Load Leveling shocks (Nivomat) info...

[351Freak]

Didn't know exactly where to put this...a "suspension" category would be nice...

I've posted this link in a couple of other threads regarding the Nivomats, but here it is again for anyone who's missed it...

http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/pdf/nivomat.pdf

This does a good job of describing how the Nivomats work. Don't worry about the fact that it's on a Caddy site, it's written by ZF Sachs and applies to all of the Nivomats (they make specific models for each line of vehicle - part of the reason that they're so expensive).

[QK-R-N-U]

Very informative. Thanks for the post.

[PaulFix]

thanks for the post, interesting reading. My Mag has them and I used to have a BMW motorcycle in the UK that had a nivomat shock on the rear end, worked great and kept the headlight well aimed.

[voltmfg]

Does the load leveling in the tow prep option include the Nivomat shock?

[Scott]

Yes.

[NAS T MAG]

And I have a set with springs for sale. Make me an offer.

[t walgamuth]

so will they fit my 95 sxt 3.5 AWD? and you just bolt them on? no wiring, controls or external pumps needed?

cool.

i have had benze wagon with the leveling system. it is great on them but very complicated compared to this.

tom w

[Praetorian]

so will they fit my 95 sxt 3.5 AWD? and you just bolt them on? no wiring, controls or external pumps needed?

cool.

i have had benze wagon with the leveling system. it is great on them but very complicated compared to this.

tom w

I'm thinking you meant an ')% SXT, no?

[Vaderwagon]

you just bolt them on? no wiring, controls or external pumps needed?

Nivomats are all internal action. So, no wires, pumps or controls. It is amazing that they will always seek the correct level no matter what the load. That is why they do not work with lowering springs.

[t walgamuth]

I'm thinking you meant an ')% SXT, no?

oh yeah. it is an 05.

tom w

[jg]

so will they fit my 95 sxt 3.5 AWD? and you just bolt them on? no wiring, controls or external pumps needed?

cool.

i have had benze wagon with the leveling system. it is great on them but very complicated compared to this.

tom w

AWD vs. RWD = 1" different ride height. If you're thinking of using the RWD stuff on a AWD, I think you'd have to install the RWD susp. (springs/struts/shocks) from all four corners. If you only use the RWD Nivomats(rear shocks only) on your AWD car, the AWD springs will be fighting the Nivomats as they're tuned to sit at a specific height and spring rate. This is why you can't use the Nivomats with stiffer lowering springs(Eibach, etc.).

[Hemi31]

AWD vs. RWD = 1" different ride height. If you're thinking of using the RWD stuff on a AWD, I think you'd have to install the RWD susp. (springs/struts/shocks) from all four corners. If you only use the RWD Nivomats(rear shocks only) on your AWD car, the AWD springs will be fighting the Nivomats as they're tuned to sit at a specific height and spring rate. This is why you can't use the Nivomats with stiffer lowering springs(Eibach, etc.).

The RWD part # and the AWD part # are the same as far as I have seen.The rear height is the same between the RWD and AWD.It's the front that is higher on the AWD.....and on my AWD the front is a hair higher than the rear.

[Tbird100636]

The RWD part # and the AWD part # are the same as far as I have seen.The rear height is the same between the RWD and AWD.It's the front that is higher on the AWD.....and on my AWD the front is a hair higher than the rear.

Um..no. The rear ride height is raised also. Just look at the rear of a RWD and AWD next to each other and you will notice the difference. The suspension parts in the rear are mostly the same except for the springs and shocks which are uniquely tuned for AWD, the knuckles, the camber links, the sway bar, the halfshafts, but the main thing that changes the rear ride height is the factory spacer washers in between the rear suspension craddle and the underbody.

[NVRDUN]

Has anyone actually lowered with the nivomats? After skimming throught the document I came across some interesting things about lowering with Nivomats:

A further advantage of the Nivomat-suspended axle results from the possibility to
decrease the overall spring travel while still obtaining the same or even a larger
dynamic spring travel (

Fig. 4). This is often used especially in lowered vehicles.

[Hal'sMag]

I got the tow package springs and shocks from dupie 24 and we put the shocks on my 06 RWD. Got an inch to 1.5 increase on the rear.

Works well, and I'll fill the wheel well gap with larger tires, maybe 65 or 70 series. The SC will adust for the difference.

Loaded a ton of stuff for a charity thing, and the heigth stayed the same.

I'd suggest going with stock shocks, or kit, if lowering.