Another rookie shock replacement question.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9
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From: Cottage Grove WI
Another rookie shock replacement question.
I need a little help. I have 53K on my 93 Ruby with the original shocks and I think it is time to replace them. I know I can go get the stock replacements or ask the sixteen year old kid at the auto parts store what they recommend as a good alternative (not so much a fan of this idea). Or have one of you who have been down this road point me in the right direction. I do not have the selective ride control and I don’t think I need the coilover shock? But whatever I do end up installing I want it done right the first time, best bang for my buck. $300-350 
Thanks.
Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,383
Likes: 4
If you have AC/Delco (or was it Delphi?) shocks replace with Bilstein. If you have Bilstein already then send them in for a rebuild.
Specifically what led you to conclude your shocks were needing replacement?
Specifically what led you to conclude your shocks were needing replacement?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,874
Likes: 0
From: Littleton CO
I need a little help. I have 53K on my 93 Ruby with the original shocks and I think it is time to replace them. I know I can go get the stock replacements or ask the sixteen year old kid at the auto parts store what they recommend as a good alternative (not so much a fan of this idea). Or have one of you who have been down this road point me in the right direction. I do not have the selective ride control and I don’t think I need the coilover shock? But whatever I do end up installing I want it done right the first time, best bang for my buck. $300-350
Thanks.
Thanks.
Why?
- OEM manufacturer with direct replacements. Hard to go wrong.
- You don't sound like you are going to need any performance characteristics beyond what was available stock. If you were, you would have mentioned it.
- They are in your budget, so you might as well avoid experimenting on cheaper parts which you may not like.
That's the reasoning I used, and it worked out great.
Last edited by jrp; Aug 25, 2009 at 11:38 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,874
Likes: 0
From: Littleton CO
http://www.bilsteinus.com/cart/
Look up your part numbers here and then seek out a (supporting, of course) vendor.
Look up your part numbers here and then seek out a (supporting, of course) vendor.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Cottage Grove WI
Specifically what led you to conclude your shocks were needing replacement?
Am I missing something here 53K with original shocks? Is the mileage not an indicator for replacement? I would think that with reason, replacing the shocks would improve handling and stopping and overall ride. But this is my first corvette do the stock shocks last to 100K?
Am I missing something here 53K with original shocks? Is the mileage not an indicator for replacement? I would think that with reason, replacing the shocks would improve handling and stopping and overall ride. But this is my first corvette do the stock shocks last to 100K?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,383
Likes: 4
It depends on a few things. How is the car driven as well as which initial shocks were on the car. I would not change them if the only mark against them is 53K miles. It is perfectly normal for some oil and dirt to collect on the tubes of Bilsteins. Tire stores know this but use it against those who don't to sell them shocks they don't need. I think the only way to truly test a shock is on a shock dyno to see if it dampens within spec. But since I don't have a shock dyno and have no desire to own one I do this: http://www.basiccarrepair.com/testin...absorbers.html
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Cottage Grove WI
94z07fx3
I did test the rears and they are in good shape and the front shocks are pretty good for now. They are Bilsteins shocks so I can always send them in for a rebuild this winter or whenever.
If you have Bilstein already then send them in for a rebuild
I did not know that.
Thanks for your help.
I did test the rears and they are in good shape and the front shocks are pretty good for now. They are Bilsteins shocks so I can always send them in for a rebuild this winter or whenever.
If you have Bilstein already then send them in for a rebuild
I did not know that.
Thanks for your help.
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