Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get the OBD/SS or the Multi-Piece kit?
Majority of our customers go with our OBD/SS Module. It is one plug and does not require a Trim Procedure or Scan Tool. The OBD/SS Module is easier to install and lives inside the vehicle.
The OBD/SS even works with lifted or lowered vehicles when Ride Height Simulators are installed.
What is The ShockSims® OBD/SS?
The OBD/SS Module is our most popular product. It provides a plug-n-play solution for replacing stock magnetic (FE4 - F55 - Z95) suspension on the latest generation of GM vehicles.
The module lives on the OBD2 port communicating ONLY with the Suspension Control Module (SCM)
The Module then manages the behavior of your vehicle's SCM so no speed limiter or service suspension messages will be present.
Where do I plug in the OBD/SS Module?
The module plugs into the OBD2 port
NOTE: OBD/SS CARBON (2021+ SUV Magneride) bypass will source their 12V power elsewhere, Example SUVs passenger side fuse panel.
Will this product drain my battery?
No it will not.
The OBD/SS turns off 5 seconds after it stops seeing traffic on the CANbus.
NOTE: OBD/SS CARBON (2021+ SUV Magneride) uses 12V accessory/ignition power - the module will turn on/off with the vehicle.
Does it have to stay plugged in?
Yes. The OBD/SS must stay plugged in to bypass your magneride.
What if I want two things on my OBD2 port?
We offer a OBD2 Port Pass-thru Cable that will allow you to run another device.
Does the OBD/SS require a Ride Height Trim procedure?
The OBD/SS does not require a trim procedure! No Scan tool needed.
OBD/SS uses the OE ride height sensors, leave those plugged in and your stock ride height calibration will be read by the OBD/SS.
If you are removing the stock ride height sensors because of a lift or lowering kit, we offer ride height simulators.
Please note: Multi-Piece Kits may require a Ride Height Trim Procedure
If I only replace my front struts will my rear struts continue to work?
Yes they will. All previously working components that are still on the vehicle will continue to work.
OBD/SS is intuitive enough to pick up on exactly what is missing, and bypass it.
What if I want to keep the Auto Level in the rear?
This applies to 2015 and up Suburban LTZ - Tahoe LTZ - Yukon XL Denali - Yukon Denali with RPO Z95 AND RPO Z85.
If you want to keep keep the Auto Level Functionality, you would use our OBD/SS Module and replace the Rear Shocks with non magnetic AIR Shocks.
With our OBD/SS Installed and Air Shocks in the rear the Auto level will function as normal.
If you do not want to keep the Auto Level Functionality you would use our OBD/SS Module and replace the Rear Shocks with conventional shocks and follow our video on how to bypass the Auto Level.
Air Bypass
Click below for a list of recommended shocks
What are ShockSims® Multi-Piece Kits and how do they work?
Provides a plug-n-play solution for replacing stock magnetic (FE4 - F55 - Z95) suspension on the latest generation of GM vehicles.
The shock and ride height simulators work together at each corner of the vehicle so the SCM (Suspension Control Module) believes the ride height is stable/stock and the shocks are connected.
Our shock simulators and bypass systems utilize OEM connectors and a rugged design approved for automotive applications.
They have been tested in the most extreme vehicle environments.
Replace OEM with any non-magnetic shock/strut assembly or coil over.
Most of our Truck/SUV customers prefer the ease of installation of a fully assembled quick strut.
Example: Monroe 139104, Rancho RS Series, Fox 2.0/2.5, etc.
We can help you with suggesting replacement struts and shocks.
Not familiar with the terminology, I need a quick rundown.
'Strut' and 'Shock' will be used interchangeably.
Front Shocks are coil-over strut assemblies.
Rear shocks are shocks.
Half Kit - 2 Shock simulators, 2 RHS Simulators
Full Kit - 4 Shock simulators, 4 RHS Simulators
AutoLevel Kit - 4 Shock simulators, 2 RHS Simulators (front)
RHS - Ride Height Sensor
SCM - Suspension Control Module
RPO Z95 Suspension Package, Magnetic Ride Control - Magneride
What is controlling the ShockSims and how does it work?
The SCM or Suspension Control Module is in control.
The suspension control module (SCM) commands variable levels of current to each shock absorber actuator in response to rough road, braking or abrupt steering maneuver driving conditions.
The current variation is performed by pulse width modulation (PWM) of the system voltage. The SCM continuously measures the actual current of each actuator.
When a deviation between commanded and actual current is detected, a DTC is set.
The SCM provides current to the shocks via 2 term connector the terminals for each shock are labeled:
Strut Motor Decrease Damping Control
Strut Motor Increase Damping Control
The electronic suspension control system, individually controls the damping force of each of the four shock absorbers in order to keep the vehicle's body as calm as possible.
