ground down to get it to fit and we still cut off the tips of the ball joint threads to get it on there but it finally worked. I will pick up the proper GM tool for the other trucks as well (J-43631).

 

[Joseph Parker]

The upper and lower ball joints start to go at around this mileage. I had one start going bad much earlier (120K) and then changed them all out at 161K.

We used an OEM Tools MCPhereson Strut Spring Compressor 27036 and had to grind down the locking pins to fit our coils. I should have spent the extra $120 and picked up the clamshell type (K-Tool 70372). The Harbor Freight Ball Joint Separator 99849 also had to be extensively modified and ground down to get it to fit and we still cut off the tips of the ball joint threads to get it on there but it finally worked. I will pick up the proper GM tool for the other trucks as well (J-43631).

I'll probably replace everything that I can afford. The truck is in pretty good shape and I plan on having it for a while. Also would prefer to not have to do it again. Thanks for the help and all the information