2015 Suburban LTZ - Magnetic Suspension Delete / Swap Out

[Hueby]

Just sharing my experience for others... seams to be a common issue.

2015 Suburban LTZ (Z95 suspension code) 96,000 miles

So the magnetic struts and shocks were worn out. Front left strut made rattling noise/leaking, right rear shock was frozen stiff. It was riding extremely harsh. Even before it rode too much like a sports car to me and didn't have the plush ride I would expect from a big SUV. I didn't want to replace them all at $300 a piece so started researching options. I also didn't have faith in the new magnetic suspension lasting beyond 40k-50k miles. To me it was too much of a gamble and in the end I'd have a suspension that I probably wouldn't have been happy with.

I researched some options on removing the magnetic system. Found a company that makes simulators for the computer so no codes, etc are thrown. I went with a Magnetic Suspension Delete kit made by X-ineering. http://xineering.com/shocksims.html

It all simply plugs into the factory harness connections for the strut/shocks and then for the ride height/level sensors. I wanted to keep the rear air shocks so I did not bypass the rear ride height/level sensors. I only bypassed the front sensors completely.

Used a quick-strut assembly Monroe 139104 for the front. Put ACDelco 540-1675 air shocks in the rear. Knocked it out over the weekend in the garage.

WOW, what a difference in the ride! Now the Suburban soaks up the bumps MUCH softer and gives more of a "riding on air" feel without sacrificing the handling/control feel either. I don't feel every small bump in the road anymore. We live in the country and usually drive on roads that aren't maintained that well so having a softer riding suspension is important to me. So, if anyone is on the fence about replacing their magnetic system, hopefully this info will help making the decision easier.

 

[Dearmosd]

I am very jealous on how you stated how the vehicle feels

 

[G00se]

I’m about to replace the MRC on mine with Bilstein 5100s. Glad to hear your experience is positive and Xineering kit worked.

 

[Oh Kee Pah]

I’m about to replace the MRC on mine with Bilstein 5100s. Glad to hear your experience is positive and Xineering kit worked.

I recently had an email exchange with the X-ineering owner. Regarding the Bilstein B8 6112 Suspension Leveling Kit, he said that:

"I really like the looks of that 6112 kit.
I also like that they list the LTZ as a compatible truck.
However, I am curious since LTZ (magneride trucks) have smaller diameter shock diameters and different top plates, 3 upper bolt plate that goes on top of the spring.
The magneride strut cores (shocks) have a diameter of 0.47".
while all other non-magnetic strut cores have a larger diameter of 0.55".
This is the reason you can't simply disassemble your magneride strut and put in a non-magnetic shock core.
The non-magnetic shock diameter is too big to fit thru the top plate.
I would be curious what these diameters are at the top of the 6100 strut cores (ie shocks)"


I think he is ordering the Bilstein kit and going to work on an easy install method.
Did YOU receive yet? Do you see what he's describing regarding the strut core sizes?

He is going to keep me posted on his progress, so I will update you all as I find out more information.


FYI - my goal is to raise the front of my 2015 LTZ by 2", preferably with an adjustable front strut/coil assembly. Looking to change out the rear suspension well. Perhaps add 0.5" height in back after the front level, but not sure yet. TOTAL DELETE of the MRC in order to get more off-road capabilities and a better overall ride. I figure better to spend $1500 now and get out of the MRC than spend $1500+ to replace broken MRC front struts in the coming future.

 

[kingwoodlee]

Just sharing my experience for others... seams to be a common issue.

2015 Suburban LTZ (Z95 suspension code) 96,000 miles

So the magnetic struts and shocks were worn out. Front left strut made rattling noise/leaking, right rear shock was frozen stiff. It was riding extremely harsh. Even before it rode too much like a sports car to me and didn't have the plush ride I would expect from a big SUV. I didn't want to replace them all at $300 a piece so started researching options. I also didn't have faith in the new magnetic suspension lasting beyond 40k-50k miles. To me it was too much of a gamble and in the end I'd have a suspension that I probably wouldn't have been happy with.

I researched some options on removing the magnetic system. Found a company that makes simulators for the computer so no codes, etc are thrown. I went with a Magnetic Suspension Delete kit made by X-ineering. http://xineering.com/shocksims.html

It all simply plugs into the factory harness connections for the strut/shocks and then for the ride height/level sensors. I wanted to keep the rear air shocks so I did not bypass the rear ride height/level sensors. I only bypassed the front sensors completely.

Used a quick-strut assembly Monroe 139104 for the front. Put ACDelco 540-1675 air shocks in the rear. Knocked it out over the weekend in the garage.

WOW, what a difference in the ride! Now the Suburban soaks up the bumps MUCH softer and gives more of a "riding on air" feel without sacrificing the handling/control feel either. I don't feel every small bump in the road anymore. We live in the country and usually drive on roads that aren't maintained that well so having a softer riding suspension is important to me. So, if anyone is on the fence about replacing their magnetic system, hopefully this info will help making the decision easier.

I just finished doing the front exactly as you did and have to agree with everything you mentioned.. No the ride is so much better that it has ever been. I did inspect the rears and one is just starting to leak so I watch it and do the same thing you did when I replace them in the future. I also would like to keep my air adjustable rear because I tow a boat.

 

[Adam10532]

Just sharing my experience for others... seams to be a common issue.

2015 Suburban LTZ (Z95 suspension code) 96,000 miles

So the magnetic struts and shocks were worn out. Front left strut made rattling noise/leaking, right rear shock was frozen stiff. It was riding extremely harsh. Even before it rode too much like a sports car to me and didn't have the plush ride I would expect from a big SUV. I didn't want to replace them all at $300 a piece so started researching options. I also didn't have faith in the new magnetic suspension lasting beyond 40k-50k miles. To me it was too much of a gamble and in the end I'd have a suspension that I probably wouldn't have been happy with.

