Front Shocks Opinion 2WD ZW7

[treehan77]

2005 Yukon 2WD w/ ZW7 Premium Smooth Ride. I am leaning toward replacing my rear shocks with the stock shocks (AC DELCO 580-354) because I don't want to mess with springs etc and like the self leveling etc etc. What i haven't found on here is: What is the recommended FRONT shock for to go with the stock Nivomats in the rear?

1) KYB KG5040 (I would use KYB SR2003 instead of AC DELCO for rear then too)
2) Bilstein 4600
3) Bilstein 5100

I know lots use the Bilstein 5100 but I don't want stiff and i don't offroad etc. If anyone wants, they can try to persuade me into not using the Nivomats in the rear and switching everything to Bilsteins i suppose- but which ones ahha
Thanks for the comments/suggestions as always.

EDIT: All shocks linked to Amazon

 

[MadDogDelpho]

If you get anything other than a Nivomat-style replacement, you NEED to get replacement springs as well. I didn't, and my ride is much worse.

 

[treehan77]

I said that. I'm asking about the FRONT shocks

 

[MadDogDelpho]

Yeah, I saw that. You said if you were gonna use the KYB shocks you'd use them in the BACK too. Meaning you'd need new rear springs. I'm just trying to help, man.

 

[treehan77]

Yeah, I saw that. You said if you were gonna use the KYB shocks you'd use them in the BACK too. Meaning you'd need new rear springs. I'm just trying to help, man.

The KYB ones for the back are NIVOMAT type, so no springs needed. They are like $250 each

 

[Tonyrodz]

If you get anything other than a Nivomat-style replacement, you NEED to get replacement springs as well. I didn't, and my ride is much worse.

Does it sway side to side in the rear? Mine does now and it sux! I also have the zw7 and put kyb's on.

 

[MadDogDelpho]

Does it sway side to side in the rear? Mine does now and it sux! I also have the zw7 and put kyb's on.

Yeah, like on big bumps it almost feels like when my Nivomats went out, because the springs are weaker.

 

[Tonyrodz]

That sux. I checked lca bushings and they're good. Guess I have to do rear springs. Did you?

 

[MadDogDelpho]

I need to, haven't had the chance. Maybe at spring break I can. Luckily I'm mostly doing in town driving around 40 mph. But big bumps at 80 on the highway can get scary. I know they're a little stiffer, but the Z71 replacement springs are only like $60 on amazon. I haven't looked at any of the other rear spring options, for a smoother ride on a 2wd.

 

[MadDogDelpho]

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/nivomat-shock-replacement-input-needed.48042/page-3
Here's a pretty good thread on the matter. So to the original question, no I don't think there are any specific FRONT shocks that you need when upgrading the rear, but you've gotta be careful with the rear shocks because of the spring rate with the stock springs. If you can get a good nivomat replacement for pretty inexpensive I'd say go for it since you're 2wd. A lot of guys in this thread found some "lightly used" ones on ebay for decent prices.