New Shock Absorber Install

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Jul 8, 2016 | 07:07 AM

ykf7b0

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 479

Likes: 93

From: Tennessee

New Shock Absorber Install

I just ordered new shocks for my 76 and I am seriously looking forward to getting them installed. I bought the car two years ago but I do believe the originals are still on the car. I have read many recommendations for Bilstein shocks and I found what I think was a really good deal on a set of Bilstein Heavy Duty and they are on the way to me. I have also read that the removal of the rear shocks can be difficult and I would love to gain some insight on what to expect from all of you who have done the job. Thanks in advance!

Jul 8, 2016 | 12:31 PM

mortgageguy

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 829

Likes: 131

From: Spartanburg SC

Start right now spraying the bolts/nuts with PBblaster. Spray every day until the new ones get here. The upper bolt on the rears are in a tight space. Fronts are cake. Pull the rear tires for better access. Note the position of the washers on the lower rear. Shelve the original shocks if you can. NCRS restorers will need them some day, and will pay.

Jul 8, 2016 | 07:18 PM

ykf7b0

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 479

Likes: 93

From: Tennessee

Quote:

Originally Posted by mortgageguy

Thanks! I began the spraying weeks ago and if the rears come off with ease then I will be very grateful. I believe I have read that some were having major issues with removing the rear shocks from the lower mounts and were recommending buying the shock mounts before beginning installation.

Last edited by ykf7b0; Jul 8, 2016 at 07:20 PM. Reason: wording

Jul 8, 2016 | 07:30 PM

redvetracr

Race Director

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 18,126

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From: WI

what you read is that the lower shock mounts are difficult to remove not the shocks themselves, you do not need to remove the lower shock mounts to replace shocks

Jul 8, 2016 | 08:03 PM

croaker

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 2,369

Likes: 103

From: Centerville Louisiana

Both mine were easy except for missing hardware on one of front shocks

Jul 8, 2016 | 10:53 PM

ykf7b0

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 479

Likes: 93

From: Tennessee

Quote:

Originally Posted by redvetracr

what you read is that the lower shock mounts are difficult to remove not the shocks themselves, you do not need to remove the lower shock mounts to replace shocks

Thanks! I knew the lower mounts typically didn't need removing but I must have been mistaken in reading the rear shock inner bushings had a tendency of completely rusting to the lower shock mount therefore necessitating the need for the new lower mounts. I now have renewed confidence that this job will go smoothly! I will keep the PB Blaster flowing for now.

Last edited by ykf7b0; Jul 8, 2016 at 10:56 PM.

Jul 9, 2016 | 12:18 AM

croaker

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 2,369

Likes: 103

From: Centerville Louisiana

I wish I'd have bought stock in PB I use the heck out of it. My Wal Mark runs out all the time.

Jul 9, 2016 | 11:12 PM

NothingSpecial

Advanced

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 76

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Sometimes the shocks mounts are really ****ing close to the frame is the hard thing. I had more trouble with the fronts than the rears. the fronts i had to use a jack to compress the ****ers while putting them in. The rears I left the cable tie on until i seated the lower part, then "Sniped" the top of it in the mount bracket. put a thick screw driver in the top of the bracket so you can have leverage if you miss the snipe with the bolt going through the hole.