Is this factory original shocks?

Hey all, new here and have just purchased an 07 Esky with 80k miles. The ride is pretty bad, feels somewhat uncontrollable and harsh. I looked at the front shocks to try and get an idea if they were original but I can’t find any date codes and even the P/N doesn’t bring up any results on google

If I need to replace them, should I get new springs too?

Those are original. That is the original part number but has likely been superseded. In your glovebox is an RPO sheet with all the codes that refer to how your truck was optioned. Look for the 6XX and 7XX codes, those are for your front struts. Then plug your VIN in here and have a look:


GMPartsGiant.com

I am a proponent of replacing all the parts in a strut, even the nuts. When I did my 2009 a couple of years ago, the new springs restored her proper ride height. It wasn't much but did make a difference.

There's not much that scares me in life, but spring compressors is near tops on my list!

Those struts may require calibration, don't remember but the fellas on here would know.

@gooffeyguy @Doubeleive @Joseph Garcia

Jimxms said:

Hey all, new here and have just purchased an 07 Esky with 80k miles. The ride is pretty bad, feels somewhat uncontrollable and harsh. I looked at the front shocks to try and get an idea if they were original but I can’t find any date codes and even the P/N doesn’t bring up any results on google View attachment 438432

If I need to replace them, should I get new springs too?

Click to expand...

best thing to do is go by any dealer parts department give them the last 8 of your vin and ask them to give you a quote for new shocks, then ask them to print it out.
then you have the oem part numbers and can get them cheaper from places like rock auto, amazon, etc

swathdiver said:

Those are original. That is the original part number but has likely been superseded. In your glovebox is an RPO sheet with all the codes that refer to how your truck was optioned. Look for the 6XX and 7XX codes, those are for your front struts. Then plug your VIN in here and have a look:

https://parts-catalog.acdelco.com/acesCat.php

GMPartsGiant.com

I am a proponent of replacing all the parts in a strut, even the nuts. When I did my 2009 a couple of years ago, the new springs restored her proper ride height. It wasn't much but did make a difference.

There's not much that scares me in life, but spring compressors is near tops on my list!

Those struts may require calibration, don't remember but the fellas on here would know.

@gooffeyguy @Doubeleive @Joseph Garcia

Click to expand...

The struts and rear shocks won't require calibration after you change them. As @swathdiver recommended, change out the springs and associated components for both front and rear strut/shock assemblies when you make the shock replacement, as springs do get weaker and sag a bit over time, and the rubber insulators degrade over time.

Once the replacement is complete, use a quality bi-directional scanner to run the Automatic Level Control (ALS) reset to readjust to the new springs. You don't 'HAVE' to perform the ALC, if you don't have a quality bi-directional scanner at this time, but you should definitely purchase one, as it will save you literally thousands of dollars over the life of your new-to-you truck.

Thanks guys, I will get some new shocks and springs. Have any of you done the electic suspension delete and just gone with arnott stuff? If so, how did it ride?

Jimxms said:

Thanks guys, I will get some new shocks and springs. Have any of you done the electic suspension delete and just gone with arnott stuff? If so, how did it ride?

Click to expand...

Some folks on this Forum prefer the OEM active suspension, while other members prefer the conversion to a passive suspension. I've had both suspensions on my truck (modified to passive by the previous owner and converted back to active by me), and IMO, the active suspension is far superior.

Arnott makes shocks (actually rebuilds OEM shocks) to be used in an active system, and they are typically priced below OEM prices. However, Arnott recently eliminated their lifetime warranty of their active suspension components, while GMC instituted a lifetime warranty on their active suspension components.

For some of the best OEM pricing, go to GMPartsDirect.com, enter your VIN, go to the suspension section, and look for the exploded diagram of the suspension components. You should find what you are looking for along with the correct part number. And, the cost will be significantly cheaper than the local dealer.

Another frequently used OEM parts site is RockAuto.com, and you can look up these parts there, as well, and compare prices.

Welcome from SoCal. Where’d you find that low mileage gem? Here’s what you got!


There’s a remote possibility you got one of the early Escalade without z55 AutoRide active suspension. The auto levelling (air) rear suspension was standard though. You’ll know by looking at the RPO code on the glove box door.



Your picture shows high pressure gas shock (in German). If you DO NOT have z55 AutoRide the top of your strut will look like the pic above and there will be no z55 RPO code on your build sticker.

If you do have z55 on the sheet the top of the strut tower will look like the pic below with a wire and connector attached.



If you do have z55 suspension DO NOT take the poison pill and buy aftermarket, look alike, counterfeit, Non functioning alternative shocks that require home lighting resistors tied in to fool your suspension computer all is OK.

Replacement z55 struts are NOT $850 ea anymore. They are $325 ea, guaranteed for life from RockAuto. Post up a pic of your RPO sheet so we can see how GM built your Esky.

ps your truck does not have z95, MagRide, Magneride suspension. That was offered in late 2008 on Platinum trim and 2009 on all Escalade following.

If you do have z55 / AutoRide suspension the link to the post below will guide you the rest of the way.

It’s regarding an 07 AWD Yukon Denali which has the exact same z55 suspension package.