Hello,
So after a few months with our 2005 Yukon SLT (142k mi), I want to fix the handling/steering issue I knew it had when I bought it before winter. The mechanic that did the pre-purchase inspection pointed out the shocks were original and there is some minor play in the pittman arm and one of the tie-rod ends. Ball joints are tight, everything else seems pretty good for the miles. He actually was shocked that there wasn't more steering slack with the 20's that are on it. However, if the road is rough, it can wander and jostle you quite a bit and jumps around on rutted pavement. I thought it was all the steering. (I know its a truck, but its excessive!) After reading around here though, i'm wondering if the fancy shocks are the bigger culprit.
I was going to replace the shocks first and I discovered after reading here and checking codes that we have the ZW7 smooth ride supsension and G65 self leveling rear shocks. At 142,000 miles those are probably shot and playing more to the ride issues than the slightly loose steering im thinking. I'm shocked out how expensive they are!! I figured we dodged the bullet avoiding the autoride when we bought it.
We have a limited budget so i'm trying to decide what to attack first. the absolute best price i can find is front and rear AC-Delco replacement shocks for about $750 on amazon and I'll change them out myself. My other option seems to be to swap the rear springs and go to the stock ACDelco "Z66" shocks for around $400. Since the play in the front seems to be not that bad, it would be great if I can wait till next spring maybe to redo the steering components.
So my questions are....
Did replacing the nivomat/expensive rear shocks make a massive difference to you that have done that? what were the symptoms you guys experienced with bad shocks? the rear of our yukon doesn't really sag or anything, but you can feel some side to side rocking motions and some cycling of the suspension. Some of it could be due to the big wheels and tires driving the truck some.
If I go the swap out the springs and shocks for basic ones route, how much does that that affect the ride? Is it that big of a difference? I dont' like the idea of downgrading the suspension.
We plan on driving this around for 4-5 years/50k miles until we can save up for a newer one. so that plays into my decision also.
Thoughts?
So after a few months with our 2005 Yukon SLT (142k mi), I want to fix the handling/steering issue I knew it had when I bought it before winter. The mechanic that did the pre-purchase inspection pointed out the shocks were original and there is some minor play in the pittman arm and one of the tie-rod ends. Ball joints are tight, everything else seems pretty good for the miles. He actually was shocked that there wasn't more steering slack with the 20's that are on it. However, if the road is rough, it can wander and jostle you quite a bit and jumps around on rutted pavement. I thought it was all the steering. (I know its a truck, but its excessive!) After reading around here though, i'm wondering if the fancy shocks are the bigger culprit.
I was going to replace the shocks first and I discovered after reading here and checking codes that we have the ZW7 smooth ride supsension and G65 self leveling rear shocks. At 142,000 miles those are probably shot and playing more to the ride issues than the slightly loose steering im thinking. I'm shocked out how expensive they are!! I figured we dodged the bullet avoiding the autoride when we bought it.
We have a limited budget so i'm trying to decide what to attack first. the absolute best price i can find is front and rear AC-Delco replacement shocks for about $750 on amazon and I'll change them out myself. My other option seems to be to swap the rear springs and go to the stock ACDelco "Z66" shocks for around $400. Since the play in the front seems to be not that bad, it would be great if I can wait till next spring maybe to redo the steering components.
So my questions are....
Did replacing the nivomat/expensive rear shocks make a massive difference to you that have done that? what were the symptoms you guys experienced with bad shocks? the rear of our yukon doesn't really sag or anything, but you can feel some side to side rocking motions and some cycling of the suspension. Some of it could be due to the big wheels and tires driving the truck some.
If I go the swap out the springs and shocks for basic ones route, how much does that that affect the ride? Is it that big of a difference? I dont' like the idea of downgrading the suspension.
We plan on driving this around for 4-5 years/50k miles until we can save up for a newer one. so that plays into my decision also.
Thoughts?
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