New shocks

[tomloans]

Hey all, I am a bit confused. I have a 2003 Z71. The web seems to indicate the same shocks for both the LT and Z71 model. This is hard to believe as I think the Z71 may need different shocks. Of all of us who are older and would like a little smoother ride, what would you all recommend. My front shocks are close to dead at 150k miles and I need to do this soon. I would appreciate any sage wisdom and advice from your experiences. Thank you, Tom

 

[Fless]

You might have some success using a GM parts site like www.gmpartsgiant.com or similar to see what your VIN calls for.

The KYB catalog lists the same shock for non-ZW7 and non-Z55 suspensions, with no difference for Z71 & LT (4WD). Not pushing KYB but if you go with them, avoid the Excel-Gs. (I have ZW7 Premium Smooth Ride and used the Gas-A-Just model for my replacements -- not the same as yours.)

 

[mountie]

I have 165,000 miles on my '05 Yukon XL.... The ZW7 shocks front & rear still feel good, and the rears still auto-adjust.
They are original. Why am I so lucky??

 

[OR VietVet]

I did the KYB shocks on my 05 Z71 and could not be happier. I did new rear coils at the same time.

 

[tomloans]

I did the KYB shocks on my 05 Z71 and could not be happier. I did new rear coils at the same time.

Why do you like them. I am looking for a less rigid ride. Which KYB's are in the front and how would you describe the ride.

 

[OR VietVet]

I wanted the shocks that I got because of the "Increased handling and Stability" and not for cushy. I am all about the handling. I ordered and installed the KYB-KG54327 for the front and the KYB KG54341 for the rear. They are gas adjust monotube design. I installed the Moog 81069 rear springs. Then I installed the Hellwig performance front and rear sway bar kits. Absolutely the best handling vehicle I have ever owned. If you are looking for less rigid ride, this is not the setup for you. KYB does make cushier shocks.

 

[blueinkd]

I wanted the shocks that I got because of the "Increased handling and Stability" and not for cushy. I am all about the handling. I ordered and installed the KYB-KG54327 for the front and the KYB KG54341 for the rear. They are gas adjust monotube design. I installed the Moog 81069 rear springs. Then I installed the Hellwig performance front and rear sway bar kits. Absolutely the best handling vehicle I have ever owned. If you are looking for less rigid ride, this is not the setup for you. KYB does make cushier shocks.

Kyb is definitely known for a stiff ride. I'm considering replacing the KYB KG5040s I have up front as they starting to get really bouncy

 

[Sam Harris]

Love my Bilstein 5100’s and Hellwigs. And even though they are not “cushy” they certainly aren’t harsh either. Perfect for me, and handle impressively.

 

[tomloans]

Has anyone have experience with plain 4600 Bilsteins?

 

[swathdiver]

Hey all, I am a bit confused. I have a 2003 Z71. The web seems to indicate the same shocks for both the LT and Z71 model. This is hard to believe as I think the Z71 may need different shocks. Of all of us who are older and would like a little smoother ride, what would you all recommend. My front shocks are close to dead at 150k miles and I need to do this soon. I would appreciate any sage wisdom and advice from your experiences. Thank you, Tom

Someone's website is not accurate. Z71s use Rancho shocks and they are white or red in color on your truck.

If you want factory ZW7 shocks you have two options for the rear, 88983818/560-217 or the self-leveling 12476113/580-354

Front OE struts would be 12477659/540-184.

 

[mountie]

Someone's website is not accurate. Z71s use Rancho shocks and they are white or red in color on your truck.

If you want factory ZW7 shocks you have two options for the rear, 88983818/560-217 or the self-leveling 12476113/580-354

Front OE struts would be 12477659/540-184.

Those part numbers...... For my '05 also?

 

[swathdiver]

Those part numbers...... For my '05 also?

Pretty sure but you can double check here with your shock codes from the RPO sheet:

https://parts-catalog.acdelco.com/acesCat.php?#

 

[tomloans]

Someone's website is not accurate. Z71s use Rancho shocks and they are white or red in color on your truck.

If you want factory ZW7 shocks you have two options for the rear, 88983818/560-217 or the self-leveling 12476113/580-354

Front OE struts would be 12477659/540-184.

This makes sense. My shocks are red and Rancho came to mind but I was a bit confused. Curious, is there a way to make this a little less bumpy than stock. Maybe softening the edges a bit. Thank you for the info. Going to note this now in my system I so I don't lose it. Super grateful.

 

[swathdiver]

This makes sense. My shocks are red and Rancho came to mind but I was a bit confused. Curious, is there a way to make this a little less bumpy than stock. Maybe softening the edges a bit. Thank you for the info. Going to note this now in my system I so I don't lose it. Super grateful.

Yes, replace the Ranchos with the ZW7 shocks. You keep the same springs or you can get softer springs out back and run the Nivomat self-leveling shocks.

I've got a pickup with Ranchos and on the pavement she rides harder than our lifted Sierra on mud tires but when off-road, they're perfect!

 

[tomloans]

Yes, replace the Ranchos with the ZW7 shocks. You keep the same springs or you can get softer springs out back and run the Nivomat self-leveling shocks.

I've got a pickup with Ranchos and on the pavement she rides harder than our lifted Sierra on mud tires but when off-road, they're perfect!

Good info. I don't go off road. all I do is run errands, drive down the freeway and ultimately tow a 4000 lb boat. So essentially, ZW7 will fit this vehicle without and altrerations? No new sprints nor lowering it or raising it?

 

[tomloans]

Yes, replace the Ranchos with the ZW7 shocks. You keep the same springs or you can get softer springs out back and run the Nivomat self-leveling shocks.

I've got a pickup with Ranchos and on the pavement she rides harder than our lifted Sierra on mud tires but when off-road, they're perfect!

ZW7's are some very expensive shocks. WOW!

 

[Sam Harris]

ZW7's are some very expensive shocks. WOW!

Indeed! I’m glad mine are still functional after 230k! Also seems these are getting harder to find, and more expensive. They’ve gone up around $100 /ea., since I first looked them up a couple years ago.

 

[tomloans]

Indeed! I’m glad mine are still functional after 230k! Also seems these are getting harder to find, and more expensive. They’ve gone up around $100 /ea., since I first looked them up a couple years ago.

Sam, so essentially, ZW7 will fit this vehicle without any alterations? No new springs nor lowering it or raising it?

 

[Sam Harris]

Sam, so essentially, ZW7 will fit this vehicle without any alterations? No new springs nor lowering it or raising it?

I suspect they will, but I can’t say so with any confidence. If you really want to spend the money on the Nivomats, you’ll also need the springs with the appropriate compression / capacity that the ZW7 has. The only difference I can think of would be the spring perches could be larger, as the shock bodies are larger, but you’d probably be able to look up those specs. The front shocks /springs are standard afaik.

 

[Donal]

Hey all, I am a bit confused. I have a 2003 Z71. The web seems to indicate the same shocks for both the LT and Z71 model. This is hard to believe as I think the Z71 may need different shocks. Of all of us who are older and would like a little smoother ride, what would you all recommend. My front shocks are close to dead at 150k miles and I need to do this soon. I would appreciate any sage wisdom and advice from your experiences. Thank you, Tom

Hey Mr Tom Maybe check the load rating on the tires on the T now and make sure the load rating is correct, and not too high. Remember the saying, "the higher the load rating, the higher the bumps."