2005 Yukon shock conversion

[channuh04]

I'm trying to help my brother out with is 05 Yukon. The rear magneride shocks were replaced with standard shocks and it rides terrible. He doesnt want to spend the $ on new magneride shocks, is there a way to convert these?

 

[Miami-Dade]

@channuh04 Moved you here from 2021+section.

 

[SilverSport]

'05 shouldn't have magnaride shocks...but I'd bet the compressor and Autoride suspension - Z55 on the RPO tag...

if your brother has Autoride shocks and he replaced the shock absorbers, did he replace the rear springs as well???...I've read here that the springs work in concert with the shocks on Autoride and will be too light/weak when used with standard type shocks...

make sure to determine exactly what suspension the Yukon has (it's listed on the RPO sticker) as there are more than one type available...

hopefully more will chime in here about their conversions with help

good luck,

Bill

 

[Fless]

Take a pic of the RPO code sticker in the glovebox and post it here. Then we can see what the original equipment was when it was new.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

If you are going to go with passive shocks, instead of the OEM Z55 air shocks, you definitely have to replace the rear springs with GM non-Z55 suspension springs. Even with the stiffer springs, you still may not like the passive suspension.

Some folks who have converted to the non-Z55 suspension have liked Bilstein passive shocks.

 

[channuh04]

Thank you all for the replies, I will have him take a pic of RPO tag and get back to you.

 

[channuh04]

 

[mountie]

I learned how our rear coils springs are different, to work with whatever shock option you are supposed to have. If a rear shock was changed, the springs MUST conform to the weight/strength of the shock requirements, or the ride can be ruined and/or unsafe.

Specific OEM shocks are designed to assist with the SUPPORT of the rear weight, some are not. So, some coil springs are either stronger, or softer.

Maybe, the factory decal, on the coil spring is still readable..... ( It can be removed to read the part number.... maybe I was able to rear my decal after removing it.

My coil spring decal.... ( The number is the important part )

 

[Fless]

Bingo; it came with manual self-adjusting shocks ("Nivomat" "Sachs") and softer coil springs in the rear.
ZW7 = Premium Smooth Ride
G65 = Nivomat rear shocks (with companion ZW7 softer springs)

Replacing the self-adjusting Nivomat shocks to standard requires also changing the springs or things can get squirrely, as you're experiencing. So either Nivomats need to be re-installed or the springs need to be changed to a Z71 or standard spring.

 

[mountie]

Bingo; it came with manual self-adjusting shocks ("Nivomat" "Sachs") and softer coil springs in the rear.
ZW7 = Premium Smooth Ride
G65 = Nivomat rear shocks with softer springs

Replacing the self-adjusting Nivomat shocks to standard requires also changing the springs or things can get squirrely, as you're experiencing. So either Nivomats need to be re-installed or the springs need to be changed to a Z71 or standard spring.

In short.... Nivomat or other "adjusting - height" shocks are more firm as they are more of a supporting - weight shock, so the springs are softer.