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Truxx Lift with Self Leveling Shocks

It’s called the magneson moss warranty act. Feel free to google it. Not trying to start an argument bro, just trying to help the community get the right info to make the best decision for themselves. It specifically protects consumers from dealers denying warranty for aftermarket parts. All you had to do was ask
 
It’s called the magneson moss warranty act. Feel free to google it. Not trying to start an argument bro, just trying to help the community get the right info to make the best decision for themselves. It specifically protects consumers from dealers denying warranty for aftermarket parts. All you had to do was as
Was thinking you had something else, sorry about the gruff. Magneson moss is old(because technology) and dealerships can get around it if they want.
 
If Kia would come out with their SEMA a prototype or even offer an approved dealer lift that would get rid of the headaches. In the next 2 years I will be looking at the Telluride or 4runner....if they could “wilderness“ the Telluride it would be a simple decision...IMHO.
 
Wow, wish I had waited to get my Truxxx install done (last fall) to see how this all had evolved. I'm sitting in my "relatively" local Kia dealer (I25, in CO), as they just informed me that due to the extended post-install stress on the rear self-adjusting shocks, I'm going to need to replace both shocks for ~$2,000.

Since I'm not as auto-mechanically inclined as others in here, I took my Telly to a local tire dealer (Louisville Tire, not Schwab) to have the lift done, along w/ the print out of the detailed installation instructions (and clear verbal direction to do the install according to the instructions), and have to rely/hope that they did the install according to the instructions.

At this point, I'll try working w/ Truxxx to see what the latest is, but would certainly recommend to others w/ the self-leveling Telly to hold off getting the lift installed until there's more clarity on how to ensure there isn't undue stress put on the self-leveling suspensions. Throwing another $2K into this "project" makes me throw up in my mouth a bit...
Sorry to hear all that. I was preparing to install the Truxxx lift kit until I read this. I also have the Tow package. Have you been able to confirm that the lift kit caused the damage, and have learned anything more about this issue?
______________________________
 
Got rid of my Nivomats. Couldn't stand them. They failed after 10k miles. Had dealer replace w/standard Telly rear suspension setup. I don't tow anything at all. Be sure springs and spring seats are also replaced if you go this route. There are different OEM springs & seats for Telly's w/out tow package as they do the bulk of the support work vs the Nivomat shocks doing the bulk of the support work in the tow package.

Enjoy the Ride
What did it take to get the dealer to replace the Nivomats w/ standard shocks/springs? Was there any cost to you for them doing it? We have about 4k on ours and I'm not a fan of the ride and handling w/ the Nivomats. Don't plan on doing much towing and it won't be heavy when we do.
 
What did it take to get the dealer to replace the Nivomats w/ standard shocks/springs? Was there any cost to you for them doing it? We have about 4k on ours and I'm not a fan of the ride and handling w/ the Nivomats. Don't plan on doing much towing and it won't be heavy when we do.
Keep in mind the solution is not a Kia-factory sanctioned fix for Nivomat failures. The suggestion to take this path was mine alone. Depending on the relationship you have with your local dealer, you'll need to negotiate the cost of the fix if you go this route. I worked closely with the Service Mgr on parts / labor whom I've known for 15 yrs or so. Kia will not support this solution as a warrantly claim.
 
I talked with Truxx today and they said they are working on the shock extension brackets and would let me know as soon as they had them. They indicated they are aware of the issues with the self leveling system and are working with R and D to try and find a solution that won’t void warranties. I’m hopeful they will have a solution before we take delivery of our 2022 but who knows, after all this isn’t a new issue.
Just wondering if you (or anyone else) has heard from Truxxx with respect to the shock extensions?
 
I find it interesting there are so many different thoughts/ideas/solution being posed, and some of them conflicting. I had spoken w/ Darren at Truxxx 2-3 weeks ago, and he felt pretty strongly the issue is w/ the Nivomat shocks, and that an extension bracket is not a solution. I also spoke w/ the parts mgr. at my local Kia dealer, who has been speaking/working w/ Truxxx on the issue, and they are supposedly testing out putting 1-2 Tellys back into standard OEM shocks to see if that resolves the issue. Combined w/ the service crew telling me that my shocks are "shot" and I simply don't know who or what to believe.

I also find it strange that the Nivomats could simply be swapped out for the standard shocks. My original Telly (Mar. 2019) was a pre-order, and back then they didn't have the "self-adjusting system" in stock, so mine was manufactured w/out (by mistake, I had paid for the full setup). The dealer swapped out my Telly w/ a brand new one 11 months later, because in my dealer's words "The self-leveling system cannot just be added in, but it has to be manufactured this way"... so, what is the significant difference that would make it impossible to add it in, yet it can be simply removed/swapped out for a standard shock?

