Shocks and Suspension
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Shocks and Suspension
Hi all,
2003 vert with 108K miles on it. Looking for some guidance... I've got original, yes original, suspension equipment - shocks, sway bars, sway bar ends, bushings, etc...
Developing some serious squeaks in the front end. Changes based on temperatures... After two hours of driving yesterday, the squeaks were the worst yet. Debating whether or not to take it to the shop or do myself. Haven't done anything suspension related in quite some time - shocks all the way around my 02 Durango about six years ago...
Seems like there are a lot of moving parts and I want to make sure that I am on the right track...
If I were to summarize, the suspension components I would be looking at sway bar, sway bar bushings, end links, shocks and shock bushings? Am I in the ball park?? Other typical parts?
Shocks I get - set of four, should come with the appropriate replacement bushings... But sway bars, end links and bushings are Greek to me. Seems like there is a lot out there on upgrading the sway bars with Z06 bars and upgrading the end links to new aluminum...
At a minimum, I think that I should replace the shocks (because they are OLD) and the bushings to help chase the squeaks. This looks like a $650 effort with some basic Bilstein (~$500) shocks and some urethane bushings (~$150).
This weekend, I was thinking...
• Undo the front sway bar from the frame and test for squeak. If squeak is gone, the bushings should be to blame.
• If squeak still around, undo shocks from A arm; raise A arm up and down. If no squeak, most likely from the shock and shock bushings...
• If squeak from A arm, lubricate?
I suspect that there will be a good many who will say that "while you are in there you may as well change out the sway bars and end links..."
2003 vert with 108K miles on it. Looking for some guidance... I've got original, yes original, suspension equipment - shocks, sway bars, sway bar ends, bushings, etc...
Developing some serious squeaks in the front end. Changes based on temperatures... After two hours of driving yesterday, the squeaks were the worst yet. Debating whether or not to take it to the shop or do myself. Haven't done anything suspension related in quite some time - shocks all the way around my 02 Durango about six years ago...
Seems like there are a lot of moving parts and I want to make sure that I am on the right track...
If I were to summarize, the suspension components I would be looking at sway bar, sway bar bushings, end links, shocks and shock bushings? Am I in the ball park?? Other typical parts?
Shocks I get - set of four, should come with the appropriate replacement bushings... But sway bars, end links and bushings are Greek to me. Seems like there is a lot out there on upgrading the sway bars with Z06 bars and upgrading the end links to new aluminum...
At a minimum, I think that I should replace the shocks (because they are OLD) and the bushings to help chase the squeaks. This looks like a $650 effort with some basic Bilstein (~$500) shocks and some urethane bushings (~$150).
This weekend, I was thinking...
• Undo the front sway bar from the frame and test for squeak. If squeak is gone, the bushings should be to blame.
• If squeak still around, undo shocks from A arm; raise A arm up and down. If no squeak, most likely from the shock and shock bushings...
• If squeak from A arm, lubricate?
I suspect that there will be a good many who will say that "while you are in there you may as well change out the sway bars and end links..."
#3
Former Vendor
Z06 shocks are a great idea, brand new OE GM components for sale at $302, in stock:
C5/C6 Z06 shock upgrade kit
Let me know if I can help at all
Last edited by subchev; 03-27-2017 at 05:27 PM.
#4
Racer
Hi all,
2003 vert with 108K miles on it. Looking for some guidance... I've got original, yes original, suspension equipment - shocks, sway bars, sway bar ends, bushings, etc...
Developing some serious squeaks in the front end. Changes based on temperatures... After two hours of driving yesterday, the squeaks were the worst yet. Debating whether or not to take it to the shop or do myself. Haven't done anything suspension related in quite some time - shocks all the way around my 02 Durango about six years ago...
Seems like there are a lot of moving parts and I want to make sure that I am on the right track...
If I were to summarize, the suspension components I would be looking at sway bar, sway bar bushings, end links, shocks and shock bushings? Am I in the ball park?? Other typical parts?
Shocks I get - set of four, should come with the appropriate replacement bushings... But sway bars, end links and bushings are Greek to me. Seems like there is a lot out there on upgrading the sway bars with Z06 bars and upgrading the end links to new aluminum...
At a minimum, I think that I should replace the shocks (because they are OLD) and the bushings to help chase the squeaks. This looks like a $650 effort with some basic Bilstein (~$500) shocks and some urethane bushings (~$150).
