Jump to content

GMT900 Suspension(and others): How to get the correct parts

SnakeEyeSS

Recommended Posts

SnakeEyeSS Senior Enthusiast

SnakeEyeSS

Posted
Posted

After several hours trying to figure out which a half dozen AutoRide shocks I needed, I found some tricks that should help people do it much more quickly.

Some of this is redundant, but I feel better with several conformations.

Start by search for the PNs listed at the bottom of shock/strut, if your lucky your is still in the systems and you can save yourself a lot of trouble. In my case non of the PNs are valid anymore, they didn't even show an updated number on parts sites.

First, look at your RPO codes for your suspension and spring rates. Z55 is auto ride, Z71 is off road, Z95 is magnaride, etc etc.

The spring rates will probably be the last two. From what I can tell, it is always one number followed by a letter, usually another number. (I haven't found a way to decipher spring rates, but it doesn't really matter for the purposes of this thread)

You now need to find a website that allows you to browse parts by your specfic VIN. If you have to send in your VIN for verification, they probably won't give the PN, forcing you to buy from them. Please help out on this, the only one I have found so far is a Jim Butler dealership site, post other you find in case they stop doing it:
http://gmwholesaleparts.com/....but they don't show any PNs...

GMWVIN_zpsgrst6ynz.jpg


Now, go to the AcDelco online parts catalog on their site,

http://parts-catalog.acdelco.com/catalog/catalog_search.php

and use your VIN to start the search.

ACDP_zpszrob5o7m.jpg

 

They will only give you a broad list of possible parts, but, almost every part shows the corresponding spring rate code. The fronts will be easy, just find the strut that matches your spring rate. Mine were 6LP & 7LP, so I just did a page search (find on page) for 7LP and browsed through the pages until it showed up.

 

acdhigh_zpsd2tvpseq.jpg

For rear Autoride shock, there were only a few options, and they don't list spring rates. This is where cross referencing with a dealer parts site where you start with a VIN comes in handy.

Now its time to narrow it down. On the parts site like the above referenced gmwholesale, start by entering your VIN, NOT year/make/model. Then navigate to the part you are trying to find.

For the rear shock, in my case, only one will show up(in my case, it lists the GM and ACD part numbers seperate, and at a bizarre $80 price difference. Some other sites will list those numbers together). When the item info pops up, look for any key words. In my case, it said "exc Y91".

Ainfo_zpslxm0ngbb.jpg

While AC Delco parts catalog showed three possible rear shocks, only one have "exc Y91" in the description, BINGO, we have a match, and a PN.

The problem with GMPD style system (, I mention them because they are well known here, but which many other sites use the same catalog system) is it doesn't give you EVERY possible part for your vehicle, they even admit this and ask you for your VIN for that reason, to make sure the PN matches your VIN.

So, I found nifty parts list at a Russian site, but it only applies to autoride. This is where you will need to do leg work: find an official parts catalog breakdown graphic. In the top left will be a code, like "TCG-07"

Search google for that code, and hopefully you will find a graphic of that sheet and corresponding list of part numbers. This could take a lot of browsing...


Hop on Amazon and say a little prayer. If they have Your AcDelco PN, your going to save a bundle over dealer, online parts sites, or RockAuto. Enter your vehicle info when it prompts at the top. Once you do, when bring uo the AcDelco PN, it usually lists the same summary that the ACD parts catalog does. Such as suspension and/or spring rate codes.
amazon_zpsvakruq2w.jpg

Now you need to do a similar investigation for shock mounts. There inst a big of an issue only a few variations of mounts.

AutoRide uses a specific type of mount. The standard style shocks use a completely round mount, while autoride uses a mount that has a flat edge on the outer side, so pay attention to part pictures and graphics.

As far as I can tell, all spring rate AutoRide combos share one PN for spring seat, two for upper insulator, and two lower insulator. use the link below to correspond the spring rate to the correct insulators.

Here is the link to the mentioned russian site, for those with AutoRide.

http://gmsklad.ru/catalog/chevrolet-a/TAHOE-HYBRID-(4WD)-2012/32782

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • Jus Cruisin
      2027 GMC Sierra: Official Discussion

      By Jus Cruisin · Posted

      I was the GM of a Lincoln Mercury dealership back in the 80's. The service lot was always full with "broken" ones. Plenty of transmissions, power windows and a/c repairs. The only one I'd consider owning would be the Marauder at this point and it certainly wouldn't be a daily driver.  My 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate is my "Lincoln Town Car" in my retirement. I want all the "stuff". Big infotainment screens, one touch power windows, Supercruise (I won't buy another vehicle without it), hands free pretty much everything. I'm going to swap my current truck for a 2027 Yukon Denali Ultimate so I can have the air suspension and surround vision recording along with all the other "stuff". 
    • Byrds8
      Ac not keeping up

      By Byrds8 · Posted

      Yep mine is on backorder also.
    • smit303
      2027 GMC Sierra: Official Discussion

      By smit303 · Posted

      The Denali Ultimate's grille is tinted, but the "regular' Denali has a bright chrome grille like the current models.
    • Jsdirt
      2027 GMC Sierra: Official Discussion

      By Jsdirt · Posted

      Because that is IDIOTIC, much like this question. They've already been forced to do it by past administrations - why would you roll that back when it's a GOOD thing?  WHO IS ARGUING FOR LOWER MILEAGE???? 😂  NOBODY IS!!   I'm certainly not! What I want is RELIABLE vehicles again that are worth the price paid!    I don't get your logic here ...   In 2003 I paid $2,200 for our '86 Grand Marquis. It's STILL running and I've never been inside the engine, aside for the timing cover since it was leaking, so I threw a new timing set in since that makes sense. Transmission is ORIGINAL. Electric pump in the gas tank is ORIGINAL. Rear end is ORIGINAL. I'd have to hit my head REAL hard to want to pay $60k or more for a car that still can't come close to the comfort, seating and storage space, or reliability of this one. Nothing is even in the ball park! Hundreds of thousands of brands and models have been built and sent to the crusher while this one keeps on going!   https://postimg.cc/Z9XRrCSg   I've got a whole fleet of cars, motorcycles, and a truck close to this age for summer and winter. No one could pay me enough to buy anything built this century. I have zero use for any it.
    • Jsdirt
      2027 GMC Sierra: Official Discussion

      By Jsdirt · Posted

      Since I'm the one who has to fix them when they break, I'll take vehicles over 30 years old all day, EVERY day, over ANY modern crap. Have you attempted any repairs on anything built after 2006? It's a friggin nightmare, and gets worse the newer the model year.    If I had the will or desire, I can make any car of any age outside of a Model T (I don't have THAT much will ...) just as powerful, comfortable, and have all the tech the new stuff does, and get pretty close in mileage, too. I prefer SIMPLICITY. The less the vehicle has, the less to fix WHEN it breaks, not IF.   I'm glad you snot-nosed punks don't like them. More for us, plus that keeps the prices from climbing more than they already have.👍

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...