Yet Another Question about Shocks

[ssalvat]

I need to replace the shocks on my 2006 Yukon XL 1500 and Rock Auto has an overwhelming number of choices. I looked at my RPO codes, I have ZW7 but not G65 (or Z55, which I see in a lot of listings, but I don't think that ever pairs with ZW7). The shocks currently on the vehicle are mostly flaked/rusted but it looks like at one time all 4 were blue, so I think nothing fancy.

Based on this I think in the back I need the GM 25871225/19435698, ACDelco 540-433, or equivalent, is that right?

What about in the front? Do I need something that is specifically for ZW7, or would anything that doesn't exclude ZW7 work?

I'm open to any recommendations, I know very little about the quality of specific brands/models. The Yukon is stock and has almost 200,000 miles on it, it's mostly for hauling stuff around town with the occasional forest service road thrown in, so I don't need anything high performance. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Marky Dissod]

Since you mentioned hauling stuff and forest service, Bilstein 5100 for 0.0" lift.
Unless you've had back surgery or insist on driving like you have vertigo or other vasovagal issues, Bilstein 5100 will likely outlast your vehicle.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please. If we can't see it, it does not exist.

You should be able to find the correct shocks by looking at 3 RPO codes. Zw7, 6**, 7** Check out the matches for your 6** and 7** RPO codes, and you should find the correct shocks for your truck.

If you are interested in aftermarket shocks, many folks on this Forum use Bilstein shock.

 

[ssalvat]

Turns out I don't have a lot of pictures of the truck, but this one's pretty good

In addition to ZW7 I see 6XL and 7XL, I'm assuming those are the ones you're referring to. I don't see these listed on product pages, though, at least not on Rock Auto. Is there somewhere else I should be looking?

I have no doubt Bilsteins are great, but for a 20 year old truck with 200,000 miles I'm not looking for top of the line, just something solid. I'd have no problem with GM/AC Delco parts but if there's something aftermarket that's similar cost and quality but a better option for some reason I'd certainly be open to it.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Post the last digits of your VIN, and member @915_Tahoe will provide you with part numbers for the GM replacement shocks. Be sure to ping him (@915_Tahoe ) in your post listing your VIN information, so that he will know that there is a post asking him for information.

 

[swathdiver]

I need to replace the shocks on my 2006 Yukon XL 1500 and Rock Auto has an overwhelming number of choices. I looked at my RPO codes, I have ZW7 but not G65 (or Z55, which I see in a lot of listings, but I don't think that ever pairs with ZW7). The shocks currently on the vehicle are mostly flaked/rusted but it looks like at one time all 4 were blue, so I think nothing fancy.

Based on this I think in the back I need the GM 25871225/19435698, ACDelco 540-433, or equivalent, is that right?

What about in the front? Do I need something that is specifically for ZW7, or would anything that doesn't exclude ZW7 work?

I'm open to any recommendations, I know very little about the quality of specific brands/models. The Yukon is stock and has almost 200,000 miles on it, it's mostly for hauling stuff around town with the occasional forest service road thrown in, so I don't need anything high performance. Thanks in advance for any help!

Plug your VIN in here:

www.GMPartsGiant.com

Is this a RWD or 4x4 or AWD truck?

 

[ssalvat]

Last 8 digits of my VIN are 6J174947 @915_Tahoe. It has the 4 button auto transfer case, which I think means both 4x4 and AWD capabilities.

When I plug my VIN into gmpartsgiant it calls for GM 25871225 in the rear. It calls for GM 88965472 in the front, although it's shown as discontinued and not available to purchase.

 

[Fless]

Once @915_Tahoe confirms part numbers, you can use them as a cross reference tool to find aftermarket parts that are similar. Just be careful about getting a name brand with good reviews.

 

[Doubeleive]

Turns out I don't have a lot of pictures of the truck, but this one's pretty good

In addition to ZW7 I see 6XL and 7XL, I'm assuming those are the ones you're referring to. I don't see these listed on product pages, though, at least not on Rock Auto. Is there somewhere else I should be looking?

I have no doubt Bilsteins are great, but for a 20 year old truck with 200,000 miles I'm not looking for top of the line, just something solid. I'd have no problem with GM/AC Delco parts but if there's something aftermarket that's similar cost and quality but a better option for some reason I'd certainly be open to it.

