2003 Tahoe LT - Different types of Shocks/Suspension?

[adrianb]

Hey gang -

The other question about replacement shocks reminded me of a mystery I haven't solved yet...

The guy who did the majority of work on my Tahoe (shade tree mechanic but very well trained and qualified) mentioned a few months back that the rear shocks on my truck were non-standard. He said they were some kind of beefed up shocks, possibly something you might find on a law enforcement version (mine isn't). This was at the same time he was doing my brakes and he said my brakes were also an upgraded version (he bought pads for the a "standard" Tahoe, found out mine were different and had to get new pads).


I checked with Les Schwab (local tire/break/suspension chain) and they confirmed this by saying there is no way to quote a Tahoe shock replacement over the phone because there are several different setups and you really can't tell until you look.

Any of this stuff make sense to the brain trust?

My shocks seem to be fine, but I'd like to put the mystery to rest.

 

[blueflamed03]

is it stock height, or lowered?

 

[adrianb]

is it stock height, or lowered?

Bone stock.

 

[Murder n Mayhem]

Code in glovebox probably reads zw7-Premium Smooth Ride, regular front shocks & self contained Nivomat auto leveling shocks in rear OR z55 which is the Auto Ride air system.

OEM style shocks are over priced & widely considred as overrated. Most convert to new shock & stiffer springs (basically what z71 has). If you get good shocks when do it your ride changes very little & you can use regular shocks from then on.

Most Arnott system fine print (usually hidden in the FAQ section) reads not for use if you tow anything. Tons of people complain when hook something to hitch & rear ends drops way down (even under little weight). Arnott kit uses Bilsteinbut modified version focused on ride quality not strength & usability.

I used the following converting from OEM zw7 Premium Smoothride system (will work as conversion on all OEM suspension systems for @ least years 2000-2006, some systems like z55 Auto Ride will require a resistor at shock for computer purposes).

This conversion retains your towing capabilities:

Bilstein 5100 series Rear Shock Part #24-187237
Bilstein 5100 series Front Shock Part #24-186643
Bilstein Coil Springs Part # 199021 (also known as #15711646)

I used 5100 series because they give room for lift which I plan on doing later but you can use the 4600 series. Spoke to Bilstein & they told me they were same shock, the 5100s just allow for 1" lift in front & 2.5" lift in rear & were different colors.

I replaced my 2003 Chevy Tahoe's 4 OEM shocks & springs. I put on the new shocks first but not the springs so I could see how it went without putting in the stiffer springs. The rear end sat lower, felt like it was loaded down or had load on the hitch. The right & left rear side moved around a lot more independently of each other & bounced much easier & longer.

I then went home & put the stiffer springs in. The truck rides like new. I was afraid I would lose some of the smoothness but hadn't. The Tahoe is more responsive, rides smooth & the new set up leveled out the truck perfectly with no real height gain or loss.

Stores like Autozone, napa etc wanted over $125 for each shock but I got them for less than half that by going to products site & finding local distributor & parts were ordered & available for pick up in 24 hours (places like shockwarehouse had 3-4 week delivery time because they order them from Bilstein then when they get them turn around & mail out to you).

I (average joe driveway mechanic) did the whole conversion. It took about 2 hours in my driveway with limited tools & no spring compressor needed.

I researched this for over month on forums, sites, at performance shops, product manufacturers etc. I firmly believe this is the easiest way to convert from the overrated stock OEM system to one that rides very closely to OEM, fully functional & are a superior quality product. Once the new rear springs are installed you can put on any shocks that fit the z71 package for your year.Bilsteins listed above are the best bang for your buck @ $444 for 4 shocks & 2 springs.

Hope this helps anyone considering converting your Chevy SUV or truck