Convert stock ZW7 suspension to Z55 -- Am I crazy!?!

[BigDogYJ]

Ok bare with me....

I know everyone likes to get rid of their expensive z55 autoride suspensions. Am I absolutely crazy for thinking I could attempt to upgrade from the standard ZW7 passive suspension and upgrade to the Z55 autohide shocks? Not really interested in air level control for the rear, but if it's required so be it. I may have access to an Denali part out that I could snag a harness from if its like a standalone harness design and the controller. if its fully integrated into the chassis harness then I may be biting off more than I can chew. But I'm curious if anyone thinks it might be possible.

Recently we decided to keep this 2013 and while its a nice rig I noticed even with new Monroe quick struts up front and shocks in the rear, it doesn't seem to ride as smooth as our 04 Yukon with ZW7 with the the nivomat shocks and OE front shocks. that one just rides nice a smooth/soft but controlled. The 2013 has a bit of a jarring feel at times and speed bumps have to be taken real slow compared to the 04 when you can kinda roll over them effortlessly.

So it got me thinking, how crazy would it be to add the Z55 autoride shocks to this rig? Maybe its time for bed....

ok flame on.....

 

[Fless]

To be clear, you're asking about doing this to the 2013 Yukon XL?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

My initial thought is that it would be challenging, as I believe the Z55 system is integrated into the truck's overall control systems and sensors. Programming would be required for the suspension control system module from the Denali at the very least to work on your truck. But, I 'think' that programming changes would also be required for the BCM, and I'm not sure that it would be possible.

 

[BigDogYJ]

Correct, this would be for the 2013.
Yeah I figured some programming would be involved which I'm not scared of. I've dealt with a bit of custom programming on the gmt800 platform. However I feel the gmt900 adds some complexity in some areas. I do have HPtuners, EFIlive, a tech2 as well as GM's SPS if necessary.

I guess im more concerned about how involved wiring would be. I haven't got my eyes on the donor truck yet. but obviously I assume there's wiring to each corner for shock connectors, and air lines if that's included. Then there's the suspension control module and compressor -- and however that talks to the BCM etc. Not sure if that's just a GMLAN connection of if its more advanced than that.

Was the Z55 option offered without rear air leveling? My hunch is no, they go hand in hand -- but that would be pretty nice to have the Z55 shocks without hassle of compressor and airlines etc.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Correct, this would be for the 2013.
Yeah I figured some programming would be involved which I'm not scared of. I've dealt with a bit of custom programming on the gmt800 platform. However I feel the gmt900 adds some complexity in some areas. I do have HPtuners, EFIlive, a tech2 as well as GM's SPS if necessary.

I guess im more concerned about how involved wiring would be. I haven't got my eyes on the donor truck yet. but obviously I assume there's wiring to each corner for shock connectors, and air lines if that's included. Then there's the suspension control module and compressor -- and however that talks to the BCM etc. Not sure if that's just a GMLAN connection of if its more advanced than that.

Was the Z55 option offered without rear air leveling? My hunch is no, they go hand in hand -- but that would be pretty nice to have the Z55 shocks without hassle of compressor and airlines etc.

To my knowledge, the Z55 never was offered without the corresponding real lift.

Yes, if programming only the suspension control system is required, that can be performed easily with GM's SPS system and an appropriate quality bi-directional scanner (except the Tech 2).

 

[15burban]

Why not replace your monroe's with a higher quality strut/ shock? Kyb, bilstein, fox etc. Monroe's are kind of bottom of the barrel as far as shocks and struts go. I wouldn't expect that great of a ride with them whether they're new or not.

 

[swathdiver]

Ok bare with me....

I know everyone likes to get rid of their expensive z55 autoride suspensions. Am I absolutely crazy for thinking I could attempt to upgrade from the standard ZW7 passive suspension and upgrade to the Z55 autohide shocks? Not really interested in air level control for the rear, but if it's required so be it. I may have access to an Denali part out that I could snag a harness from if its like a standalone harness design and the controller. if its fully integrated into the chassis harness then I may be biting off more than I can chew. But I'm curious if anyone thinks it might be possible.

Recently we decided to keep this 2013 and while its a nice rig I noticed even with new Monroe quick struts up front and shocks in the rear, it doesn't seem to ride as smooth as our 04 Yukon with ZW7 with the the nivomat shocks and OE front shocks. that one just rides nice a smooth/soft but controlled. The 2013 has a bit of a jarring feel at times and speed bumps have to be taken real slow compared to the 04 when you can kinda roll over them effortlessly.

So it got me thinking, how crazy would it be to add the Z55 autoride shocks to this rig? Maybe its time for bed....

ok flame on.....

It would be easier to get a nice ride by using OE springs and shocks and struts.

To add Z55 you would of course need the struts and springs and shocks and air compressor along with the wiring harnesses, computer module (?) and the leveling sensors at each corner.

My 2009 is a ZW7 which was completely overhauled with GM OE parts and she rides great on Michelin Defenders on her original 17 inch wheels.

If you are running 20 inch wheels or taller, she's going to ride rough no matter what you do with ZW7. Z55 was made to deal with the taller wheels.

With a little weight in the back, she's like riding a cloud down the highway.

 

[BigDogYJ]

Fair point. I guess the Monroe wasn’t the best choice. It was good enough to get by until we sold it and the quick strut was an easy bolt in option. But I guess now I could switch them out for some stock oe springs and new struts.

 

[Marky Dissod]

I chose Bilstein 4600 over 5100. Although I chose wrong for my peculiar tastes,
my longtime friends all compare the ride in my Tahoe Z71 to the ride in the '94 Cadillac Fleetwood I briefly owned in the early 2000s.
Don't know if this helps.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I chose Bilstein 4600 over 5100. Although I chose wrong for my peculiar tastes,
my longtime friends all compare the ride in my Tahoe Z71 to the ride in the '94 Cadillac Fleetwood I briefly owned in the early 2000s.
Don't know if this helps.

Would you say the 4600s are too soft? Softer then the 5100s?

 

[Marky Dissod]

Would you say the 4600s are too soft? Softer then the 5100s?

For me, yes gottdamnt, the 4600s are like driving a rhino on barbiturates wearing waterbed-pillows for dancing shoes.
Good thing I updated/upgraded my front brakes, because the thought of highway emergency lane changes accelerates the pace of my aging prematurely.
Admittedly, Bilsteins were far better than whatever I'd replaced, tires do stay in contact regardless of the offroading adventure that is springtime on NYC 'roads',
but 4600s are just not to my taste. Everyone who rides with me loves that I'm scared to swerve and appreciates the coddling, though.
I'm aberrantly accustomed to Caprice 9C1 ride & handling.