Will z95 shocks work with z55 system, any definitive answer?

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BG1988

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What are your 2 vehicles? And when you say the mag ride is firmer, is that in a good or bad way?
the old mag ride sucked( first gen) the 2nd gen might be better who knows?
 
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Longhorse

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Owning two of the same vehicles, one with AutoRide and one with Magneride....the one with Magneride is MUCH firmer than the one with AutoRide.
The software for the Suspension Control Module is also different for each.

Kses, what year was/is each type you have driven, and we’re they purchased new? Or used?

I know the shocks are different, and I also believe the software is likely different.
I cut one of my auto ride struts open the other day, no ferrofluid.
 

kses123

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O8 Yukon Denali Z55
13 Escalade Z95

Escalade is much firmer and stiffer feeling. Handles much better. Less sway on highway and curves.

Denali is much smoother and less stiff. Feels floatier. But still better feeling than the standard non-electronic suspension.
 

Matahoe

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So my thinking is if you try Z95 shocks in place of Z55, no dampening will happen.

To be sure you would need to know if the new controller is backwards compatible both electrically and mechanically with connectors and such.

You would think you would get a Service Stabilatrack or similar in the DIC if you installed a newer shock and the computer didn't like it/couldn't control it
 
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Matahoe

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The difference in shock part numbers looks to be centered around the body style. From what I've gathered...shocks meant for 2006+ may affect ride comfort if installed in 2000 - 2005 Tahoe's. I think this is due to longer shock length to support 20" rims. For those purposes I am sticking with the same length and part number OE shock.
 
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petethepug

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Lots of speculation until there’s fact based data provided. Our 08 Denali XL AWD did ride like it was on cloud. Poly sway bar bushing and V rated 20’s (vs H rated oem 20’s) removed the unwanted body roll.

The 09 Esky ESV AWD is just harsh w/ the OEM 22’s. I can tell at least two of the shocks are locked up since Feb and the OEM Bridgestone tires the purchasing dealer installed are a nightmare after 3k miles. A new set of tires arrives soon. They’re identical to the Denali, just 22’s. After the new rubber, sway bar bush’s and Arnott’s are installed, I’ll report back w/ what’s changed.

Arnott verified the build of the z55 & z95 are identical for all GMT900. I’ve got no dog in the outcome. I want the facts on any differences in BCM programming for the ride too.


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Longhorse

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I know that it’s possible to add RPO options to GM vehicles and if the modules you add run the same OS protocol they work together happily via the CANBUS network. There are about 25 computers on the network in an GMT900 Escalade. I now have 29 as I put an LMM diesel, Allison transmission, and factory integrated trailer brake control module in my 08 Escalade ESV. The front end weighs about 1000# more than stock. I had to put some custom HD springs up front to compensate. The stiffer spring and extra weight really work the shocks, and I only get 80-90k miles out of them before they are shot and leaking profusely.
I bought some 15+ magneride struts to put in. (These have the twin electro magnets inside vs 1 and I believe have a larger DIA center shaft which will hopefully be more robust. Also have the pigtail wires coming out the top).
My first experiment with these was just to plug them in and see how the computer likes them, so I stuffed them under the hood, disconnected the connectors and plugged the magnerides into the harness and took it for a drive around town. The computer didn’t throw any codes or have any issues, so I’m going to go ahead and install these completely and see what happens.
I guess worst case scenario I have to buy a magneride ESCM and plug it in to run the shocks.
I wonder if the rear shocks are all the same, or if there are inherent differences between the Z95Magneride and Z55 electronic Sus.
 
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Doubeleive

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hmm interesting, and Dorman has brought there own z55/z95 rear shocks to market recently, they state they are compatible with both systems
 

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