2005 Suspension Question

[WayneW]

So a year or two ago I replaced the shocks on my 2005 with ZW7/G65. I used KYB SR2003 to replace the Nivomats in the rear, and KYB KG5040's in the front. My understanding is they are direct replacements in the rear for the Nivomats without having to swap out the springs. Fast forward to now and the vehicle rides like garbage. I can feel each bump in the road, and I am now questioning whether the springs did need to be changed out as well. Any one use these KYB's with success on the PSR suspension?

 

[tom3]

After 24 years it might be time for some new rubber bushings. Body mount cushions for one. Certain tires can wear and ruin the ride too.

 

[WayneW]

After 24 years it might be time for some new rubber bushings. Body mount cushions for one. Certain tires can wear and ruin the ride too.

I did rebuild the suspension at the time of changing the shocks, and they tires are only 6 months or so old. I will do an inspection though. Are KYB's known to be junk? I didn't get the econo ones, so hoping they aren't bad

 

[mattbta]

Those rears look correct and would not require a spring change. Literature I'm seeing says the fronts you got are stiffer/firmer than OEM. I ran Bilstein 5100's up front for a while and it was definitely a less smooth ride. Now I have KYB 341343 and it's just ok - some folks say they're crap. Might go to Bilstein 4600.

Last month, I put some Monroe Nivomats on and it drives so much better - OEM were done. Didn't change springs.

 

[WayneW]

almost seems like the front is the issue and the rears are fine after driving it yesterday and paying closer attention. At least those are the cheaper ones to replace! I will see what Bilstein has to offer.

 

[Marky Dissod]

4600 Reasonably stiff. 5100 Reasonably stiffer.

 

[WayneW]

thanks!

 

[Fless]

If you're interested in keeping the front ride height at stock, the 4600 is what you want.

B6 4600 Versus B8 5100

The B8 5100 ride height adjustable will lift the front of the truck while the 4600 will retain factory ride height.

academy.bilsteinus.com

I have the OE ZW7 package with G65 shock/spring combo for the rear, and have replaced the fronts with KYB KG5040s, which maintains the Premium Smooth Ride.

 

[WayneW]

If you're interested in keeping the front ride height at stock, the 4600 is what you want.

B6 4600 Versus B8 5100

The B8 5100 ride height adjustable will lift the front of the truck while the 4600 will retain factory ride height.

academy.bilsteinus.com

I have the OE ZW7 package with G65 shock/spring combo for the rear, and have replaced the fronts with KYB KG5040s, which maintains the Premium Smooth Ride.

Thanks, I will start shopping for 4600's. For some reason, the KYB 5040's never felt right

 

[mountie]

After many weeks to research a complicated issue..... rear shocks.....

I have ZW7 premium smooth ride, no Nivomats. I don't have the added RPO #'s G65 or G69.
So, my rears are the 'premium shocks.
Now.... I am trying to confirm the CORRECT premium shock... I might get the GM replacement.

It seems other aftermarket versions are...... not similar to the quality ride I am looking for..

EVERYONE HAS AN opinion..... Sellers have their suggestion.....
( One shock seller considers the Nivomat shock performance as an antique..... He says no one buys them anymore. They sell the best shock..... YEA RIGHT.... They all say that....

 

[mountie]

Shock Warehouse : It looks like their VERSION of the SUGGESTED / CORRECT rear shock?
In other words, they don't have anything in stock for a "premium smooth ride". ( Funny.... they have " no reviews " for this specific shock..... I wonder why......
Note the highlighted words"
" heavy duty - rough road" and " SCORE & NASCAR competition.....
I drive on SMOOTH roads..... Seems their shock will feel like concrete??

I want a 'firm' and smooth ride...... Anyone have any luck finding a set that keeps the truck comfortable??

 

[Tonyrodz]

Shock Warehouse : It looks like their VERSION of the SUGGESTED / CORRECT rear shock?
In other words, they don't have anything in stock for a "premium smooth ride". ( Funny.... they have " no reviews " for this specific shock..... I wonder why......
Note the highlighted words"
" heavy duty - rough road" and " SCORE & NASCAR competition.....
I drive on SMOOTH roads..... Seems their shock will feel like concrete??

I want a 'firm' and smooth ride...... Anyone have any luck finding a set that keeps the truck comfortable??

I bought a set of shocks to replace my original Nivomats from these guys. There was nothing wrong with them, just wanted something different. This was before I was familiar with my 03. I talked to the guy and told him what I had, he suggested kyb excel shocks--a direct replacement lol. He said I didn't need to replace my stock rear springs--wrong. On the highway the rear would sway side to side. Scary AF!. I called him back and told him my issue, and I reminded him what he said about the excel being a direct replacement shock. He got really nasty and said "For what you paid, what do you expect?". So just make sure you do your own research before buying from them.

