2000 zw7 4x4 help

[hyph]

hey all, sorry if this info is already discussed but i've been searching and getting overwhelmed. i'm kind of handy and have wrenched on some cars but by no means a mechanic and trucks are completely new to me.

i have 2000 5.3 slt 4x4 with the zw7 smooth ride suspension that was handed down to me by my big brother. the shocks are blown and it's making some chirping sounds over bumps and i've noticed some occasional thunks when i come to a stop. so, i'm planning on overhauling the suspension and was trying to get a parts list put together when i got overwhelmed. i came here for answers and got even more overwhelmed.

the plan was to do:
all 4 shocks and shock mounts
sway bar end links and bushings
considering ball joints and tie rods
i'm surely missing other things

my question, ultimately, is: what are my options for struts if i may, in the future, do a 2" level but not immediately? i'd planned on getting bilstein 5100 but the smallest i'm seeing says they're for a 2-2.5 inch lift. could i use those at stock height or should i just do the level? also, i already have a leveling kit that came with the truck but it didn't come with any details as to what it is or how much lift.

i plan to do some light offroading for camping and foraging nothing too crazy (pnw logging access roads, occasionally getting through a ditch or over a small downed log) so i want to build with that in mind but money is tight so i mostly just want to fix it now, but with the future in mind. so i don't want to spend $600+ on parts only to have to replace them if i go for a level or a lift later.

i feel like i'm being foolish and should just save for a proper build but also i need to deal with these problems before something actually breaks because it's my daily driver at the moment.

 

[hyph]

like. i'd love to get in there and do a proper lift, add a leaf, longer control arms, etc but i already have the leveling kit, whatever height it is, and really don't see needing to go any higher than what i'd need to fit 33 or 35 inch tires at most (willing to do some cutting, the body already has some damage). and like i said, $600+ is already hurting and really more than i can afford but i need it fixed. i just don't want to have to buy the same parts and do the same job twice.

 

[Fless]

Unless something significant has been changed on the front end, you have a torsion bar suspension, not struts.

Tell us more about what the current suspension has for components. Anything been changed? If you're not sure, post some pics of the shocks.

Converting the ZW7 Premium Smooth Ride (fat Nivomat rear shocks [G65] and softer springs) suspension to non-self-leveling rear shocks requires the rear springs to be changed to a stiffer version. (You'd probably be doing that with a lift anyway.)

 

[Joseph Garcia]

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 clarifying questions and sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

 

[justirv]

hey all, sorry if this info is already discussed but i've been searching and getting overwhelmed. i'm kind of handy and have wrenched on some cars but by no means a mechanic and trucks are completely new to me.

i have 2000 5.3 slt 4x4 with the zw7 smooth ride suspension that was handed down to me by my big brother. the shocks are blown and it's making some chirping sounds over bumps and i've noticed some occasional thunks when i come to a stop. so, i'm planning on overhauling the suspension and was trying to get a parts list put together when i got overwhelmed. i came here for answers and got even more overwhelmed.

the plan was to do:
all 4 shocks and shock mounts
sway bar end links and bushings
considering ball joints and tie rods
i'm surely missing other things

my question, ultimately, is: what are my options for struts if i may, in the future, do a 2" level but not immediately? i'd planned on getting bilstein 5100 but the smallest i'm seeing says they're for a 2-2.5 inch lift. could i use those at stock height or should i just do the level? also, i already have a leveling kit that came with the truck but it didn't come with any details as to what it is or how much lift.

i plan to do some light offroading for camping and foraging nothing too crazy (pnw logging access roads, occasionally getting through a ditch or over a small downed log) so i want to build with that in mind but money is tight so i mostly just want to fix it now, but with the future in mind. so i don't want to spend $600+ on parts only to have to replace them if i go for a level or a lift later.

i feel like i'm being foolish and should just save for a proper build but also i need to deal with these problems before something actually breaks because it's my daily driver at the moment.

It sounds like your first priority might be to get your shock situation fixed. Converting to traditional shocks will be less expensive than repairing/replacing the nivomat system. As @Fless mentioned, new rear springs are needed. When you turn to your front-end rebuild (ball, ties, etc.) make sure you include the pitman and idler arms. Control arm and sway bushing replacement are recommended at this time. Leveling at this time coincides with the need for an alignment after any of these activities, do it it once for economic reasons. Some leveling kits come with shock extenders, if you need to spread out your implementation plan. I have had no issues with 2" extenders; a 2"-3" level will get you 33", 35" is some serious cutting. Safety first, cosmetics come after.

 

[hyph]

hey just wanted to update that i'm not just posting a question and disappearing. labor day weekend was super busy at the restaurant and my wife has been busy with other things and taking the truck a lot so i haven't had much opportunity to get in there and get good pics. but also, i remembered there are a couple broke down denalis up at the inlaw's property with uncertain fates that i could probably pull some parts from. i'll have to get up there and get some pics of those too. i know the old man recently did the suspension on one. not sure if they're this generation or the next.

 

[swathdiver]

Keep us posted. You'll spend a lot more than $600 to overhaul the suspension if you plan to do it with complete and with quality parts.