This weekend, I was thinking...
• Undo the front sway bar from the frame and test for squeak. If squeak is gone, the bushings should be to blame.
• If squeak still around, undo shocks from A arm; raise A arm up and down. If no squeak, most likely from the shock and shock bushings...
• If squeak from A arm, lubricate?
I suspect that there will be a good many who will say that "while you are in there you may as well change out the sway bars and end links..."
2003 vert with 108K miles on it. Looking for some guidance... I've got original, yes original, suspension equipment - shocks, sway bars, sway bar ends, bushings, etc...
Developing some serious squeaks in the front end. Changes based on temperatures... After two hours of driving yesterday, the squeaks were the worst yet. Debating whether or not to take it to the shop or do myself. Haven't done anything suspension related in quite some time - shocks all the way around my 02 Durango about six years ago...
Seems like there are a lot of moving parts and I want to make sure that I am on the right track...
If I were to summarize, the suspension components I would be looking at sway bar, sway bar bushings, end links, shocks and shock bushings? Am I in the ball park?? Other typical parts?
Shocks I get - set of four, should come with the appropriate replacement bushings... But sway bars, end links and bushings are Greek to me. Seems like there is a lot out there on upgrading the sway bars with Z06 bars and upgrading the end links to new aluminum...
At a minimum, I think that I should replace the shocks (because they are OLD) and the bushings to help chase the squeaks. This looks like a $650 effort with some basic Bilstein (~$500) shocks and some urethane bushings (~$150).
This weekend, I was thinking...
• Undo the front sway bar from the frame and test for squeak. If squeak is gone, the bushings should be to blame.
• If squeak still around, undo shocks from A arm; raise A arm up and down. If no squeak, most likely from the shock and shock bushings...
• If squeak from A arm, lubricate?
I suspect that there will be a good many who will say that "while you are in there you may as well change out the sway bars and end links..."
and a set of Z06 front & rear sway bars with metal end links $200.00
Plus shipping. PM me if interested.
#5
Le Mans Master
John, check your sway bar end links. some of the C5's came with plastic ones and if you have them, I'd be surprised if one or more aren't broken with that mileage.
Also do you have the Magnetic Selective Ride option? if you do, that will impact your shock decision.
Good luck... GUSTO
Also do you have the Magnetic Selective Ride option? if you do, that will impact your shock decision.
Good luck... GUSTO
#6
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Dec 1999
Location: Anthony TX
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St. Jude Donor '08
John, check your sway bar end links. some of the C5's came with plastic ones and if you have them, I'd be surprised if one or more aren't broken with that mileage.
Also do you have the Magnetic Selective Ride option? if you do, that will impact your shock decision.
Good luck... GUSTO
Also do you have the Magnetic Selective Ride option? if you do, that will impact your shock decision.
Good luck... GUSTO
If you want just a more stable and controlled suspension and don't want to spend a lot of cash, the C6 Z06 shocks fit the billet well. OEM BOLT RIGHT IN.
Bill
Bill
#7
Pro
Thread Starter
John, check your sway bar end links. some of the C5's came with plastic ones and if you have them, I'd be surprised if one or more aren't broken with that mileage.
Also do you have the Magnetic Selective Ride option? if you do, that will impact your shock decision.
Good luck... GUSTO
Also do you have the Magnetic Selective Ride option? if you do, that will impact your shock decision.
Good luck... GUSTO
Was going to ask that very same question. Do you have Base FE-1, Z-51, ZO6 or F-55 Magnetic Selective Ride.
If you want just a more stable and controlled suspension and don't want to spend a lot of cash, the C6 Z06 shocks fit the billet well. OEM BOLT RIGHT IN.
Bill
Bill
If you want just a more stable and controlled suspension and don't want to spend a lot of cash, the C6 Z06 shocks fit the billet well. OEM BOLT RIGHT IN.
Bill
Bill
How would I determine? I haven't crawled under yet to look at the end links. Planning on this weekend. The VIN is 1G1YY32G035103331
Seems like Z06 shocks are the recommended route...
#9
How much stiffer are the c6 z06 shocks over the stock c5 corvette?