 

[mountie]

I bought a set of shocks to replace my original Nivomats from these guys. There was nothing wrong with them, just wanted something different. This was before I was familiar with my 03. I talked to the guy and told him what I had, he suggested kyb excel shocks--a direct replacement lol. He said I didn't need to replace my stock rear springs--wrong. On the highway the rear would sway side to side. Scary AF!. I called him back and told him my issue, and I reminded him what he said about the excel being a direct replacement shock. He got really nasty and said "For what you paid, what do you expect?". So just make sure you do your own research before buying from them.

I agree...... The guy told me the Nivomats are an old antique design, and are not like new technology. I later said, " Ok..... so tell me what shock I would buy, and keep my springs.
He never responded.
Maybe I'll go ahead and buy the factory installed shocks. My current original shocks seem fine, but with 175,000 miles, a new set should be the smartest purchase?

 

[Tonyrodz]

I agree...... The guy told me the Nivomats are an old antique design, and are not like new technology. I later said, " Ok..... so tell me what shock I would buy, and keep my springs.
He never responded.
Maybe I'll go ahead and buy the factory installed shocks. My current original shocks seem fine, but with 175,000 miles, a new set should be the smartest purchase?

When I replaced mine they had around 250k and they still worked great.

 

[mountie]

When I replaced mine they had around 250k and they still worked great.

Nivomats or the ZW7 premium shocks worked fine....?.. ( just trying to keep my brain matter organized ) My Yukon rides nice and smooth, and pretty nice over bumps. Lately, when I run over little bumps, at medium speed, I do feel it, probably due to the age of the shocks?..... I don't want to loose that Cadillac feel....

(I Apologize .. Difficult to nail down the best replacement shocks... I have gotten so many different answers.... ( From what, I thought was going to be a simple answer)

But from what you suggest... I think I'm getting the ACDelco factory replacements, same as what's on it now.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Nivomats or the ZW7 premium shocks worked fine....?.. ( just trying to keep my brain matter organized ) My Yukon rides nice and smooth, and pretty nice over bumps. Lately, when I run over little bumps, at medium speed, I do feel it, probably due to the age of the shocks?..... I don't want to loose that Cadillac feel....

(I Apologize .. Difficult to nail down the best replacement shocks... I have gotten so many different answers.... ( From what, I thought was going to be a simple answer)

But from what you suggest... I think I'm getting the ACDelco factory replacements, same as what's on it now.

They were Nivomats. It had the rpo ZW7.

 

[mountie]

They were Nivomats. It had the rpo ZW7.

ZW7 is 'premium smooth ride'... But Nivomats option requires also the RPO code, either G65 or G69.
If not the G codes you get, what I have, the 'premium shocks'.

Nivomats code is the added 'G' RPOs...... ZW7 has 3 or more options. It took research to decipher all the opinions.
( Now you understand, how I was confused when shopping )

 

[Tonyrodz]

ZW7 is 'premium smooth ride'... But Nivomats option requires also the RPO code, either G65 or G69.
If not the G codes you get, what I have, the 'premium shocks'.

Nivomats code is the added 'G' RPOs...... ZW7 has 3 or more options. It took research to decipher all the opinions.
( Now you understand, how I was confused when shopping )

I probably do have those other codes. I haven’t looked at my codes in years. Mine definitely had the Nivomat shocks. I had a pic of them.
EDIT--Found the pic.

 

[mountie]

These are the Nivomats I got a couple weeks ago..... I wonder if it is worth getting the matching springs, to use them? If not, I can return them.
Beside the 'self-leveling' aspect. What makes them better than a quality replacement standard style shock, for my factory-installed, regular nice shocks..... ?

THAT answer has eluded me so far, when I ask .... I have no plans to tow a boat...

 

[Tonyrodz]

These are the Nivomats I got a couple weeks ago..... I wonder if it is worth getting the matching springs, to use them? If not, I can return them.
Beside the 'self-leveling' aspect. What makes them better than a quality replacement standard style shock, for my factory-installed, regular nice shocks..... ?

THAT answer has eluded me so far, when I ask .... I have no plans to tow a boat...

Not really sure. They do make a nice ride tho. In the pic I put the kyb next to the Nivomat. Guy said they were a direct reply. Look at the size difference. Guy was an A**hole. Just trying to make a sale.