Deleting Z55 - 2006 Escalade

Recently picked up an '06 Escalade and the suspension is shot ... dash warning message (service ride control) and verified on the scanner. So I'm going to replace all 4 corners with Bilstein 4600's and new Bilstein springs for the rear. Has anyone successfully DIY'd an electronic bypass? I've seen retail offerings on Amazon from M&P USA using a pre-made bypass dongle that plugs into the stock harness where it usually connects to the top of the shock, but they're too pricey for my budget. I've also seen some YT vids (here and here) of homemade options, but they're for 2007 and up model years. Question ... does anyone know what resistor specs are required for the GMT800 systems and if it's the same as GMT900 systems? In that first YT link, the owner states the resistor is 4.7K ohm.

The truck has Z55 and G69 RPO codes

(did a quick forum search and didn't find threads talking DIY options ... apologies if this has already been covered)

I am in the same boat as you, just with a 2004 Yukon Denali. Did you look at any other shocks besides the Bilsteins? I really want the 4600s but my wallet says get the ACDelco professional grade shocks.

Hey @outoforder ... I didn't look at other options besides the Bilsteins. I've installed them now, both fronts and rears (with rear springs) ... haven't put a lot of miles on them yet, but so far, they feel good. The stock air suspension was totally blown.

I think I've solved the "Service Ride Control" error message too ... but just want to put some more time on it before I post up the final results.

Is it mandatory to replace the springs when converting from air ride? I've had people tell me yes and others tell me no.

Not sure it's mandatory, but the factory springs are apparently too soft with the replacement shocks, so the Bilstein kit I bought includes rear springs. With the new shocks/springs, the front/rear static ride height is pretty even ... maybe a touch higher in the rear, but not sure if that will settle as the suspension components bed in.

shorelocal said:

Not sure it's mandatory, but the factory springs are apparently too soft with the replacement shocks, so the Bilstein kit I bought includes rear springs. With the new shocks/springs, the front/rear static ride height is pretty even ... maybe a touch higher in the rear, but not sure if that will settle as the suspension components bed in.

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how's it going? I'm thinking of doing this but with Bilstein 5100's on all 4 corners and Moog 81069 Springs for the rear.

I wasn't aware 03-04 and 05+ were different. The M&P listing states 05+

1xd5 said:

how's it going? I'm thinking of doing this but with Bilstein 5100's on all 4 corners and Moog 81069 Springs for the rear.

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Going well ... no issues with the installed parts. 4600's might be a bit soft, but vehicle is used as a passenger truck with no towing (currently), so it works for me.

shorelocal said:

Not sure it's mandatory, but the factory springs are apparently too soft with the replacement shocks, so the Bilstein kit I bought includes rear springs. With the new shocks/springs, the front/rear static ride height is pretty even ... maybe a touch higher in the rear, but not sure if that will settle as the suspension components bed in.

Click to expand...

can you share the link of the Kit you bought? @shorelocal

These are the parts I ordered from Rock Auto

Rear ..

Front ..

Hope that helps.