I researched some options on removing the magnetic system. Found a company that makes simulators for the computer so no codes, etc are thrown. I went with a Magnetic Suspension Delete kit made by X-ineering. http://xineering.com/shocksims.html

It all simply plugs into the factory harness connections for the strut/shocks and then for the ride height/level sensors. I wanted to keep the rear air shocks so I did not bypass the rear ride height/level sensors. I only bypassed the front sensors completely.

Used a quick-strut assembly Monroe 139104 for the front. Put ACDelco 540-1675 air shocks in the rear. Knocked it out over the weekend in the garage.

WOW, what a difference in the ride! Now the Suburban soaks up the bumps MUCH softer and gives more of a "riding on air" feel without sacrificing the handling/control feel either. I don't feel every small bump in the road anymore. We live in the country and usually drive on roads that aren't maintained that well so having a softer riding suspension is important to me. So, if anyone is on the fence about replacing their magnetic system, hopefully this info will help making the decision easier.

So you never deleted the air ride in the rear just the front and everything is just fine with your ride now? I

 

[already in use]

...

WOW, what a difference in the ride! Now the Suburban soaks up the bumps MUCH softer and gives more of a "riding on air" feel without sacrificing the handling/control feel either. I don't feel every small bump in the road anymore. We live in the country and usually drive on roads that aren't maintained that well so having a softer riding suspension is important to me. So, if anyone is on the fence about replacing their magnetic system, hopefully this info will help making the decision easier.

I had purchased my 2015 suburban ltz with 70kmiles - now am at 150k (1 1/25 years ago). I have observed a gradual sag of the front suspension. Both front Struts developed leaks, and the ride was never that great -could feel all the bumps - and stiff ride.
I'm usually an OEM fanboy and seldom deviate from factory integration. But this time, I decided to take a leap of faith. I purchased the Quick Struts and the Magnaride Delete 1/2 kit mentioned in the OP's post. I kept the rear magneride/air ride intact

Drum Roll Please

The first thing I observed was a significant increase in the ride hight of the front suspension - I didn't measure before, but I would confidently say at least a 2 inch rise (yes, her front stance was significant).
Next thing I experienced was the 'Service Suspension' warning. Based on the Instructions and FAQ's from Xineering's web site, It could have been due to a previous Ride Hight calibration, but in my case it was not - more on this later.
I took it out for the maiden voyage and WOW - I noticed an immediate improvement - again WOW. I travel some less than smooth roads and a couple of trips across the dreaded Rail Road tracks and couldn't help but smile. This is the same smooth ride I remembered from my '03. - I also had an '07 with magneride and it was OK, but never as smooth as my '03.

So back to the 'Service Suspension' issue. Using a Match Maximus scanner, I had narrowed it down to one of the Strut/shock Bypass modules. I had a DCT C0575, Left Front Shock Absorber Actuator Circuit, High Resistance. I swapped the left and right bypass modules and the problem followed the module - so I have emailed Xineerning (to request warranty replacement). This is a weekend and I do not expect a reply until Monday.

Could I have just hardwired inexpensive resistors in place of the bypass modules - sure, but I like the clean look . I can always go back to magneride - but why?

 

[Oh Kee Pah]

I had purchased my 2015 suburban ltz with 70kmiles - now am at 150k (1 1/25 years ago). I have observed a gradual sag of the front suspension. Both front Struts developed leaks, and the ride was never that great -could feel all the bumps - and stiff ride.

So back to the 'Service Suspension' issue. Using a Match Maximus scanner, I had narrowed it down to one of the Strut/shock Bypass modules. I had a DCT C0575, Left Front Shock Absorber Actuator Circuit, High Resistance. I swapped the left and right bypass modules and the problem followed the module - so I have emailed Xineerning (to request warranty replacement). This is a weekend and I do not expect a reply until Monday.

Could I have just hardwired inexpensive resistors in place of the bypass modules - sure, but I like the clean look . I can always go back to magneride - but why?

So glad you're happy with the new and improved ride quality.
I have spoken with Max (Xineering owner) quite a bit and from my conversations with him it sounds like you DO need the replacement sensor(s). The "Ride Height Trim Procedure" is what should have taken place when installing the sensors. THAT is something Xineering is not 100% clear on. I think this procedure should be run NO MATTER WHAT, because from what I've been seeing folks are experiencing increased ride height with new front struts. (FOX, Monroe, Strutmaster, etc.) The trim procedure "locks in" the new voltages to the computer and hopefully the sensors then won't get too much current and get fried.

I too had to replace 3/8 sensors. My Ride Height Trim Procedure was done at Chevy dealership 2 days after install. 2 days too late it turned out.
Max @ Xineering sent me new sensors and the computer module/cord. I ran the procedure from my laptop in my garage when I installed the 3 NEW sensors Xineering sent me. I had no problems running the module, hooking up to the Tahoe computer and have had ZERO issues since.


Happy Trails!

 

[crazycrew]

Just ordered 2 new Monroe 139104 Struts, 2 new AC 540-1723 rear air shocks , the full xineering kit and module to reset the trims! Gotta fix this crappy ride!

 

[already in use]

overdue update...
My issues have been resolved with the patience and help of xineering - I am a very satisfied customer!

not so funny side story...
I had left my suburban in my pole barn shop overnight, so the next morning I went out to install the bypass kit and when I opened the hood, I heard acorns rolling from the front to the back of the hood. It took about 20 minutes, but I managed to extract the acorns using a long grabber and lots of patience...
In just one evening, those damn field mice managed to place more than a 1/2 cup of acorns up in there .
I set up sticky traps and have collected the culprits - may they Rest In Peace