Changes of the damping forces can be accomplished within milliseconds. Suspension characteristics can be changed at any time by
activating the driver control mode. The electronic suspension control system consists of the following major components:
-Suspension control module (connected to 3 CAN busses)
-Four corner position sensors
-Four magnetorheological shock absorber actuators or struts
-Driver mode control switch
The SCM controls the damping forces according to the following factors:
-Vehicle speed
-Steering wheel position
-Engine torque
-Brake pressure
The SCM evaluates these inputs in order to separately control the shock absorbers, providing an enhanced ride and comfort level over the widest possible range of operating conditions.
How much is a kit?
OBD/SS: $335 Shipped. Includes 1 OBD/SS unit and will bypass any missing magneride strut
The easiest solution.
Full Kit: $435 Shipped
Includes- 4 Shock Simulators and 4 Ride Height Sensor simulators
Half Kit: $260 Shipped
Includes- 2 Shock Simulators and 2 Ride Height Sensor simulators
(Truck/SUVs: Bypass front OR rear only)
Will my kit come with a warranty?
Absolutely. 1 year warranty comes with the kit purchase.
International: Local duties/taxes.
Any local taxes and/or duties will need to be paid for by the receiver.
What is the Ride Height Sensor Trim Procedure?
It is a function used by the GM Dealerships scan tool to re-calibrate the suspension control module for any
changes in ride height or ride height sensors to set the 'zero' ride height position of the
vehicle.
It reads the ride height sensor voltages, stores them in memory, and sets them as the normal ride height position.
The Suspension Control Module (SCM) is calibrated from the factory for its stock ride
based on the ride height sensor voltages. This is the stock 'zero' suspension travel
position for the magneride system.
As the vehicle drives (moves up/down, side to side) an algorithm determines how much
electrical current (mA) to send to each magneride shock in order to maintain a smooth
ride. The amount of current sent to a shock is proportional to how hard or soft the control
module wants the shock to dampen.
If the ride height of the vehicle changes, due to a shock or spring replacement
OR If any ride height sensors have been replaced
A ride height trim calibration procedure is necessary, to re-zero the system.
Why would I need a Ride Height Sensor Trim Procedure?
OBD/SS Modules do not require a Ride Height Trim Procedure
- See our Multipiece Instruction Sheet
- Sierra Denali - 100% REQUIRED If you are installing our Half or Full multipiece bypass kits.
- It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED on ALL other vehicles getting our multipiece kit installed.
It can be performed with our loaner scan tool, most aftermarket tablet scanners, or an OEM Tool
- Also, IF you have ever had a leveling kit (OR ride height sensor) installed at a dealer or shop, a Ride Height Trim Procedure was likely performed, therefore the values in your SCM are probably NOT STOCK.
If the new RHS simulator voltage is drastically different than the value stored in the SCM, then the SCM will send more current(mA) to that shock because it thinks it needs to be adjusted.
Setting the new normal ride height is needed to limit the amount of electrical current being sent to the shocks (OR shock simulators) during driving.
This will ensure longevity of the bypass kit AND improve the response of any remaining magneride shocks on your vehicle.
Which RPO Codes - Model(Years) are compatible?
Z95 - GMC Sierra Yukon YukonXL Denali Tahoe Suburban Escalade(2015-2018) Magneride
F55 - Cadillac ATS (2013-2018) Magnetic Ride Control
F55 - Cadillac CTS (2014-2018) Magnetic Ride Control
FE4 - Corvette Z51/Z06 (2014-2018) Magnetic Selective Ride Control
F55 - Camaro (SS, ZL1, Z/28) (2012-2018)* Magnetic Ride Control.
What struts/shocks are on my vehicle?
RPO Z95 SUVs (Suburban LTZ, YukonXL Denali, Tahoe LTZ, Yukon Denali)
-Front: 2 Magneride Struts
-Rear: 2 Magneride Air (Auto-Level) Shocks (see picture)
RPO Z95 Trucks (GMC Sierra Denali)
-Front: 2 Magneride Struts
-Rear: 2 Magneride Shocks
What are the dimensions of the ShockSims?
Shock Simulator Dimension: 2.5" x 1.0" x 0.8"
Ride Height Simulator Dimension: 1.8" x 1.0" x 0.7"
0.5 oz (each)
How long does it take to install a kit?
It is a plug and play system taking around 2 hours to install.
Where are my shock and ride height sensors located?
Why can't I just buy the non-magnetic strut and put it in my Z95 strut assembly?
Unfortunately, NONE of the hardware (upper strut mount, spring seat, cir clip washer, etc) on the magnetic struts can be swapped over to a non-magnetic (Bilstein 5100, Rancho RST, Any AC Delco) strut due to differences in shaft diameters. We have tried them all.
