Looking for advice/input on ZW7 suspension

[Fubar0715]

when I got my Tahoe 5 years ago, it came with leaking rear shocks which were replaced with Rancho 5000 (I think) series. Over the past 2 winters, I have noticed it rides extremely rough when very cold out and I noticed this past weekend that the right rear feels like someone stole my shocks and crammed a 2x4 in place. McGoogle hints are they are leaking and getting moisture inside which freezes or the fluid is just frozen. I do not believe i considered the fact mine rig had the ZW7 suspension when the Ranchos got installed and now questioning if I needed to get replacements specifically for the RPO code or does it matter. Anyone have this in their trucks and if so, thoughts/opinions before I got out and spend my pole dancing money?

 

[tooleyondeck]

ZW7 "Premium Smooth Ride" is basically just Nivomats on the rear. Sounds like they may have replaced the shocks without the springs to accompany them.

 

[Fless]

ZW7 "Premium Smooth Ride" is basically just Nivomats on the rear. Sounds like they may have replaced the shocks without the springs to accompany them.

A 2013 won't have come with Nivomats; that ended after the 2006 model year.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

when I got my Tahoe 5 years ago, it came with leaking rear shocks which were replaced with Rancho 5000 (I think) series. Over the past 2 winters, I have noticed it rides extremely rough when very cold out and I noticed this past weekend that the right rear feels like someone stole my shocks and crammed a 2x4 in place. McGoogle hints are they are leaking and getting moisture inside which freezes or the fluid is just frozen. I do not believe i considered the fact mine rig had the ZW7 suspension when the Ranchos got installed and now questioning if I needed to get replacements specifically for the RPO code or does it matter. Anyone have this in their trucks and if so, thoughts/opinions before I got out and spend my pole dancing money?

Post the last 8 digits of your VIN, and let @915_Tahoe tell us what the part numbers were for the shocks that were originally installed on this truck from the factory.

 

[Fubar0715]

here is the last 8 digits: DR113686

I did poke around and located GM # 560-703 which seemed to be specific for ZW7. However, I am really curious if anyone else went with shocks that were not necessarily for the Premium Smooth Ride. Pros and cons for the reg shocks like what I have now.

 

[swathdiver]

when I got my Tahoe 5 years ago, it came with leaking rear shocks which were replaced with Rancho 5000 (I think) series. Over the past 2 winters, I have noticed it rides extremely rough when very cold out and I noticed this past weekend that the right rear feels like someone stole my shocks and crammed a 2x4 in place. McGoogle hints are they are leaking and getting moisture inside which freezes or the fluid is just frozen. I do not believe i considered the fact mine rig had the ZW7 suspension when the Ranchos got installed and now questioning if I needed to get replacements specifically for the RPO code or does it matter. Anyone have this in their trucks and if so, thoughts/opinions before I got out and spend my pole dancing money?

About the only difference between the two suspensions is the shocks. Seems to me you just got some bad ones, or fakes. Still have original Ranchos on my 2013 pickup and she rides fine.

 

[Fless]

here is the last 8 digits: DR113686

I did poke around and located GM # 560-703 which seemed to be specific for ZW7. However, I am really curious if anyone else went with shocks that were not necessarily for the Premium Smooth Ride. Pros and cons for the reg shocks like what I have now.

We need to tag @915_Tahoe so we're sure he sees this.

 

[Fubar0715]

About the only difference between the two suspensions is the shocks. Seems to me you just got some bad ones, or fakes. Still have original Ranchos on my 2013 pickup and she rides fine.

Thinking bad ones - they were purchase from national chain store. I had to pay attention to how awful the ride was in the winter cuz it was never a thing in Florida.

 

[swathdiver]

Thinking bad ones - they were purchase from national chain store. I had to pay attention to how awful the ride was in the winter cuz it was never a thing in Florida.

The Ranchos were made for off-roading. The ZW7 shocks are ACDelco of course and they offer a better ride on pavement and do just fine for occasional forays off the pavement.

Both shocks deliver a better ride when there is weight in the back of the trucks.

 

[915_Tahoe]

here is the last 8 digits: DR113686

I did poke around and located GM # 560-703 which seemed to be specific for ZW7. However, I am really curious if anyone else went with shocks that were not necessarily for the Premium Smooth Ride. Pros and cons for the reg shocks like what I have now.

Thinking bad ones - they were purchase from national chain store. I had to pay attention to how awful the ride was in the winter cuz it was never a thing in Florida.

These are the OE replacements
Gm# 19436383 $148.09 ech

These are the Acdelco Gold options
Gm# 19324448 $157.35 ech
(Premium Gas Charged)

Gm# 19366153 $171.05 ech
(Premium Monotube)