Help with ZW7 Nivomat conversion

[Captain Insaino]

Hi, I have read until my eyes bled. I understand that the standard conversion pre- 2015 has been to swap the rear springs with the Bilstein #199021 springs or Z71 springs (Moog# 81069) to run Bilstein 5100 shocks in the rear. I have already done the fronts.

Here's where it gets confusing.

I spoke to Bilstein Tech support and they no longer sell the springs for 2015 up models and confirmed the rear would sag without a spring replacement. All of my search results for bilstein and Z71 springs come back with pre 2015 info. Isn't a ZW7 a ZW7? I know they should fit, but looking for confirmation before I pull the trigger.

I have also read that the Z71 springs are a different spring rate and will be stiffer with possibly a different ride height? I would ultimately like a 1" net lift via spacer or spring to compensate for the leveling. I could deal with a stiffer spring if that's my only option.

Can anyone with a late model Z71 confirm they have regular shocks?

I'm not opposed to pulling the shocks, letting down the jack and measuring then compensating with spacers if need be, but hoping someone already knows the answer.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bigdog9191999]

not sure on the newer model but i had to replace some things on my tahoe ( 03, that was wrecked when i got it) and i used the z71 avalanche springs from my truck ( used it as a parts truck) and it sat quite a bit higher in the rear than stock did, i even cranked the front a bit and it is still a bit raked. all the information i found said it should be the "same" but it was not. now the ride and such is fine and it handles and drives great, just sits a little high. but this is a $1,000 beater truck for me so i have no issue with it. hope you dont have the same issue.

 

[GreyStone]

is there an rpo for Nivomats?

 

[Fless]

is there an rpo for Nivomats?

Not sure on the newer rigs, but on the NBS it's G65.
https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/thr...-at-highway-speeds.119582/page-3#post-1464782

 

[GreyStone]

Not sure on the newer rigs, but on the NBS it's G65.
https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/thr...-at-highway-speeds.119582/page-3#post-1464782

I'll have to check mine - I have ZW7 but none of those G codes. - Does this look like a Nivomat?

 

[Fless]

View attachment 252159
I'll have to check mine - I have ZW7 but none of those G codes. - Does this look like a Nivomat?

Hard to tell -- can you get any numbers from the label and do a search? Could also be other numbers stamped into the steel.

 

[trailblazer]

I thought legit Sachs Nivomat’s were only on the GMT800’s. I’m surprised they didn’t keep them for the GMT900’s. I have spent hours of research on this and gave up just buying fresh blue OEM shocks (after dumping $100+ on Monroe air shocks that leak). I’d do the air shocks if and only if you install an Air Lift 25804 kit or alike (another $110+) so you can pump them back up every time you drive. I localized the leaks to the actual rubber bags on the shocks themselves.

 

[Captain Insaino]

Thanks for the replies. I have the ZW7 code. What the hell? Now I don’t even know what the hell I have.

 

[Captain Insaino]

I am guessing they are nivomats. Still not positive

**EDIT** crap, maybe not. When I search that part number the shocks are way too cheap to be anything but a regular shock. Maybe that’s why Bilstein doesn’t offer the springs anymore. If so, it wouldn’t be the first time I chased my tail.
maybe I am going to get off cheap.

**update**
Yep, it appears premium smooth ride is just regular shocks all the way around. Got myself worked up for nothing. I appreciate all of your help. Time to buy the Bilsteins and spacers.

 

[GreyStone]

from what I have been reading - on the newer trucks if you do not specifically have the G65 rpo - then the ZW7 comes with standard ac delco regular shocks.....I think that is what the Captain and I have.