A little more detail in this post here.
What if I have Auto Level in the rear?
This applies to 2015 and up Suburban LTZ - Tahoe LTZ - Yukon XL Denali - Yukon Denali with RPO Z95 AND RPO Z85.
Do you want to keep the auto level functionality?
NO -
Full Kit
Install our Full Kit and replace all four magneride shocks with conventional shocks.
YES -
Option 1: - Half Kit
If your OEM rear magnetic air shocks are in good shape and functional, leave them installed on the truck/SUV. Install our half kit up front with your choice of new conventional struts. The rear auto level will function as normal.
Option 2: Auto-level Kit
If you wanted to remove your rear magnetic shocks AND retain auto-level in the rear you would install our Full Kit along with the AC Delco 540-1675 (non magnetic Air shock) and NOT install the rear ride height sensors simulators on the rear.
We can do this on the rears since they don't see nearly as much current has the front struts.
Why does it come with 2 modules on each corner?
The ride height sensor (RHS) simulators work together with the shock simulators as a set.
At each corner of the truck there is a magneride shock and a ride height sensor.
The RHS tells the SCM (Suspension Control Module) how much current to apply to the magnetic shock to respond to changes in ride height during driving.
If you only install the shock simulators the ride height sensors won't be bypassed and the SCM will continue to send current to the shock simulator and cause them to fail/crack/melt.
On top of all that, making it plug and play with OEM connectors so they are rugged and removable is something our customers have told us is an option they are willing to pay for.
Recommended shock/strut replacement options for 2015+ Trucks/SUVs
Most of our SUV customers that need front struts go with a pair of
Monroe Shocks & Struts Quick-Strut 139104 Strut and Coil Spring Assembly
and our OBD/SS
Compatible with Tahoe/Suburban LTZ, Yukon/Yukon XL Denali, Escalade.
Including factory 22" wheels
Other Helpful part numbers and links:
-Monroe Part Numbers:
Rear Shock: 911506 (non-magnetic, WITHOUT auto level air)
2015 and up Sierra Denali:
Front (4WD): 239112
or
Front (2WD): 139112
-AC Delco rear shocks:
Non-magnetic Auto Level Rear options
(non-magnetic, WITH auto level air)
540-1675 (GM Part#: 23276087) (2015 ONLY Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, YukonXL)
540-1723 (GM Part#: 84082046) (2016-2020 Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, YukonXL, Escalade, & ESV)
-Fox Part Numbers:
2015 and up Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, YukonXL, Escalade and Sierra
Front Coilover: 985-02-018
Rear shocks: 980-24-660
Be sure to double check part number compatibility with your year and model or give us a call.
Do you plan on towing with your (Tahoe/Suburban) or (Yukon/YukonXL)?
If yes, then retaining the air-ride suspension in the rear would be the best option.
If no, you can replace the rears with non magnetic non air shocks for about $50 each.
Monroe 911506.
Check out our 2015 Tahoe LTZ with factory 22" wheels has Monroe 139104 struts up front and Monroe 911506 shocks in the rear.
Will the ShockSims last?
Yes! All of our products are manufactured with OEM approved TE Connectivity MCON hardware,
Encapsulated in thermo-conductive epoxy
Solvent and acid Resistant, for harsh environment.
Every unit is end-of-line tested and
made in the USA.
Caveats
There are still scenarios where the SCM slams our shock simulators with current and causes them to fail.
When a ride height sensor has been replaced at the dealer, and a Ride Height Trim Procedure is performed which zeros out the stored values in the SCM for static ride height.
If the new RHS voltage is drastically different than the original one (what our simulators send) then the SCM sends current to that shock because it thinks it needs to be adjusted.
We rarely run into this, if we do we send a scan tool to the customer with a new kit and perform the ride height trim procedure after installing the RHS sims and before installing the shock sims.
Disabling F55 (Real-Time Dampening/Magneride) on a 2003 to 2013 Corvettes with Tech2.
No external sim modules are needed, you simply remove the RPO code from the BCM (Body Control Module) programming.
You will need a Tech2 style scan tool to perform the following procedure of removing the F55 RPO code from the BCM.
Check out this tutorial link -> C6 Corvette BCM Tech 2 Reprogramming - F55 Delete
Bypassing Z55 "Pre-2015" Magneride
The Z55 bypass method we suggest uses 50W 6ohm Load Resistors - Amazon Link
These will solder inline to the 2 wire shock harness.
Then ziptie your height position sensors to their stock position.
Holding the height position steady will limit the amount of electrical current that makes it's way to the 50W 6ohm Load Resistors
This will provide you with a quick and easy way to bypass your 2008-2014 magneride, in just a couple hours!
U0073 Code on your ECM / ECU ?
Information Coming Soon!