I'm getting tired of having every third driver flash their brights at me at night, because my ride sits so low in back (we've adjusted the headlights beams as low as they will go). Now I'm wondering if perhaps it's sitting too high in front? Supposedly, there's a fix around every corner, but it appears it's just a bunch of word games at the moment. Kinda bummed out that I ever went down this road now (getting the lift kit). I've also seen another local here w/ one of the new 2021's and his lift kit looks superb; going to try to track him down and find out where and how he got it done. :(
______________________________
 
Just wondering if you (or anyone else) has heard from Truxxx with respect to the shock extensions?
I have not. I was planning on reaching out to them again in a few weeks to see if there is any movement yet on this issue. We are not expecting our Telluride until later in the fall so I haven't been too concerned about it....yet!
 
I find it interesting there are so many different thoughts/ideas/solution being posed, and some of them conflicting. I had spoken w/ Darren at Truxxx 2-3 weeks ago, and he felt pretty strongly the issue is w/ the Nivomat shocks, and that an extension bracket is not a solution. I also spoke w/ the parts mgr. at my local Kia dealer, who has been speaking/working w/ Truxxx on the issue, and they are supposedly testing out putting 1-2 Tellys back into standard OEM shocks to see if that resolves the issue. Combined w/ the service crew telling me that my shocks are "shot" and I simply don't know who or what to believe.

I also find it strange that the Nivomats could simply be swapped out for the standard shocks. My original Telly (Mar. 2019) was a pre-order, and back then they didn't have the "self-adjusting system" in stock, so mine was manufactured w/out (by mistake, I had paid for the full setup). The dealer swapped out my Telly w/ a brand new one 11 months later, because in my dealer's words "The self-leveling system cannot just be added in, but it has to be manufactured this way"... so, what is the significant difference that would make it impossible to add it in, yet it can be simply removed/swapped out for a standard shock?

I'm getting tired of having every third driver flash their brights at me at night, because my ride sits so low in back (we've adjusted the headlights beams as low as they will go). Now I'm wondering if perhaps it's sitting too high in front? Supposedly, there's a fix around every corner, but it appears it's just a bunch of word games at the moment. Kinda bummed out that I ever went down this road now (getting the lift kit). I've also seen another local here w/ one of the new 2021's and his lift kit looks superb; going to try to track him down and find out where and how he got it done. :(

I have not. I was planning on reaching out to them again in a few weeks to see if there is any movement yet on this issue. We are not expecting our Telluride until later in the fall so I haven't been too concerned about it....yet!
I find it interesting there are so many different thoughts/ideas/solution being posed, and some of them conflicting. I had spoken w/ Darren at Truxxx 2-3 weeks ago, and he felt pretty strongly the issue is w/ the Nivomat shocks, and that an extension bracket is not a solution. I also spoke w/ the parts mgr. at my local Kia dealer, who has been speaking/working w/ Truxxx on the issue, and they are supposedly testing out putting 1-2 Tellys back into standard OEM shocks to see if that resolves the issue. Combined w/ the service crew telling me that my shocks are "shot" and I simply don't know who or what to believe.

I also find it strange that the Nivomats could simply be swapped out for the standard shocks. My original Telly (Mar. 2019) was a pre-order, and back then they didn't have the "self-adjusting system" in stock, so mine was manufactured w/out (by mistake, I had paid for the full setup). The dealer swapped out my Telly w/ a brand new one 11 months later, because in my dealer's words "The self-leveling system cannot just be added in, but it has to be manufactured this way"... so, what is the significant difference that would make it impossible to add it in, yet it can be simply removed/swapped out for a standard shock?

I'm getting tired of having every third driver flash their brights at me at night, because my ride sits so low in back (we've adjusted the headlights beams as low as they will go). Now I'm wondering if perhaps it's sitting too high in front? Supposedly, there's a fix around every corner, but it appears it's just a bunch of word games at the moment. Kinda bummed out that I ever went down this road now (getting the lift kit). I've also seen another local here w/ one of the new 2021's and his lift kit looks superb; going to try to track him down and find out where and how he got it done. :(
Purchased mine in March 2019 also. Took delivery in May of that year w/OEM Nivomats. There is absolutely no issue swapping in / out Nivomats with this vehicle as there is no connection (CAN Bus) of the Nivomat shocks to the vechicle management system. (unlike more complex intellegent pnuematic and hydraulic suspension systems) They operate 100% independently based on load. No magic to it. Only differences are: Shocks (which mount the same as any other normal shock) Springs, Spring Bumpers & Mounts. I worked with my Service Mgr and parts dept to make it happen. Nice part breakdown here: Shocks & Components for 2020 Kia Telluride | Kia Parts Accessories

Enjoy the ride Suspension
 
Sorry to hear all that. I was preparing to install the Truxxx lift kit until I read this. I also have the Tow package. Have you been able to confirm that the lift kit caused the damage, and have learned anything more about this issue?
______________________________
 
Sorry to hear all that. I was preparing to install the Truxxx lift kit until I read this. I also have the Tow package. Have you been able to confirm that the lift kit caused the damage, and have learned anything more about this issue?
Can you tell me if towing contributed to the nivomats breakdown?
Wow, wish I had waited to get my Truxxx install done (last fall) to see how this all had evolved. I'm sitting in my "relatively" local Kia dealer (I25, in CO), as they just informed me that due to the extended post-install stress on the rear self-adjusting shocks, I'm going to need to replace both shocks for ~$2,000.

