GMT900 Factory SUV Suspension Options

[swathdiver]

Research has revealed the following suspension options for the 2007-2014 GM Full-Size SUVs.

Z56 - Police Conversion Suspension Package

Z71 - Off-Road Suspension Package - Includes Rancho Struts and Shocks

ZW7 - Premium Smooth Ride Suspension Package - Standard Struts and Shocks

ZW7 - Premium Smooth Ride Suspension Package - Standard Front Struts
G65 - Level Control Manual, Self-Adjusting - Nivomat Rear Shocks

Z55 - Autoride Suspension Package - Electronic Struts and Electronic and Air Shocks
G69 - Automatic Level Control, Air - Air Compressor and Ride Height Sensor

Z95 - Magnetic Ride Control Suspension Package - Air/Electronic Struts and Shocks
G69 - Automatic Level Control, Air - Air Compressor and Ride Height Sensor

Z85 - Heavy Duty Handling and Trailering Package - For 2500s


Additions, corrections, suggestions appreciated.

 

[kbuskill]

Research has revealed the following suspension options for the 2007-2014 GM Full-Size SUVs.

Z71 - Off-Road Suspension Package - Includes Rancho Struts and Shocks

ZW7 - Premium Smooth Ride Suspension Package - Standard Struts and Shocks

ZW7 - Premium Smooth Ride Suspension Package - Standard Front Struts
G65 - Level Control Manual, Self-Adjusting - Nivomat Rear Shocks

Z55 - Autoride Suspension Package - Air Struts and Shocks
G69 - Automatic Level Control, Air - Air Compressor and Ride Height Sensor

Z95 - Magnetic Ride Control Suspension Package - Air/Electronic Struts and Shocks
G69 - Automatic Level Control, Air - Air Compressor and Ride Height Sensor

Z85 - Heavy Duty Handling and Trailering Package - For 2500s


Additions, corrections, suggestions appreciated.

My only correction/clarification would be that the Z55 has electronic struts up front (no air) and electric/air shocks in the rear.

 

[Doubeleive]

my 2012 Denali XL says Z55 autoride suspension package and my Z55 includes m.r.c., automatic level control, ride height sensors, air compressor, front electronic shocks/struts, rear electronic/air shocks & springs.
I also have Z82- H.D. trailing equipment which includes a RV type trailer plug & tow hitch

part of that includes YD5 front spring (base equipment) YD6 Rear spring (base equipment) and G69 level control

 

[LanceD]

Don't forget Z56 police package

 

[swathdiver]

Don't forget Z56 police package

I did! What does it consist of? Shorter springs and shorter shocks? Thicker swaybars? Are the shocks and struts dumb?

 

[LanceD]

They are dumb shocks. Rear spring is 2"lower. Not sure if the springs ate different rates

 

[swathdiver]

Research has revealed the following suspension options for the 2007-2014 GM Full-Size SUVs.

Z56 - Police Conversion Suspension Package

Z71 - Off-Road Suspension Package - Includes Rancho Struts and Shocks

ZW7 - Premium Smooth Ride Suspension Package - Standard Struts and Shocks

ZW7 - Premium Smooth Ride Suspension Package - Standard Front Struts
G65 - Level Control Manual, Self-Adjusting - Nivomat Rear Shocks

Z55 - Autoride Suspension Package - Electronic Struts and Electronic and Air Shocks
G69 - Automatic Level Control, Air - Air Compressor and Ride Height Sensor

Z95 - Magnetic Ride Control Suspension Package - Air/Electronic Struts and Shocks
G69 - Automatic Level Control, Air - Air Compressor and Ride Height Sensor

Z85 - Heavy Duty Handling and Trailering Package - For 2500s


Additions, corrections, suggestions appreciated.

For anyone that comes across this post, my earlier post was partly incorrect, Nivomat shocks were not used with GMT900 or K2 platforms, just the 2000-2006 GMT800s.

 

[gooffeyguy]

What's the difference in the shocks/struts between the magnetic ride control and autoride (electronic) ride control

 

[swathdiver]

What's the difference in the shocks/struts between the magnetic ride control and autoride (electronic) ride control

https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/general-motors-technology/gm-chassis-suspension-technology/gm-magnetic-ride-control-technology/

In the 900s, it was Available with any version of the Cadillac Escalade and on the Yukon Denali Hybrids from 2010 on.

 

[gooffeyguy]

https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/general-motors-technology/gm-chassis-suspension-technology/gm-magnetic-ride-control-technology/

In the 900s, it was Available with any version of the Cadillac Escalade and on the Yukon Denali Hybrids from 2010 on.

I understand how the magnetic ride control works, but how does the Autoride work. How is the Autoride different than the Magnaride?

My shocks/struts are electronic. I thought they had the magnetic fluid in them so the vehicle could soften/stiffen them when taking turns, etc. How do they differ from the magnetic ones?

Is it just not having a control inside the cabin to select different modes touring/sport/etc?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

The autoride shocks have internal electric solenoids that can restrict the flow of the shock's fluid, this providing variable dampening at each of the shocks. Like the magnetic ride shocks, the dampening changes are dictated by a computer.

 

[gooffeyguy]

The autoride shocks have internal electric solenoids that can restrict the flow of the shock's fluid, this providing variable dampening at each of the shocks. Like the magnetic ride shocks, the dampening changes are dictated by a computer.

So basically the same, but done in a different way

 

[Joseph Garcia]

So basically the same, but done in a different way

Yes. GM claims that the magnetic ride shocks have less internal moving parts and are less apt to fail in the long run, than the autoride shocks.

