01 Yukon Z-71 - New shocks & water pump, advice?

[Adventurer_96]

I recently did the water pump on my 96 Tahoe and it worked out well. I'm going to pick up a pump for it at NAPA tomorrow and I'll be doing the work later this week on my 01 Z-71 Yukon. I plan on using gaskets plus blue RTV for sealant on the surfaces.

Any tips on the water pump before doing it? Specifically, an easy way to get the DexCool out?

Also, my shocks are shot and I need new ones. I have access to a full shop where I can do all the work myself (it's an auto hobby shop on an Air Force base) , but I haven't done them before. How hard are they to replace, assuming you have the right tools?

What shocks would you recommend for a Z-71?

I'd hate to pay $90+ per shock to get them installed when it's a mediocre shock.

Thanks...

[L0W121]

Originally Posted by Adventurer_96

I recently did the water pump on my 96 Tahoe and it worked out well. I'm going to pick up a pump for it at NAPA tomorrow and I'll be doing the work later this week on my 01 Z-71 Yukon. I plan on using gaskets plus blue RTV for sealant on the surfaces.

Any tips on the water pump before doing it? Specifically, an easy way to get the DexCool out?

Also, my shocks are shot and I need new ones. I have access to a full shop where I can do all the work myself (it's an auto hobby shop on an Air Force base) , but I haven't done them before. How hard are they to replace, assuming you have the right tools?

What shocks would you recommend for a Z-71?

I'd hate to pay $90+ per shock to get them installed when it's a mediocre shock.

Thanks...

Hi GMC owner ... I work atta local GMC dealer here in so cal ... done tons of waterpumps ... Dont use any silicone sealer though ... the gaskets are o-ring embosed ... they require no selaer ... although I Like to glue em to the pump with some tacky spray (rubber cement) and I clean the surface of the block with a 3m pad and an angled die grinder... can do the job inna half hour ;0)

[Adventurer_96]

Originally Posted by L0W121

...Dont use any silicone sealer though ... the gaskets are o-ring embosed ... they require no selaer ...

Good words, thanks. I'm picking up a pump tomorrow at NAPA. We'll see what they try to sell me for shocks.

[Adventurer_96]

The water pump went well, except that draining the coolant is a pain in the neck - DexCool everywhere. Good thing it was in a shop.

It was the gaskets on my pump - they were leaking. I went ahead and replaced the pump anyway while I was working on it.

Any ideas for shocks for the Z71? The dealership wanted $599 a piece for rear shocks...

[Adventurer_96]

I went with Bilsteins from Shock Warehouse. They went in very easily, although the front was a little different than the OEM hardware that was on the truck.

The ride is better.

[djmann02]

Was your Yukon equipped with the self leveling shocks? I assume it was when you quoted the price because that is what the GM dealership also quoted me? Did you replace all 4 shocks or just the rear?

[Adventurer_96]

I don't have the self-leveling shocks, that price was for self leveling as I recall.

I replaced all four for a lot less money with the Bilsteins and I am happy.