I know this is a common thread, but let me re-ask it. I have a 2004 Suburban LT 4x4 that is new to me with 103,000 miles. The car feels a little mushy and I have no indication that the original shocks have ever been replaced, so I知 thinking I値l replace them. The car will see mostly light use, except to tow a #3000 trailer on vacations.

The car has the Nivomat Premium Ride shocks (ZW7) on the rear and I知 aware they are crazy, stupid expensive. I know that there is an option to replace them Bilstein shocks, along with a new coil spring. So, a few questions:

1. Has anyone done this and what were the results?


2. If cost was NOT an issue, which option would you take? Are the Nivomat shocks really that much better?


3. I have found Monroe Nivomat shocks cheaper than the GMs. Anyone have any experience with them? Would it be a problem to have Monroes on the back and Bilsteins on the front?


4. Finally, is there anything else I should be thinking about?
Thanks!!!

 

I replaced the ZW7 shocks on my Burb a few years ago. I chose to stay with the self-leveling shocks. I can't find the order in my email, but I seem to recall I paid ~$275 a piece for them. Not sure if they were the Monroe 40209 or another brand.

If you tow, then yes, the shocks are awesome. I used to pull a 6,000-lb trailer with my 01, and the ride height was always the same, with no sacrifice in ride quality.

Yes, you can switch to conventional shocks if you replace the springs too, but I wanted to stay with the self-leveling.

Here's my old rig - notice she's sitting perfectly level, even with ~900 lbs of tongue weight.

 

idk about nivomat shocks but $275/corner is crazy. i thought $200 a corner for the z55 was crazy. i have bilsteins on my tundra. great ride quality bar none! don't think you can go wrong with bilstein. especially if it's less expensive and you do the work yourself. also the manufacturer usually produces and sells to other brands where they in turn just label them. for instance monroe might make them and resell to gm with a different label and they hike the price to turn a profit. having different brands would not be an issue depending on quality, but it's like having different tires. i know it's kinda silly but i like having all the same

 

About how many miles do you have on the new Monroes? I can suck down the price if I can get 50-60,000 miles out of them. If these shocks won't last, I'd rather do the coil spring switch.

Thanks!!!

 

Originals lasted ~130k. I've got 50K on the replacements, and still going strong.

 

Sorry to sound like an jerk, but yes, I agree, you don't know about Nivomat shocks. They're not just standard shocks, and they're not some trendy, cool-sounding shock that provides nothing but bounce dampening.

They're a unique product - truly self-leveling shocks, and a necessary component (THE key component) of the ZW7 premium smooth-ride suspension.

How many times have you seen a vehicle towing a big trailer, and the rear suspension is squatted down right onto the axle and/or bump stops, and the guy's headlights are lighting up the trees? I could drop a 2000-lb tongue onto my Burb and it won't squat one inch. Yet it will still have a smooth, soft ride, loaded or empty. Try that with your Toy with your Bilsteins and let me know how that works out for you.

 

No offense taken. I never mind learning new things. I have yet to tow with my toy. But I have dropped heavy payloads in the bed. And yes it squats somewhat. But not to the point of my headlights lighting the trees. It's as if it levels itself out. Also just finished reading up on nivomat. Pretty fancy stuff. A lot of componentry involved. So I can understand the price. Didn't think they would be that involved. Since that's the case and you feel strongly about them and they are the original equipment on the vehicle, go with them.

 

Do you have to replace the zw7 package with the required shock or is there a different way that's a lot cheaper