View attachment 493966

bilsteins are not high cost, there pretty reasonable.
the 6xl/7xl reference is just left/right annotation

 

[Marky Dissod]

6XL & 7XL refer to your front springs, which happen to be torsion bars. XL torsion bars were for 4WD Tahoes, and possibly some 2WD Suburbans.

 

[915_Tahoe]

Post the last digits of your VIN, and member @915_Tahoe will provide you with part numbers for the GM replacement shocks. Be sure to ping him (@915_Tahoe ) in your post listing your VIN information, so that he will know that there is a post asking him for information.

Front shock L/R
ZW7
Gm# 88965472

Rears L/R
ZW7
Gm# 19435698

 

[ssalvat]

Excellent, thanks for confirming @915_Tahoe. I might just stick with the GMs in the back since I know they'll work. I'll check out Bilsteins for the front (looks like 4600 might be the equivalent there) but still open to other suggestions all around.

 

[Doubeleive]

6XL & 7XL refer to your front springs, which happen to be torsion bars. XL torsion bars were for 4WD Tahoes, and possibly some 2WD Suburbans.

Something like that....

 

[ssalvat]

Searching by GM part numbers gives me plenty of Monroe, Gabriel, and Rancho options, but I'm not excited about any of these. Looks like there are Bilsteins that would work in the front but not the back, GMs that would work in the back but not the front, and can't find KYBs that would work anywhere. Am I looking in the wrong places or are these pretty much the options out there?

 

[Fless]

Are you using the KYB catalog? If not, try it here: https://www.kyb.com/catalog/ and enter your vehicle info. I wasn't sure of the trim level nor the drivetrain (RWD vs 4WD). They may have Gas-A-Just shocks that are equivalent to standard shocks, plus some other upgrade shocks.

 

[ssalvat]

I did try the KYB catalog, entered my VIN and additional trim details, but they don't get down to the RPO code level and they don't provide interchange numbers from what I can see. One of the Gas-A-Just for the front specifically excludes ZW7, the other one says it works with ZW7 but no interchange number makes me nervous. One in the back excludes ZW7 and the one that includes ZW7 is a Nivomat replacement, which is obviously wrong. KYB would be a good choice if I knew they worked but I'm just not confident based on the information they've provided.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I did try the KYB catalog, entered my VIN and additional trim details, but they don't get down to the RPO code level and they don't provide interchange numbers from what I can see. One of the Gas-A-Just for the front specifically excludes ZW7, the other one says it works with ZW7 but no interchange number makes me nervous. One in the back excludes ZW7 and the one that includes ZW7 is a Nivomat replacement, which is obviously wrong. KYB would be a good choice if I knew they worked but I'm just not confident based on the information they've provided.

"one that includes ZW7 is a Nivomat replacement, which is obviously wrong"

Are you sure that is wrong? This is what I am seeing, based upon the information that you have provided.

Yes, a 2006 GMC Yukon XL 1500 with the ZW7 RPO code (Premium Smooth Ride Package) is factory-equipped with self-leveling rear Nivomat shocks.

Key Details About the ZW7 Nivomat Setup

• • How it works: The Nivomat shock is a self-contained, mechanical hydraulic self-leveling unit. It uses mechanical motion from the road to pump itself up and raise the ride height when the vehicle is loaded or towing.
  • No electronics or external compressor: Unlike the Z55 (Autoride) electronic air suspension, ZW7 Nivomats do not have an on-board compressor, air lines, or electrical wiring plugged into the shocks.
  • Softer coil springs: Vehicles with the ZW7 Nivomat package came from the factory with softer rear coil springs because the Nivomats assist in supporting the rear load.

Replacement Tip
If you are replacing worn-out rear Nivomat shocks on a ZW7-equipped Yukon XL, be aware that swapping them out for standard, conventional aftermarket shocks may cause the rear end to sag under load unless you also upgrade/replace the softer factory coil springs with standard-load or heavy-duty springs. Alternatively, you can buy direct Nivomat replacement shocks to maintain the original self-leveling behavior and ride height. [1, 2, 3]

 

[ssalvat]

ZW7 with G65 is Nivomat, without is regular shock. I don't have the G65 RPO code.