Nivomat?

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polobuds

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Can anyone tell me if these are nivomat/autoride/self leveling OEM shocks?

2003 Tahoe LS


oliver004.jpg

oliver003.jpg

oliver002.jpg

oliver001.jpg

Thanks!
 

PUGLIA

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It looks like nivomat Oli. I tried to look up pics to compare but I didn't find any. I did find descriptions that match what your showing. I have never delt with nivomat shocks but Nivomat and autoride are 2 different systems though and these are not autride shocks. You can tell because they have no wires running to them. Auto ride is electronic dampening. So that's a good thing for you.

I did see the prices for the nivomat shocks and for the price of one replacement you can get zcoils, load assist bags and better shocks. These things are every bit as expensive as the autoride shocks if not more!!
 
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polobuds

polobuds

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Thanks Joe and Jason!

Damn, so I have nivomats. I read up a little on nivomats and it sounds like they are self leveling and shock absorbers rolled into one.

So what are my options if I want to do bils 5100 in the rear and maybe 1" spacers? Joe, I would prefer not to get nivomat shocks as I want to put bils 5100 all around. Do I have to get the z71 coils that everyone talks about? And will I need those load assist bags, or is that just an extra mod for towing. I do have a boat I tow, but not a lot. Maybe once or twice a year.

Thanks!
 
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redemn93

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you will need coils. spacer will give you stock ride height back but it will be horrible. bouncy and bottom out alot on speed humps, etc. the nivomats take some of the payload therefore the springs arent as strong as the bils replacements or z71. i have the bils. wish i had the z71s.
 
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polobuds

polobuds

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Got it. That makes sense. Are the load assist bags that Puglia mentions necessary, or is that for added ride comfort?

Edit: Anyone selling their z71 coils?
 
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redemn93

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i just installed bags. i like them cause i tow often and often have payloads for long trips. make the ride much more comfortable once you find the ride air pressure to use.
 
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polobuds

polobuds

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so it's not necessary unless you tow a lot and want that ride comfort? Would I be ok with just putting in the z71 coils and bils 5100?

Thanks
 

PUGLIA

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Oli, You will be fine with z-coils and bils shocks if you don't tow a lot or really heavy stuff. I use the bags cause I tow a 14' 5000lb box trailer with my pressure washing and recovery rig in it and it stiffens the rear end when not towing. Even if you don't tow I think there worth the money for the improved ride but you don't really need them. Jason is right on the money about payload and nivomats. If you don't get the coil springs you'll have a sloppy hoe, lol, even if you put the bils on!
 
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polobuds

polobuds

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Got it. I think I'll stick with z71 coils and the bils for now, and if I can scrape some more money together down the road, I'll consider it. Just found a pair of coils from another member on here. Saw a video on youtube of an airbag install and it looked solid.

Thanks for your help Joe & Jason!
 

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