2013 Tahoe LT - ZW7 premium smooth ride... strut/spring part nos?

[NFlaMan]

All, I have a '13 LT with 205K miles. As far as I know, the shocks all around are original and long overdue for replacement. I've had it for 6 years and intend to keep it about another 10 years. So, I was going to order parts and swap them out. However, after much reading, I found the RPO data plate in the glove box. I have the ZW7 code for Premium Smooth Ride suspension. There are also 6RN and 7RN, which I think are related to the front shocks.

I was doing work on the charcoal filter and got the part no. off the rear shocks while I was under there. The are marked OE 17124 and 2281184. Did not have time to look at fronts to try and find part numbers. But, I did confirm with the rears that I do NOT have any kind of "air shocks" or an air pump.

I was hoping to find affordable coil-over assembly for the fronts and OEM replacement for rear. I Googled the 2281184 number and see GM OEM replacements for about $75 each.

But, what about the fronts? I've seen recommendations for KYB, but all of the ones I find have fine print that specifically exclude the ZW7 code. So, I'm hoping one of you experts can point me to a supplier/part no. Locally, I have Advance Auto Parts, Auto Zone, OReilly's and NAPA. Or, I can order online from most anywhere.

What should I get for the fronts -- but please provide the website and specific part number.

I have found plenty of videos for swapping out the coil-overs on the fronts. But, if I'm forced to just do the interior strut, does anyone have a link to a video showing how to safely remove the coil. I can purchase a coil compression tool for $30, and can do that, if needed.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[NFlaMan]

Anybody?

 

[Fless]

Post the last 8 digits of your VIN and tag @915_Tahoe -- like I did here -- for current GM part numbers. He can tell if OE is still available, and provide part numbers for your search.

 

[Fless]

Looking on www.gmpartsgiant.com, the shocks look like they'd be available as P/N 19435684, but it would be best to check with @915_Tahoe first. If you use that site, enter with your VIN for the best accuracy. I do not recommend ordering from that site, due to the experiences that other members have had.

 

[mikez71]

According to shock warehouse...

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Premium Smooth Ride: indicated by the RPO code ZW7. This suspension uses a conventional suspension inthe front, but the rear uses a self contained, self leveling Nivomat shock in the rear. ZW7 equipped truckscome with a softer spring in the rear since the Nivomat self leveling system does some of the work orholding the truck up. Replacing a ZW7 Nivomat unit with a standard shock requires also replacing thespring. Otherwise the truck will sag in the rear and have a much harsher ride and potentially dangerous handling.
----

So it sounds like the front are conventional, and only the rear have significantly softer springs due to the self levelling rear shocks.
That doesn't mean spring/shock rates in front will be the same as non ZW7, but probably not nearly as much compared to the rears..

 

[Fless]

According to shock warehouse...

----
Premium Smooth Ride: indicated by the RPO code ZW7. This suspension uses a conventional suspension inthe front, but the rear uses a self contained, self leveling Nivomat shock in the rear. ZW7 equipped truckscome with a softer spring in the rear since the Nivomat self leveling system does some of the work orholding the truck up. Replacing a ZW7 Nivomat unit with a standard shock requires also replacing thespring. Otherwise the truck will sag in the rear and have a much harsher ride and potentially dangerous handling.
----

So it sounds like the front are conventional, and only the rear have significantly softer springs due to the self levelling rear shocks.
That doesn't mean spring/shock rates in front will be the same as non ZW7, but probably not nearly as much compared to the rears..

NO, that's bad info for a GMT900.

The Nivomat technology isn't used for ZW7 past 2006; it does not apply to the 2013 MY.

 

[mikez71]

Ooops! Good to know, thanks for the correction!

 

[Fless]

According to shock warehouse...

----
Premium Smooth Ride: indicated by the RPO code ZW7. This suspension uses a conventional suspension inthe front, but the rear uses a self contained, self leveling Nivomat shock in the rear. ZW7 equipped truckscome with a softer spring in the rear since the Nivomat self leveling system does some of the work orholding the truck up. Replacing a ZW7 Nivomat unit with a standard shock requires also replacing thespring. Otherwise the truck will sag in the rear and have a much harsher ride and potentially dangerous handling.
----

So it sounds like the front are conventional, and only the rear have significantly softer springs due to the self levelling rear shocks.
That doesn't mean spring/shock rates in front will be the same as non ZW7, but probably not nearly as much compared to the rears..

BTW, the RPO code for the Nivomat shocks is G65, on the GMT800 with the ZW7 (Premium Smooth Ride) RPO code.