 

[iamdub]

What's the difference in the shocks/struts between the magnetic ride control and autoride (electronic) ride control

How I understand it is that the AutoRide shocks and struts have an electronically variable orifice to alter the fluid's movement and, therefore, the damping characteristics. The MagneRide changes the viscosity of a ferrous fluid using variable electromagnetic force. The AutoRide has more moving parts and doesn't have the range nor speed of adjustability that the MagneRide does. IIRC, the AutoRide can respond in 20 milliseconds whereas the MagneRide responds in 5 milliseconds.

 

[avalonandl]

I need to get some replacement auto ride struts. Having Z55 it shown acdelco 19420491. $ 255 each.....gulp...but I do thinks right.

 

[Tahoe_SSV]

Ok, so I've been trying to figure out what options I have to replace my rear shocks on my 09 Chevy Tahoe SSV 4x4 LS. So I am attaching my RPO codes from inside my glove box. Could someone please tell me what I have and what I am able to replace with. Thanks in advance

 

[iamdub]

I wasn't sure where to ask this, but I wanted to tag someone with a Tech2 and with sizable OEM suspension knowledge: @swathdiver

I know the suspension controller can be reprogrammed as (I believe) there was a TSB on the K2xx to fix overly firm shocks. Based on my experiences with my '08, the controller had my struts and shocks really firm. Surely, being an LTZ, it didn't ride like this when new. So, I have a suspicion that the controller firms up the shocks to compensate for wear by factoring age, mileage and maybe even suspension cycles via the ride height sensors. Is this true/partially true? Can the controller be reset or reprogrammed?

Does anyone know how the struts and shocks are adjusted? My guess is variable voltage. Anyone know the scale?

 

[swathdiver]

Ok, so I've been trying to figure out what options I have to replace my rear shocks on my 09 Chevy Tahoe SSV 4x4 LS. So I am attaching my RPO codes from inside my glove box. Could someone please tell me what I have and what I am able to replace with. Thanks in advance

Using your VIN and options I came up with 540-433/25871225. If you want a more off-roady shock, use 540-300/25871229.

https://parts-catalog.acdelco.com/acesCat.php?glsId=aces

I wasn't sure where to ask this, but I wanted to tag someone with a Tech2 and with sizable OEM suspension knowledge: @swathdiver

I know the suspension controller can be reprogrammed as (I believe) there was a TSB on the K2xx to fix overly firm shocks. Based on my experiences with my '08, the controller had my struts and shocks really firm. Surely, being an LTZ, it didn't ride like this when new. So, I have a suspicion that the controller firms up the shocks to compensate for wear by factoring age, mileage and maybe even suspension cycles via the ride height sensors. Is this true/partially true? Can the controller be reset or reprogrammed?

Does anyone know how the struts and shocks are adjusted? My guess is variable voltage. Anyone know the scale?

I don't have that option on my truck so I cannot see it with a Tech-2. You might want to get a subscription to AllDataDIY. I used to be able to see other optional suspensions but since the upgrade it is vehicle specific now, good and bad!

 

[George B]

I wasn't sure where to ask this, but I wanted to tag someone with a Tech2 and with sizable OEM suspension knowledge: @swathdiver

I know the suspension controller can be reprogrammed as (I believe) there was a TSB on the K2xx to fix overly firm shocks. Based on my experiences with my '08, the controller had my struts and shocks really firm. Surely, being an LTZ, it didn't ride like this when new. So, I have a suspicion that the controller firms up the shocks to compensate for wear by factoring age, mileage and maybe even suspension cycles via the ride height sensors. Is this true/partially true? Can the controller be reset or reprogrammed?

Does anyone know how the struts and shocks are adjusted? My guess is variable voltage. Anyone know the scale?

I have messes with mine a little but don’t know too much. I know they vary the voltage to the shocks and I have graphed the activity and posted it somewhere on here. Here is a video of the graph.

 

[iamdub]

I have messes with mine a little but don’t know too much. I know they vary the voltage to the shocks and I have graphed the activity and posted it somewhere on here. Here is a video of the graph.

COOOOOL!

Here's my scandal: Like @S1W99, I want a legitimate "premium" ride. Yes, I want mine along with a 4" drop, but that's beside the point as it's completely doable. The key has to be the shocks. My stock ones were really stiff. When I unplugged them, it was like having no shocks at all. A quick left-right jig of the steering wheel sent it into a sideways oscillation that'd surely put it rubber side up if done at highway speeds. I don't see how getting new factory AutoRide shocks and struts would make the computer stop sending "firming voltage" to the shocks. This is why I'm wondering if there's a reset function to let it know that all is new and well and it's okay to relax and let the shocks do their thing. My thoughts are that new OEM shocks that are inherently more firm than my original worn ones would be even more firm since they'd be receiving the "firm 'em up" command from the controller.

Or, since they seem to still have an operable range of "dingy" to "dirt track car", I'd put my old ones back in and send them voltage from a transformer, controlled by a potentiometer. It'd be like a bass knob on the dash or wherever I put it. Far left would be a safe minimum of firmness for comfy highway cruising. Far right would be whatever voltage the original controller sent to lock 'em up. Anywhere in between would be for moderately damaged country roads with wide curves or corner-carving in the city. It'd be just like the adjustable shocks you have to test drive, then stop and twist knobs at each corner until you're satisfied. Only, these would be controlled electronically and from a single, centralized knob.