tblt44

I have yellow A/C delco shocks on my Base model vette.
Pretty rough ride(I know these vette's ride rough anyways).
Sould I take one off and see how it compresses?
I know how shocks should feel,I just put Bilsteins on my Tahoe.
All 4 feel to act the same.
I was thinking of just getting a set of Bilsteins but if I don't need them I don't want to lay down the money now.

cal55

If they're original and depending on the mileage they probably need replacing. I replaced mine recently with Bilsteins and it's better than before but it still rides a little rough. If you push down on the car do they feel pretty firm or are the kind of bouncy? If bouncy I would change them.
Joe

lushdrunk

Best way to test a shock is to remove it, compress it and see if it returns. If you compress the shock and it stays compressed without any movement then its dead.
Also feel for sloppy places in the shock, Like a dead spot.

redrose

totally wrong again...only gas pressurized shocks expand by themselves and that does not prove the internal valving is good...many really good shocks are not gas pressurized at all, will stay as positioned anywhere in stroke.

only way to really test shocks is on a 'shock dyno', many racers have these in their shop and in their trailer.

dogfish246

If the car is bouncy as you drive it that means you need shocks. The shocks reduce the rebound from the spring. The ride should definitely be firm!

MR.LT1

When in doubt just change them..........Especially if they are originals

tblt44

My ride is very firm,like there not compressing good.
I think I will just take a front one off to see if I can compress it.
Could they be bad where they won't compress correct?
But I can push on the car and it moves???????
Maybe it's all right,I have been driving on older roads that are rough,some old red brick roads also,they feel like R R tracks.

dogfish246

Its not so much the compression that you are looking for (they should compress), but you should be checking for rebound. The composite spring replaces the "normal" spring that is usually found around the shock.
The shock prevents the car from bobbing up and down after your spring has compressed.

earthquake68

Pennsylvania state inspection law says bounce the car. If the car bounces two or more times after you let go of the car, the shocks are bad. If the shocks don't have any signs of leaking, and they pass the bounce test, they're probably ok. Compressing them by hand is not a good test.

dogfish246

HAHA, with the Z51 package my car doesnt bounce!

KM1959

How does the car handle? Does it feel "darty" on when cornering on bumpy roads? It shouldn't. Does it handle like a Corvette? You should be able to take fast, flat turns with confidence if you can't then you have suspension issues. Maybe not shocks but you're asking about them so you they might be suspect.

I’m Z one

Two and the front clip and two on the rear and see if the Vette goes back to it's original ride height.

runner140*

Something for everyone....a blond, a redhead, etc.,etc.

earthquake68

Obviously, there are exceptions to the rule.

A guy brought his C-4 into my shop for handling issues a few years back.

All four hub assemblies were beyond shot, as well as all four dog bones in the rear. (control arms) It handled like a RV when it came in. After the $1,500 worth of parts were replaced, it handled like a new Corvette. Unbelievable difference!

.....and I never touched the shocks. Find the problem and only fix what's wrong with the car.

uptown193

I would bring it to a reputable Corvette mechanic ONLY and let them take a look at it. Do it right. I know you want to save money but sometimes trying to save money will in the long run make you spend more money. I learned the hard way.

joesgulfstream

I don't think I would have a chance at making one of them scream, If you know what I mean ?

dogfish246

What causes the dog-bones to go?

earthquake68

Jack up the car and let the wheels hang. Grab the top and bottom of the tire and rock up and down. If you feel any play, it is most likely the hub assembly. As far as the dog bones go, the rubber bushings wear out, and from the dealer, you have to buy the whole thing. When the bolts aren't centered in the bushings, they're bad.

dogfish246

Thats what they did for my state inspection!! I was not pleased with the way they lifted the car to say the least!!

pitchadude

That looks terrible....how could they?