#10
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Dec 1999
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CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Nothing BONE JARRING. You will feel the road a little more but,,,, You will also feel more suspension control and that my friend will put a SMILE on your face!! Your car will be a LOT more stable. Especially on high speed maneuvers.
The following 2 users liked this post by Bill Curlee:
Car:RamRod (03-29-2017),
tombrammer (04-07-2018)
#12
Former Vendor
I have these shocks on my C6 Grand Sport and I love them! I had a base C5 and from a shock-only perspective, there is a difference for sure. I had FE1 and it was a soft-ride and very comfortable, but didn't fight the road like I wanted. As previously said, nothing bone jarring, but definitely a formidable upgrade, and very satisfying for the price.
1997-2013 CHEVROLET C5 C6 CORVETTE GENUINE GM C6 Z06 SHOCK UPGRADE KIT
The factory sway bars have been disco'd,
here is a link for end links:
http://www.trunkmonkeyparts.com/oe-gm/20822934
1997-2013 CHEVROLET C5 C6 CORVETTE GENUINE GM C6 Z06 SHOCK UPGRADE KIT
The factory sway bars have been disco'd,
here is a link for end links:
http://www.trunkmonkeyparts.com/oe-gm/20822934
#13
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Dec 1999
Location: Anthony TX
Posts: 32,736
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St. Jude Donor '08
#14
Magnetic ride control?
Z06 shocks are a great idea, brand new OE GM components for sale at $302, in stock:
C5/C6 Z06 shock upgrade kit
Let me know if I can help at all
C5/C6 Z06 shock upgrade kit
Let me know if I can help at all
#15
Instructor
I got C6 Z06 shocks from Rock Auto. They were around $240-250 TOTAL with shipping. I installed myself, and spent $25 at the local Corvette shop to have the F55 system deleted from the car. (Shop has to have a Tech II and know how)
If you have any mechanical ability at all, the shocks ARE a do it yourself project. Just take your time with it and make sure to set the nuts and bolts to the correct torque spec.
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subchev (04-01-2017)
#16
Cruising
#17
Racer
Someopne please explain what the F55 system is. Idon't think my 2002 Base Vert has it, but not knowing what that means...???
#18
Drifting
First year of the F55 system is 2003, so there is no way yours can have it unless someone upgraded it to F55. It can have the F45 system, which is an inferior system to F55. Do you have a ride selector switch on your center console? It will have three options: tour, sport, and performance. If you don't have that, you don't have F45.
Last edited by Tsumi; 04-07-2018 at 12:21 AM.
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WetMountainMan (04-07-2018)
#19
Racer
First year of the F55 system is 2003, so there is no way yours can have it unless someone upgraded it to F55. It can have the F45 system, which is an inferior system to F55. Do you have a ride selector switch on your center console? It will have three options: tour, sport, and performance. If you don't have that, you don't have F45.
.
Last edited by WetMountainMan; 04-07-2018 at 10:46 AM.
#20
Seems to be a popular upgrade this time of season. Being it’s my first, I imagine it is. The stock Z06 shocks best price I’ve gotten was 300 shipping included. Once I started researching for my own upgrade application, the C6Z51 sway bars with the factory Z06 shocks were the best performing upgrade for the cost. However, I made the mistake of upgrading my sways for the sake of making the best of the suspension upgrade. Not for my driving needs. Once they arrived the reality set in that, my C5 has 40k miles on it, the shock upgrade no doubt will be appreciated. The sways I don’t believe will. For stabilizing car roll in high speed while turning is not something I need. Not at $394 with GM metal ends, delivery included. Cultrag performance. Also with no shop at my disposal with the added cost of install.... Impulse buy without perspective. Unless you auto cross or you are regularly heavy in the peddle in the on and off ramp don’t waste your money. The shocks are cheaper and the difference in shock performance is immediate. Replacing the ware and tare parts, stock sways, with the upgraded ends couldn’t hurt, and definetly go for the Z06 factory shocks will produce a pleasing upgrade.
My upgrades ill test and post my review on the forum tomorrow. With “Top Speeds” axle back exhaust.
My thread during my research during the same upgrade. Good luck.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...300-total.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
My upgrades ill test and post my review on the forum tomorrow. With “Top Speeds” axle back exhaust.
My thread during my research during the same upgrade. Good luck.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...300-total.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rformance.html
Last edited by C5 for life; 04-08-2018 at 09:49 PM.