Shocks

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diezelraccoon

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Wanted to repost this. Looking into replacing the shocks on my 03 Tahoe. My RPO codes are ZW7 and G65 so it needs the Premium Smooth Ride suspension. Wanted to slap a pair of KYB brand but I didn’t expect them to be $300 a piece. If I have to spend that then so be it, but if there is a cheaper option that will give me a comfortable ride then I’m open to hear it. I basically just like to keep things as stock as possible when it comes to ride comfort.
 

S33k3r

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What's the price you can get for Bilsteins? Those seem to be the shocks of choice.
 

mattbta

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diezelraccoon

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You have Nivomats - manual Self-leveling. Replace with same type or change springs and go to a traditional shock.

A couple months ago, I snagged some "wholesaler closeout" Monroe Nivomats from RockAuto. Saved about $250 overall and they work great. Looks like they have 3 in stock right now: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=951468&cc=1424247&pt=7556&jsn=1429&optionchoice=0-0-1-1
Those are saying for vehicles equipped with factory air or electric suspension. Are you sure that’s what I need?

Also what would you recommend for the front shocks?
 

mattbta

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The description is a tad misleading but here's from the search page:

1721357733051.png


40210 is what i have on my truck.

For fronts, that's a fairly loaded question. Unfortunately OE is not available for premium smooth ride. I've had Bilstein 5100 which were stiff since they're more for off road. I have a set of KYB on now. They're ok. Might try Bilstein 4600 next.
 
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diezelraccoon

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The description is a tad misleading but here's from the search page:

View attachment 433110

40210 is what i have on my truck.

For fronts, that's a fairly loaded question. Unfortunately OE is not available for premium smooth ride. I've had Bilstein 5100 which were stiff since they're more for off road. I have a set of KYB on now. They're ok. Might try Bilstein 4600 next.
What about a set of Monroe’s? if so which ones would you recommend?
 

Fless

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I also have the same ZW7/G65 suspension on my '04. My OE Nivomats in the rear work just fine so I left them in place. I did replace the fronts with what KYB indicates are the Premium Smooth Ride replacement shocks - KG5040 - and I'm very happy with the ride.

If you're interested in the KYBs, verify in the KYB catalog: https://www.kyb.com/catalog/

KYB front.JPG
 

mountie

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My friend, Jon, with Truckee Surplus has nearly brand new 'used' Nivomats as a pair for less than $300 including shipping. He specializes in shocks also. He's been doing it for years.
I just returned a pair, because ( after all my research), my Yukon ZW7 smooth ride does not use them. Nivomat rerquires a softer spring, so stick with OEM.
 

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diezelraccoon

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My friend, Jon, with Truckee Surplus has nearly brand new 'used' Nivomats as a pair for less than $300 including shipping. He specializes in shocks also. He's been doing it for years.
I just returned a pair, because ( after all my research), my Yukon ZW7 smooth ride does not use them. Nivomat rerquires a softer spring, so stick with OEM.
Not sure how I feel about getting a set of used shocks. Plus this name brand I’m not familiar with.
 

mountie

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Used shocks though? Can you personally vouch for these shocks?
The seller, inspects the vehicles for 'evidence' of newer shocks, he removes. The Sachs 'Nivomat' shocks he sent me were in a brand new condition ( The OEM decal was also original and clean) . I spoke with him, and he has been doing this for a long time. He also guarantees them.
 

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Arnotte Industries offers the Auto Ride ACDelco Remanufactured AS-2708 with a lifetime warranty for $300 each. If it has level ride, this is the best ride for me and this is as stock as you can get it. Usually these auto-ride shocks are close to $1,000 from the dealer and I think that the MSRP is now $728 each. It seems like I hear about folks that Eliminate the Auto Level ride and then come back it later on.
 

mountie

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I just received today, my OEM / AC Delco replacement rear shocks. Since the originals have 175,000 on them.....
My Hellwig front sway bar to arrive today, also.....
I am happy.....
 

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diezelraccoon

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I just received today, my OEM / AC Delco replacement rear shocks. Since the originals have 175,000 on them.....
My Hellwig front sway bar to arrive today, also.....
I am happy.....
Did these come from Jon ?
 

pwol1962

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I just replaced the front and rear shocks on my 118,000-mile 2003 Suburban which had the costly ZW7 auto autoride shocks. I ordered the following from Rock Auto. Shock extension and compression and the ride height is the same as the ZW7 shocks. Ride and handling are excellent. Saved a lot of money. Total cost was less than $150 which included shipping from two locations
The rears are difficult to remove the top mounting bolts and require removal of the inner fender lining to gain access to the top bolts. The liners were easy to remove and replace. Accessibility to the top bolts was still challenging. Spent 2 hours R&R the rear shocks and 1 hr 15 minutes to R&R the front shocks. You won't be disappointed.


PRT 173839 (Economy) Info
Front; w/ ZW7 Premium Smooth Ride Suspension; Exc. Z55 Autoride Suspension &20.79 each


ACDELCO 530387 (Original Ride Quality) Gold; Premium Gas Charged Info
Rear; Exc. Z55 Auto Ride Suspension $39.79 each
 

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