Install new shocks??
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 614
Likes: 56
From: Dover, Delaware
Install new shocks??
Hey all I just bought a set of new Bilstein shocks for my 78 and would like to know B4 I source out the installation if I try and DIMS do the wheels have to be removed and do I need a lift??
JJ78
JJ78
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,993
Likes: 3,334
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I did mine myself years ago in the garage...no lift & no big deal. You won't need to remove the front tires but the rears will need to come off...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,541
Likes: 1,973
From: Temple Terrace Florida
The front shocks come out from the bottom, so you have to lift the front up well enough to get the old shock out and the new one in. Easier to be done on a lift, but in my younger days I did it all without a lift. I always jacked up the car to change the rears. without a lift I would remove the wheels just for the added room. Sounds like you are working in a limited space. May be best to farm the job out. It should not be too big of an expense. Any competent shop should knock the job out pretty quickly. Jerry
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,380
Likes: 1,743
From: Seattle Area Washington
Pull one of the lower bolts of the front shock.
Go to your local hardware store and get a fully threaded bolt same thread pitch but about 1.5" in length and a flat washer. For me my strength just wasn't there to compress the shock and start the original bolt.
Thread the longer bolt in until you can start the original length bolt. R&R the longer bolt with the original.
Go to your local hardware store and get a fully threaded bolt same thread pitch but about 1.5" in length and a flat washer. For me my strength just wasn't there to compress the shock and start the original bolt.
Thread the longer bolt in until you can start the original length bolt. R&R the longer bolt with the original.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 982
From: Wauconda IL
Pull one of the lower bolts of the front shock.
Go to your local hardware store and get a fully threaded bolt same thread pitch but about 1.5" in length and a flat washer. For me my strength just wasn't there to compress the shock and start the original bolt.
Thread the longer bolt in until you can start the original length bolt. R&R the longer bolt with the original.
Go to your local hardware store and get a fully threaded bolt same thread pitch but about 1.5" in length and a flat washer. For me my strength just wasn't there to compress the shock and start the original bolt.
Thread the longer bolt in until you can start the original length bolt. R&R the longer bolt with the original.
