Zw7 nivomat questions

[me262]

Can't find where this has been addressed...so here we go!

2002 yukon xl 1500with ZW7 nivomats. Looking at different options:

Replace with nivomat type shocks...$600+
Replace with stiffer springs and conventional shocks
Replace with stiffer springs and air shocks
Replace with spring shocks and leave original zw7 springs

Then the question of front shocks and what to use there...i assume just coventional heavy duty shocks regardless of what rear shock option???

Anybody got any ideas???

Thks!

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Go to RockAuto.com or GMPartsDirect.com and enter your vin. This should give you the correct front shocks GM part number. Then, you can decide to go OEM or compatible aftermarket replacement.

Many Nimovat-related threads on this Forum. This is a unique shock that provides both dampening and leveling combined. IMO, if you have Nimovats, you should replace them with Nimovats.

Other folks will chime in.

 

[Fless]

ZW7 front shocks for yours are different from non-ZW7 shocks. Take a look at the KYB catalog (KYB Catalog) for options. Stay away from the Excel-G series; we've heard enough about the issues with them.

What's the reason for the desire to change the suspension parts? I have the original Nivomat rear shocks on mine and they still work (self-adjust) good. I did replace the fronts with KG5040 shocks, but I didn't notice much difference from the OE shocks.

 

[me262]

Im not sure the nivomats are still working. This is a 2002. Seems im getting a lot of bounce but maybe its just the front shocks???

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Test it. With the truck on, measure the height to your rear wheel well.

Turn the truck off and add 200-300 lbs. of anything in the rear (people, if you have a couple of people).

Measure the height to your rear wheel well, and presumably it dropped a bit.

Take the truck for a short spin around the block with the extra weight still in the rear.

With the truck still on and weight still inside, measure the height to your rear wheel well.

Did the truck regain its original height? ==>> Nimovats are working.

 

[mattbta]

I replaced mine with Monroe Nivomats that I got on wholesaler closeout at RockAuto ($400 total). They still worked for load leveling but were super bouncy driving around. New ones restored factory ride.