New shocks

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Fless

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Kyb is definitely known for a stiff ride. I'm considering replacing the KYB KG5040s I have up front as they starting to get really bouncy

My experience was just the opposite. I have the ZW7 Premium Smooth Ride and the KG5040 is the shock that KYB lists for it. My truck rides great, not stiff or hard, not bouncy.
 

swathdiver

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Good info. I don't go off road. all I do is run errands, drive down the freeway and ultimately tow a 4000 lb boat. So essentially, ZW7 will fit this vehicle without and altrerations? No new sprints nor lowering it or raising it?

The only difference between the standard ZW7 without self-leveling shocks and the Z71 are the shocks and length of the jounce bumpers on some models. Nivomats are a further refinement. I have a 2009 with the basic ZW7 and it rides very nicely on the highway with new OE shocks and springs and Michelin Defenders.

ZW7's are some very expensive shocks. WOW!
The front's are $101 each at Rock Auto and the rears are $60 each, the basic ones. So for under $400 you'll be good to go for another 15+ years.
 
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tomloans

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Guys I am again confused. Can I just purchase
The only difference between the standard ZW7 without self-leveling shocks and the Z71 are the shocks and length of the jounce bumpers on some models. Nivomats are a further refinement. I have a 2009 with the basic ZW7 and it rides very nicely on the highway with new OE shocks and springs and Michelin Defenders.


The front's are $101 each at Rock Auto and the rears are $60 each, the basic ones. So for under $400 you'll be good to go for another 15+ years.
Yep ordered the back ones there as they only had one front. Had some some other stuff in the basket as we well so this worked out. Found a reseller on ebay that had the two front ones for $180.00 with free shipping. All set! Thank you!
 

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We're talking NBS here. The ZW7 PSR has Nivomat self-leveling shocks (G65) in the rear, with softer springs. NNBS ZW7 doesn't have the Nivomats.

And the NBS fronts are not necessarily self-leveling; from what I can tell they just have a different damping than Z71 or non-Z71.
 

blueinkd

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My experience was just the opposite. I have the ZW7 Premium Smooth Ride and the KG5040 is the shock that KYB lists for it. My truck rides great, not stiff or hard, not bouncy.
What am I missing here?? You post indicated a diff number for the front?? With the gas adjust unit? Have u had both?? These on my truck right now our bouncy and stiff =(.
 

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What am I missing here?? You post indicated a diff number for the front?? With the gas adjust unit? Have u had both?? These on my truck right now our bouncy and stiff =(.

The OP has a Z71 suspension. I have a ZW7 suspension and they take different shocks. My Premium Smooth Ride (ZW7) suspension calls for the KG5040 shock up front. Unless he has the Z55 suspension, his would take the KG54327 shock.

Capture1.jpg
 

MassHoe04

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Are these Bilsteins original to my 04 Z71 or were they an older upgrade?
They look like they might be original. They have good patina...

With the Z71 suspension, these ride beautifully and work great for however old they are. Bumps, railroad crossings, rough roads and highway... Handles all of it with a very confident, solid but smooth ride. My This is easily one of THE MOST comfortable riding vehicles I have ever owned! The comfy seating makes this a great road tripper... My Tahoe has over 211k miles.

20221030_225457.jpg
 
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tomloans

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Someone's website is not accurate. Z71s use Rancho shocks and they are white or red in color on your truck.

If you want factory ZW7 shocks you have two options for the rear, 88983818/560-217 or the self-leveling 12476113/580-354

Front OE struts would be 12477659/540-184.
So the reality was for my Z71 package the correct shocks were 15770188 540-67 and 15770189 540-68 (the red and black ones). This is what came on the vehicle. I did purchase the ones you mentioned above and definitely they take the sharp edge off but I am not sure if they are stable enough for this vehicle. I am going to give it a little more time and see what the results will be like.
 
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