Shock help, please

[Folically Challengjed]

I have a 2007 Yukon XL (1500, 4x4, VIN =1GKFK16357J206998) that rolls in corners, & wallows badly over bumps at highway speeds (1 bump in the road at 70 mph = 3 to 4 bounces before settling-out), especially when loaded with our family of 6. I had noticed it, but not paid it much mind, until I was given a 2011 as a loaner during a repair. I was astounded at how much better the new vehicle handled. At nearly 83K miles, I don't begrudge that my ride probably needs shocks, but I don't like what my research is telling me about the cost.

 

The original window sticker claims it has the "Premium Smooth Ride Suspension" feature, and the sticker in the glove box confirms build code "ZW7". Some internet research indicates this means I have Nivomat shocks in the rear, which are somehow self-leveling without the aid of external air pumps or electronics.

 

I contacted the local dealer, and was told,

 

"After researching your VIN, I have found that you replace the front shocks by replacing just the shock, there is no strut kit for them. I would also recommend replacing the front shock mounts when you replace the shocks due to wear that is commonly seen when replacing the shocks. Without replacing the mounts, you run the risk of having a popping noise after the new shocks are installed. I have prices listed below:

Rear Shocks $357.74

Front Shocks with mounts $866.95"

 

I understand the Nivomats are a special thing, so I see why they'd be more expensive than normal shocks. Given that I've seen accounts where each shock was priced at $400+, I don't think the rear shock price quote above is unreasonable (he told me figured 1½ hours of labor in the quote). However, I have no clue why the front shocks would be so ridiculously expensive, especially when the dealer admits that it's not a strut, and only the shock is replaced.

 

My questions for the GM Technicians:

 

1) What is in those front shocks? Spotted Owls? The blood of angels? Why are they so #^%@! expensive? He said his cost included 2½ hours of labor, but their rates can't be that high.

2) This vehicle spends 99.376% of its time on asphalt. There's no hint of a popping noise when going over bumps. Would I save a worthwhile amount of money by not getting new shock mounts on the front?

3) How much of the wallowing and bouncing is due to the fronts vs. the backs? Can I get by with just changing one or the other?

4) I've heard of people replacing the Nivomats and the rear coils, with upgraded coils and Bilstein shocks. They claim that this was done at a fraction of the cost of new Nivomats, & supposedly provided a similar ride quality. Is this doable? Adviseable? More internet fluff? Not worth it given the quote I received on the Nivomat replacement?

5) Is there any similar work-around to be done with the front shocks? $867 is just ludicrous.

6) How many customers have you had do a full front and rear shock replacement? Were they happy with the new ride quality? Ami I just [urinating] in the wind with this project of mine?

7) It's my understanding that this system has been around since the early 2000's. Why, oh why, would GM put such a proprietary & expensive component system on such a high-volume vehicle? Moreover, why wouldn't aftermarket companies be swarming all over to offer a reasonably-priced alternative, given the size of the potential market?

 

Thanks in advance for your help. Please let me know if you need any further information, build codes, etc.

 

 

 

Folically Challenged

(yeah, I mistyped it in my setup page as, "Challengjed")

[Jsdirt]

I installed a complete set of Bilsteins on my truck for a fraction of what they want for just your fronts alone ... and my truck now rides and handles like a Cadillac.

 

To hell with that price! Buy a set of Bilsteins online, and have an installer put them in for you, if you cannot do it yourself. He may have to bring the strut assembly to a dealer if there are no heavy truck shops around -- that spring is INSANE - it will bend a heavy duty press without even budging. I brought mine to a local dealer for $90 to swap the front struts out. I think even factoring that in it was about $340 for a complete set, although I don't have any fancy suspension - it's just a pickup truck.

 

For the rear, you will have to buy Bilstein's spring kit in order to retain the self- leveling feature. These shocks are 300% better than stock, and won't cost a tenth of what the dealer wants. You will be VERY happy with their performance - I can guarantee that.

 

If GM insists on screwing their customers with ridiculous prices like that, then we'll continue to NOT support them.

 

http://www.allshocks...tml/faq.html#13

 

Lookup what part numbers you need here:

 

http://cart.bilsteinus.com/

[kstruckcountry]

^^^ +1, do the Steins.

[hodo78]

+2 on the Bilsteins! I installed them on my 2007 Sierra I used to own and they were great. They will be going on my 2012 when the time comes to replace the factory.

 

And you CAN do it yourself if you are strong enough. I bought and use a set of spring compressors and a standard rachet / socket set on the front shock/strut assembly. It was a major PITA, but I was able to do it in my home garage without a big expensive press.

 

BUT, I would NOT recommend this route if you aren't moderately mechanically inclined and pretty strong. It took everything I had in me to compress both front springs with the mechanical spring compressors and I am a pretty big guy at 6'2 280lb.

[Jsdirt]

I weigh 150 fully dressed & packin', so that wasn't happening!

 

 

We even installed a set of 'Steins in our '86 Mercury Grand Marquis. I can take this thing down our dirt road at 40 mph now, when I used to have to crawl along at 10. The front end used to bounce so violently I'd lose control! Now this car is just unbelieveable. I really can't put into words how AWESOME these shocks are. The difference wasn't quite as dramatic in the Silverado, as the suspension was halfway decent from the factory (and not 26 years old), but the ride quality improved significantly. A very noticeable difference. Also, I can drive over speed bumps without even slowing down. It just soaks them right up. It's amazing.