Shocking problem
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 238
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From: Tee Tops off all year FL
Shock Install Question
OK what am I doing wrong. I changed out my strut bushings today and get to the easy part, putting new bilsteins on. The hole in the end of shock is about a quarter inch off (compressed shock too long) with the car jacked up and trailing arm hanging. What is the correct proceedure, top bolt first then bottom, is it normal to have to compress the shock to get it on?
Also, I had to take my fiberglass spring out to get the strut bracket out. I have a VBP spring, I misplaced the papers saying how tight to make it?? Snug, tight, supper tight??
Also, I had to take my fiberglass spring out to get the strut bracket out. I have a VBP spring, I misplaced the papers saying how tight to make it?? Snug, tight, supper tight??
Last edited by Dk Met Grn 80 L82; Nov 14, 2004 at 08:43 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by Dk Met Grn 80 L82
OK what am I doing wrong. I changed out my strut bushings today and get to the easy part, putting new bilsteins on. The hole in the end of shock is about a quarter inch off (compressed shock too long) with the car jacked up and trailing arm hanging. What is the correct proceedure, top bolt first then bottom, is it normal to have to compress the shock to get it on?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
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From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
With regards to the second question, yes. The lock washer goes behind the bolt head. The bolt with lock washer is inserted from the outside and the nut towards the inside.
The first question regarding shock length? When I did mine the suspension traveled further then the shock length and I had to slightly compress the suspension to line up the mounting hole to the lower shock mount. I would recommend checking your new shock length against the ones you removed to be sure you have the correct shocks. The gas charged shocks will fully extend once the wire securing them for shipping is removed. I don't think it would be unusual to have to compress them sightly to install.
Spring bolt torque? Yes, I remember a 3 step torque sequence, but I can't remember the torque values. Maybe someone else might.
The first question regarding shock length? When I did mine the suspension traveled further then the shock length and I had to slightly compress the suspension to line up the mounting hole to the lower shock mount. I would recommend checking your new shock length against the ones you removed to be sure you have the correct shocks. The gas charged shocks will fully extend once the wire securing them for shipping is removed. I don't think it would be unusual to have to compress them sightly to install.
Spring bolt torque? Yes, I remember a 3 step torque sequence, but I can't remember the torque values. Maybe someone else might.
