Will z95 shocks work with z55 system, any definitive answer?
- Thread starter Doubeleive
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
OP
OP
I haven't, haven't even seen any around to try
petethepug
Michael
A guy on the Caddy forum installed z55 on his z95 and said he likes them and the ride is great. He did it to save some jing.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
OP
OP
I am now seeing Dorman listing some for z55/z95 and a gm dealer is selling z95's on ebay and listing a comparability of tahoe's/yukon's etc with z95? I thought z95 was a Cadillac option only for the nnbs?
OP
OP
poked around on the interwebz a little and looks like magnetic ride control was standard on the Denali hybrid, not available on other trims
shows it in the ordering guide, can't find any ordering guides for tahoe or suburban
shows it in the ordering guide, can't find any ordering guides for tahoe or suburban
mikeyss
Full Access Member
As far as I knew... Z55 front shocks/struts use electronic valving to dampen the ride, but the Z95 has normal valving but magnetic fluid that gets electrified (for lack of better terminology), to dampen the ride. So my thinking is if you try Z95 shocks in place of Z55, no dampening will happen.
petethepug
Michael
There’s a huge gap of info between the two. The only real source willing to break it down would likely be Arnott as they manufacture their own and reengineer them.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
petethepug
Michael
Per Robert at Arnott, the Z55 & Z95 are the same suspension units. Cadillac cleverly created a new part number and began calling autoride magneride to justify charging a premium for high line parts.
Lexus does it with Toyota, Cadillac wanted in too. Enjoy Autoride struts on your magneride Escalade or replace with lifetime guarantee Arnott’s one last time.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Lexus does it with Toyota, Cadillac wanted in too. Enjoy Autoride struts on your magneride Escalade or replace with lifetime guarantee Arnott’s one last time.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
kses123
kses123
Owning two of the same vehicles, one with AutoRide and one with Magneride....the one with Magneride is MUCH firmer than the one with AutoRide.
The software for the Suspension Control Module is also different for each.
The software for the Suspension Control Module is also different for each.
mikeyss
Full Access Member
What are your 2 vehicles? And when you say the mag ride is firmer, is that in a good or bad way?
the old mag ride sucked( first gen) the 2nd gen might be better who knows?
Last edited:
Kses, what year was/is each type you have driven, and we’re they purchased new? Or used?
I know the shocks are different, and I also believe the software is likely different.
I cut one of my auto ride struts open the other day, no ferrofluid.
kses123
kses123
O8 Yukon Denali Z55
13 Escalade Z95
Escalade is much firmer and stiffer feeling. Handles much better. Less sway on highway and curves.
Denali is much smoother and less stiff. Feels floatier. But still better feeling than the standard non-electronic suspension.
13 Escalade Z95
Escalade is much firmer and stiffer feeling. Handles much better. Less sway on highway and curves.
Denali is much smoother and less stiff. Feels floatier. But still better feeling than the standard non-electronic suspension.
To be sure you would need to know if the new controller is backwards compatible both electrically and mechanically with connectors and such.
You would think you would get a Service Stabilatrack or similar in the DIC if you installed a newer shock and the computer didn't like it/couldn't control it
Last edited:
The difference in shock part numbers looks to be centered around the body style. From what I've gathered...shocks meant for 2006+ may affect ride comfort if installed in 2000 - 2005 Tahoe's. I think this is due to longer shock length to support 20" rims. For those purposes I am sticking with the same length and part number OE shock.
Last edited:
petethepug
Michael
Lots of speculation until there’s fact based data provided. Our 08 Denali XL AWD did ride like it was on cloud. Poly sway bar bushing and V rated 20’s (vs H rated oem 20’s) removed the unwanted body roll.
The 09 Esky ESV AWD is just harsh w/ the OEM 22’s. I can tell at least two of the shocks are locked up since Feb and the OEM Bridgestone tires the purchasing dealer installed are a nightmare after 3k miles. A new set of tires arrives soon. They’re identical to the Denali, just 22’s. After the new rubber, sway bar bush’s and Arnott’s are installed, I’ll report back w/ what’s changed.
Arnott verified the build of the z55 & z95 are identical for all GMT900. I’ve got no dog in the outcome. I want the facts on any differences in BCM programming for the ride too.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The 09 Esky ESV AWD is just harsh w/ the OEM 22’s. I can tell at least two of the shocks are locked up since Feb and the OEM Bridgestone tires the purchasing dealer installed are a nightmare after 3k miles. A new set of tires arrives soon. They’re identical to the Denali, just 22’s. After the new rubber, sway bar bush’s and Arnott’s are installed, I’ll report back w/ what’s changed.
Arnott verified the build of the z55 & z95 are identical for all GMT900. I’ve got no dog in the outcome. I want the facts on any differences in BCM programming for the ride too.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I know that it’s possible to add RPO options to GM vehicles and if the modules you add run the same OS protocol they work together happily via the CANBUS network. There are about 25 computers on the network in an GMT900 Escalade. I now have 29 as I put an LMM diesel, Allison transmission, and factory integrated trailer brake control module in my 08 Escalade ESV. The front end weighs about 1000# more than stock. I had to put some custom HD springs up front to compensate. The stiffer spring and extra weight really work the shocks, and I only get 80-90k miles out of them before they are shot and leaking profusely.
I bought some 15+ magneride struts to put in. (These have the twin electro magnets inside vs 1 and I believe have a larger DIA center shaft which will hopefully be more robust. Also have the pigtail wires coming out the top).
My first experiment with these was just to plug them in and see how the computer likes them, so I stuffed them under the hood, disconnected the connectors and plugged the magnerides into the harness and took it for a drive around town. The computer didn’t throw any codes or have any issues, so I’m going to go ahead and install these completely and see what happens.
I guess worst case scenario I have to buy a magneride ESCM and plug it in to run the shocks.
I wonder if the rear shocks are all the same, or if there are inherent differences between the Z95Magneride and Z55 electronic Sus.
I bought some 15+ magneride struts to put in. (These have the twin electro magnets inside vs 1 and I believe have a larger DIA center shaft which will hopefully be more robust. Also have the pigtail wires coming out the top).
My first experiment with these was just to plug them in and see how the computer likes them, so I stuffed them under the hood, disconnected the connectors and plugged the magnerides into the harness and took it for a drive around town. The computer didn’t throw any codes or have any issues, so I’m going to go ahead and install these completely and see what happens.
I guess worst case scenario I have to buy a magneride ESCM and plug it in to run the shocks.
I wonder if the rear shocks are all the same, or if there are inherent differences between the Z95Magneride and Z55 electronic Sus.
petethepug
Michael
Yes, more pls
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
OP
OP
hmm interesting, and Dorman has brought there own z55/z95 rear shocks to market recently, they state they are compatible with both systems
mikeyss
Full Access Member
Is there that much of a difference in ride between Z55 and Z95 on our GMT900's?
