2006 Tahoe suspension replacement

Hello all, first post here. I've read a few other threads on a similar topic but wanted to verify some things and get your input.

My wife recently inherited a 2006 Tahoe 2WD when her father passed. It has close to 200k miles and is on the original suspension. It has A LOT of pitch and roll when cornering and takes far too long to dampen after bumps in the road or coming to a complete stop. This leads me to believe replacing the suspension is in order.

This is my wife's daily driver, but only sees ~15 freeway miles and 8 city miles daily. We just want to return it to normal, safe function.

I'm not a gear head, but do basic wrenching things like brake pads and rotors, so please let me know if I'll be in over my head.

It has ZW7 and G65 suspension, which I've read can be quite expensive to replace with OEM parts. Cost is a large factor for us right now so I am considering switching to standard suspension.
What is your take on something like this kit: https://www.strutmasters.com/produc...n-kit-gc14f?view=conversionkits-d&zCountry=US

If that's not a good idea, could you point me in a better direction. Thanks in advance.

Here’s another way to look at it. The stock setup lasted 19 years and 200k miles so the oem stuff is pretty good.

You can find lifetime warranty parts at gmpartsdirect.com or other sites at much lower prices.

Change the rear shocks first. That’ll stop the bounce. I’m not up on the rpo codes for your model but if you have auto leveling and want to go to a passive setup you’ll need different springs.

@OR VietVet i think has or had a gmt800 so he may be able to help more than I can. You can definitely change shocks yourself.

The first link is a specific substitute for your application, that includes Bilstein rear shocks and non specific rear springs.

I used the second link rear Moog Springs 81069 on my Z71 and used KYB shocks all around. Lots of choices for the shocks so look up and get what you want.

But, my 2005 Tahoe Z71 did not start out with either G65 or ZW7 suspension options. And, it is a 4wd and not 2wd.

Dig deep and do the research. The Bilstein kit may be just what you need but I am unsure.

I can say this though, with all certainty. Install Hellwig sway bar kits, front and rear, or at least the rear. Handling will greatly improve.

Based on the RPO codes the OE suspension is Premium Smooth Ride (ZW7), with the Nivomat self-leveling rear shocks (G65). Verify that the rear shocks are the Nivomats; maybe take a pic of one of them -- with the label if there is one -- and post it here.

If the rear shocks were replaced with standard shocks, but the springs weren't, then that's going to cause some of your issues.

I'd recommend a careful inspection of the sway bars and the links, front and rear. Also the sway bar bushings where they connect to the frame. Bushings can go bad and links go AWOL.

Lastly, inspect the front jounce stops. At ride height they should contact the lower control arm. If they're compromised or have left the chat, replace them since they are a fulcrum point in the suspension components.

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

You should be able to perform this work with little trouble.

Thanks for the replies, I've been reading a bunch. Here are some pics of the rig.

Driver side rear

That already has a standard set of shocks on it and at least the d/s rear shock is not leaking, that I can see. I am unsure of the brand though. The upper link bolt is cocked on the sway bar, so I would at least do links and frame bushings. May need some springs but hard to say just from looking at pics.

OR VietVet said:

That already has a standard set of shocks on it and at least the d/s rear shock is not leaking, that I can see. I am unsure of the brand though. The upper link bolt is cocked on the sway bar, so I would at least do links and frame bushings. May need some springs but hard to say just from looking at pics.

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The pics show that the original Nivomat (self-leveling) shocks were replaced. If you have any history on the maintenance, that might show if the springs were done at the same time; they should have been. Standard shocks and OE Premium Smooth Ride coils (softer ride) is not a good package, so the springs are suspect. You could try air bags in the coils with various psi settings to see if that would improve the stability, or update the shocks and springs.

Be sure to check the other items I wrote about the sway bars and jounce stops, too.

The Strutmasters link in your first post is not really what you need -- that's for air suspension and your SUV doesn't have that. A Bilstein package like @OR VietVet posted would be a good conversion from Premium Smooth Ride to standard suspension.

OR VietVet said:

That already has a standard set of shocks on it and at least the d/s rear shock is not leaking, that I can see. I am unsure of the brand though. The upper link bolt is cocked on the sway bar, so I would at least do links and frame bushings. May need some springs but hard to say just from looking at pics.

Click to expand...

The brand is kinda hard to make out, but pretty sure it said Fox

I have only ever used Monroe, years ago, Bilstein, Genuine GM and KYB. Did not recognize. Thanks for the info.