2006 Tahoe suspension replacement

[gknowels]

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.

 

[Big Mama]

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.

 

[OR VietVet]

More Information for BILSTEIN 46274021

More Information for MOOG 81069

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.

 

[Fless]

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.

 

[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 sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

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

 

[gknowels]

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

Driver side rear

 

[OR VietVet]

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.

 

[Fless]

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.

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.

 

[gknowels]

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.

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

 

[OR VietVet]

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

 

[gknowels]

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.

Thanks! I'll get pictures of the other 3 corners, but it's been quite rainy and that was the only spot where I could get pics without getting soaking wet.
I appreciate the advice!

 

[OR VietVet]

Thanks! I'll get pictures of the other 3 corners, but it's been quite rainy and that was the only spot where I could get pics without getting soaking wet.
I appreciate the advice!

You ain't gonna melt! We need pics......LOL!

 

[Fless]

In case you are curious about what the (fat) Nivomats look like:

I believe that @mountie has a source for pre-loved Nivomats. I like mine because they adjust automatically to the weight that's on the hitch, but it takes a few blocks or a mile of driving to get them to re-adjust after hooking up a trailer.

 

[mountie]

In case you are curious about what the (fat) Nivomats look like:

View attachment 450736

I believe that @mountie has a source for pre-loved Nivomats. I like mine because they adjust automatically to the weight that's on the hitch, but it takes a few blocks or a mile of driving to get them to re-adjust after hooking up a trailer.

Uh.. yea... the guy " Truckee Surplus" seems to be one of the good guys.....
Also...... your rear sway bar...... It's a hollow pipe...... Make the change..... It's worth it...

 

[houstontaylor]

As old as your vehicle is I probably would not go with GM shocks since they might have been sitting on the shelf for 20 years. Mine apparently were and sprung leaks within 6 months of installing them on my 2003 Tahoe a year ago.

 

[V-Code Tahoe]

Welcome, my truck is close to being a twin- black 2006 with RWD (yours looks a little more optioned than mine though!) I am replacing my rear leaking Nivomats with Bilstein 4600, have liked them in everything else I have put them in. Also swapping the springs with Moog 81071 springs. The 81069 springs mentioned above would work also, but are stiffer and would probably jack up the rear a little in our trucks.

 

[gknowels]

Quick update: I finally got it done. It took a buddy and I a 13.5 hour day, but we got there.

Front:
Sway bar and bushings
Sway bar links and bushings
Inner and outer tie rods
Upper control arm and ball joint
Lower control arm and ball joint
Struts
Bump stops
Brake pads and rotors

Rear:
Sway bar and bushings
Sway bar links and bushings
Upper control arms
Lower control arms
Track bar
Bilstein 4600 shocks and springs
Bump stops
Brake pads and rotors

It rides sooo much nicer and quieter with 95% of the mystery sounds eliminated. Thank you all for the input

 

[Big Mama]

Did you get it aligned? I’m not sure if you can do a rear alignment on an 06 but it’d be worth checking after sll of your hard work.

 

[mountie]

Did you get it aligned? I’m not sure if you can do a rear alignment on an 06 but it’d be worth checking after sll of your hard work.

My '05 Yukon had a rear alignment

 

[gknowels]

Did you get it aligned? I’m not sure if you can do a rear alignment on an 06 but it’d be worth checking after sll of your hard work.

Not yet, that'll happen Thursday