2005 Tahoe 4x4 ZW7 G65 Shocks

[DoubleDingo]

I need to replace some items under the vehicle such as brakes, suspension, and that includes shocks.

Vehicle doesn't ride horribly, but it seems like it could use an upgrade. Was going to buy KYB Monomax, as they really improved the ride and handling on my '81 C20.

Did a little more research before purchasing and through some searches, found some threads where members stated that ZW7 and G65 RPO codes warrant certain shocks, especially the rears.

Glad I checked first, but also, Holy cr@p! The rear shocks are EXPENSIVE!

Fronts are normal pricing.

Looks like several 1000 is going to be spent in the near future for everything underneath.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Yes, you've got the Nimovat rear shocks, and they are expensive. But, in all fairness, they work quite well in what they are able to do.

From Dr. Google:

The G65 RPO code signifies a "Level Control, Man-Self-Adjusting" suspension, which typically uses Nivomat rear shock absorbers to provide a self-leveling ride for Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon models. These Nivomat shocks are a type of self-leveling, or adaptive, shock absorber that doesn't require external power to maintain a consistent ride height.

 

[Fless]

You have the ZW7 Premium Smooth Ride suspension.

Test your Nivomats to see if they still work. Measure a point on the rear bumper, load 300 lbs or so into the back, and re-measure the same point. Go for a ride that's more than just a few blocks, return to the original location, and re-measure. If the shocks have reasonably recovered the height, they still work.

We've seen some sources for good used Nivomats; if you're interested in seeing them, speak up and I'll add a link or two.

You can convert from the Nivomat (G65) shocks & soft springs to conventional shocks, but should replace the softer rear springs at the same time. Look at Rock Auto for Bilstein shocks for yours and you'll see the recommended spring to use at the same time. Used springs from non-Premium Smooth Ride SUVs will also work.

 

[DoubleDingo]

I don't plan on changing the springs. I'll check the shocks like you mentioned.

 

[justirv]

I don't plan on changing the springs. I'll check the shocks like you mentioned.

If you change from nivomat to "traditional" shocks, you will need to replace the springs as @Fless suggested. Recommend to check the pricing of the Bilsteins with paired springs; financially may be easier to absorb. Traditional shock/spring setup on a Z71 works just fine, imo.

 

[DoubleDingo]

If you change from nivomat to "traditional" shocks, you will need to replace the springs as @Fless suggested. Recommend to check the pricing of the Bilsteins with paired springs; financially may be easier to absorb. Traditional shock/spring setup on a Z71 works just fine, imo.

Saw the bilsteins last night after all my research, I am not changing the springs. But, if I get a wild hair up my butt and decide to replace the entire suspension to be like Z71, then I may go bilsteins, but most likely kyb monomax.

Since I don't see any stock to Z71 swapping in the future, it'll be stock replacements

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Saw the bilsteins last night after all my research, I am not changing the springs. But, if I get a wild hair up my butt and decide to replace the entire suspension to be like Z71, then I may go bilsteins, but most likely kyb monomax.

Since I don't see any stock to Z71 swapping in the future, it'll be stock replacements

Good choice.

 

[mountie]

I got to know this guy….. He is very smart when it comes to these shocks.
Maybe they are used, but he does his research finding ‘new replacements’ on used / salvaged Yukons & Tahoes.

( about 1/4 or 1/3rd the cost and are warranted )

He sent me a pair, when I thought I needed them….. I didn’t, and I got a full refund )