Since I'm not as auto-mechanically inclined as others in here, I took my Telly to a local tire dealer (Louisville Tire, not Schwab) to have the lift done, along w/ the print out of the detailed installation instructions (and clear verbal direction to do the install according to the instructions), and have to rely/hope that they did the install according to the instructions.

At this point, I'll try working w/ Truxxx to see what the latest is, but would certainly recommend to others w/ the self-leveling Telly to hold off getting the lift installed until there's more clarity on how to ensure there isn't undue stress put on the self-leveling suspensions. Throwing another $2K into this "project" makes me throw up in my mouth a bit...
Can you tell me if towing contributed to the nivomats breakdown?
 
Keep in mind the solution is not a Kia-factory sanctioned fix for Nivomat failures. The suggestion to take this path was mine alone. Depending on the relationship you have with your local dealer, you'll need to negotiate the cost of the fix if you go this route. I worked closely with the Service Mgr on parts / labor whom I've known for 15 yrs or so. Kia will not support this solution as a warrantly claim.

Thanks for the info. I figured it was your idea and that it wasn't a Kia supported warranty claim, but was curious how you were able to arrange the swap. Beyond the administrative details (Service Manager, etc) was the swap straightforward from a mechanical perspective? How long ago was the swap done? How's the ride/handling w/ the non-Nivomat shocks/springs? Sorry for all the questions but want info to see if maybe that's an option in the future.
 

That thought had passed through my brain as well. No point in putting in stock shocks/springs if there's a better aftermarket option at the same price.
 
Thanks for the info. I figured it was your idea and that it wasn't a Kia supported warranty claim, but was curious how you were able to arrange the swap. Beyond the administrative details (Service Manager, etc) was the swap straightforward from a mechanical perspective? How long ago was the swap done? How's the ride/handling w/ the non-Nivomat shocks/springs? Sorry for all the questions but want info to see if maybe that's an option in the future.
Straight forward mechanical swap as long as the springs and spring seats are swaped as well as the Nivomats. Been 2mos or so. Ride is equal to Nivomats before they failed. No noticible difference exept that the rear does not sag when parked. Front and rear wheels measure equally from center cap to wheel well edge.
______________________________
 
Even being lifted, it still has enough length in the shock to be level. So we know they are within extension range. We don't know how much or if they engage the leveling aspect at all. Could be that it is "out of range" of the leveling aspect and it just acts as a shock.
Shocks actual job is only to keep the tire pressure on the road, the spring is to control height. They are just a cheaper design than air springs(would never want them or use them).
Perfect world, get rid of the nivomat shocks, have a lifted variable rate coil.

In my curiosity of looking for a spring lift, I did find these guys.
Maybe worth contacting since the image looks like they have shock extensions.
Has anyone installed this kit from Fat Bob's Garage? I sent them an e-mail today with a few questions. But I'm just wondering if anyone has gone this route and if it is any different from the Truxxx lift.
 
Received my Telluride, loving it so far. I installed the K&N CAI system, love the sound at WOT. The Borla exhaust just arrived today and is an easy bolt on. Used the same rims but swapped the tires to a set of 245/60r20 Toyo Open Country AT3. Also installed the Truxxx lift yesterday, love the stance and everything about the ride so far.

That said, there is definitely an issue with the Truxxx lift and the self-leveling suspension. I appreciate the fact that Truxxx has been the first and only manufacturer to provide us with a lift option, but they are definitely lacking when it comes to the Nivomat system. Nivomat components are designed to work at a certain opperating height in conjunction with the spring, as they are not coil overs. By adding approximately 1 3/4 inches to the spring height, nothing is done to address the new height of the Nivomat shock. I am going to have to figure out a way to fabricate a shock extender to address the additional height that is now required. Hopefully I can come up with something this week but it may take longer. The washers they suggest could help are not the answer, nor is the simple 'disconnect the battery' line sufficient. I did this step, but it still ignores the fact that the Nivomat is now almost 2 inches longer than it should be during normal ride height.
How do the toyo's ride,sound and handle ?
 
Well shoot. Wish I had read this post earlier. I did EXACTLY what you did, although I stuck with my original 20" Nightfall rims and went with a 265/50/20 Toyo Open Country AT3. If I'm not towing anything other than what I load in my tow hitch cargo carrier, will I notice a difference?View attachment 14964
Is this photo without a lift and 265/50/20 tires ?
 
Concerning the Truxxx kit with the Nivomats... Titan Motoring in Nashville installed mine, and they're doubling back on Thursday to install UPDATED rear spacers manufactured by Truxxx intended to level the vehicle. I'm told I'm the guinea pig for this adaptation, so pray for me. I'll post photos if it's a success.
 
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