GP777

I've read the toutorials and it all seems pretty straightforward, however: For those who have actually replaced their own shocks, how difficult is it and how long did it take you? I plan to do the work myself in my garage using a floor jack, ramps and handtools.

Thanks!

Kevin Kuse

The easy part is unbolting & bolting to new ones in. The fun is sneaking them in and out of the suspension, but very doable.

pewter99

you can DIY in a couple hours by yourself....the hardest part is keeping the shock compressed to get it in position....watch your fingers!

KF9BD

Agree with what has been said. Truly the hardest part is compressing the front shocks to get them out. If you place the vette on a jackstand, you can use the jack to compress the shock, secure it with a couple large zipties and away you go. Other than that it is very easy to do.

Danny

dblerman

Unless your shocks were as shot as mine were and you can compress them with your pinky finger and they stay that way
Then the hardest part ends up being how to keep your drinks cold for 2 hours without a cooler while you change your shocks

damilleniumboy

Wow, they were shot; they were that way on my old tuck. As others have stated, it's not hard, and trying to match the lower bolts is going to give you the most trouble, but even that is easy once you get one bolt in there. It's definitely a DYI job man.

GP777

Thanks for the info guys. Too many cases of getting into a project that looked easy enough only to spend 3X longer than planned to finish it. Sounds like this one I can do!

pewter99

oh it still may take ya 3X longer than you think but you can do it

GP777

You are probably right!

DooDooBear1999

Use cable ties to keep the shock compressed when removing and installing.

vette.mix

Its alwayseasy the second the second time around

pewter99

well yeah...after the first time you know all the **** ups

01vetter

You can find DIY directions on the web. The job is not hard to do. Just one caution, do NOT tighten the lower rear mounting bolts to the 160 ft-lbs recommended by many DIY instructions. That torque is for new bolts and is the torque to yield value. If you intend to reuse the lower bolts I think the factory recommended torque is 104.

Baldfart

I was lucky, mine were the same way. Zip ties too install the new ones!

craig04c5

I used the McRat method. Works pretty well except getting the rear shocks out. Might be easier to compress and zip tie them also for easier removal. http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm

madmatt9471

I did mine twice (C5 Z51 shocks, Koni FSD shocks=current) - Also did two of my buddies Vette's as well!

First time I don't remember how long it took, next time taking my time I knocked it out by myself in a hour and a half

I used this same link as above: Very helpful link

http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm

I does not take that long, just work slow and easy and careful using safety equipment (gloves,goggles etc.)

After you are done you would be able to cut the time in half and then a third time you are an expert!

Thanks,Matt

spdislife

When you torque the rear lower nut and bolt....make sure you put the torque wrench on the nut side. If you try to torque the bolt side, you'll risk snapping the bolt

Vetteman Jack

The McRat method is very detailed and works well. Good luck getting them swapped out.

NukeC5

Had an easy time with the swap. One of the first things I ever did to this car! Just need basic tools and some time. The zip tie method and jack underneath the control arm work well.

I just hope the coilovers I have on the way are as easy to get in!

rws.1

[QUOTE=KF9BD;1584220001]Agree with what has been said. Truly the hardest part is compressing the front shocks to get them out. If you place the vette on a jackstand, you can use the jack to compress the shock, secure it with a couple large zipties and away you go. Other than that it is very easy to do.

Danny[/QUOTE