I have '03 4x4 w/ZW7 suspension. I just replaced the nivomat rear shocks instead of going w/new coils and standard shocks. Now my son wants to put a torsion key/spacer kit on it. Has anyone added spacers in the rear with the nivomat shocks? any concerns with doing this? TIA
The OE springs that go with the Nivomats are softer (and weaker) than standard coils, since the Nivomats self-adjust for loads. There have been many complaints about the handling after replacing only the Nivomats, so you may want to consider doing the springs, too. EDIT: From Rock Auto:
It looks like I may have misunderstood your situation, Daniel. You replaced the Nivomats with aftermarket Nivomats, is that right?
I'm in the same situation. I have an '03 Tahoe with the ZW7 suspension (at least, that's what the RPO code says). I want to do a small lift/leveling with new keys and a little lift in the back. I was thinking about putting Z71 springs in the back instead of spacers and new Bilstein 5100s all around. Would that setup work to not only lift the rear a bit, but compensate for the removal of the Nivomat shocks?
Yes, if removing the Nivomats, the springs should also be replaced. The Z71 are an excellent choice and will give another 1” or so of ride height.
Perfect! And I believe the spring most people use is the MOOG 81069? I'm hoping that this will give the Tahoe more of a 'truck' ride than the smooth premium car-like ride. Call me old school, but I want my truck to ride like a truck.
Correct. Those are the Z71 springs. Personally, I was planning to change to the Z71 spring and standard shock, but changed my mind in favor of keeping the nivomats. I’ll be replacing my front shocks with the Bilstein 5100, bit still need to do that.
I just appreciate the way they work. It’s awesome to have self load leveling without any compressor, or other external components. Now, when they shit the bed and I have to replace them, we’ll see if I’m still willing to pay for them. Lol. I do need front shocks. I thought the rears needed replacement, but now I believe it’s really the front that are a little weak. We’ll see how she does with the 5100’s up front and go from there. It’s certainly more cost effective to swap to a regular shock and a Z71 (or standard) spring.
Personally this is just me but I have 2 yukons an 01 and 02 both with zw7 suspension, and I tow...... I tow a lot, my 30 ft camper, carhauler with full size trucks etc...... I converted my 01 recently with the billstien conversion kit and I regret it so much. Don't get me wrong it is a great ride ..... empty. I lost so much towing capacity I kick myself daily in the ass for it. So my 02 will get oem nivomats with a 25/3500 spring load cap for rear. Also if any of you get a lot of body roll check for your little bumpers mine were missing so a timbren kit is also up soon with both sway bars upgraded to a larger diameter. As far as the nivo mats and lifts I would think it's fine just so long as the kit comes with spacers. Thinking back now I spent probably the same to convert as I would going new oem so if you tow, at all! Stay oem.
