So I have a few questions in regards to swapping out the shocks on my truck. It's a completely stock truck with 184,xxx miles currently on it. It's a 2003 Yukon SLT, 4 door, 2 wheel drive with the ZW7 Premium Auto Leveling Suspension.

I've done a lot of research on the Novimat rear suspension. I intend to simply replace the front shocks with some Bilstein HD 4600 series shocks. With those on the front, I don't anticipate any issues, however, from my understanding, the rear isn't so easily done. I too, intend to use a set of Bilstein HD 4600 series shocks on the rear to eliminate the Novimat system. From the research I've done it says that the rear springs need to be replaced with the Bilstein correct replacement (199021) to completely eliminate the Novimat system from the truck. I've also noted that some research has found that the Bilstein spring is a stock replacement for the Z71 package rear spring.

If so, am I able to just pull the springs from a Z71 at the local parts yard? Is there a difference in the rear Z71 springs between the Silverado, Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban, and Avalanche trucks? Am I better off using the Bilstein springs or are a pair of factory built Z71 springs better for reliability, fitment, and appearance? I apologize for such a lengthy explanation and so many questions but my truck has been good to me for 11 years and I want something that truly performs and is reputable and reliable.

Thanks.

 

Have you checked with Arnott Industries? They have a couple of options for your Yukon.

 

I have in fact, looked at their website. It seems as though their only offerings are for air suspension components. I don't have the Z55 air ride system and I don't want to convert to one. The only traditional shock/spring kit they offer also includes the connections and wiring to eliminate the dash panel illuminations from the missing air ride equipment after install. I can individually buy all the parts necessary for a lower price than their quality package. Unless of course, I'm over looking something on their site and I may very we'll be doing so.

Either way, thank you for the suggestion, I truly appreciate it.

 

My understanding of the ZW7 system was that the rear shocks were the entire component of the self-leveling system. You could get away with just replacing the shocks and putting some air bags in the rear coils to give them a boost.

Alternatively, call Arnott and ask them to sell you the coils springs individually. I don't remember exactly what they cost but I think a pair was roughly $95.