replacing front shocks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
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replacing front shocks
I think my vette may be in need of a set of front shocks, installation looks easy, remove top bolt, raise the car a bit to take pressure off, remove 2 lower nut/bolts and slide out...................am i missing something? also how come nobody ever uses a stock replacements? Everyone uses KYB something, or Konis or some revalved bilstiens, how about going to autozone and asking for a factory replacement for a 93 corvette? I have used autozone (gabriel) shocks on my LS1 F-cars before and it worked out well.........opinions pleaseeeeeeeee
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
I think my vette may be in need of a set of front shocks, installation looks easy, remove top bolt, raise the car a bit to take pressure off, remove 2 lower nut/bolts and slide out...................am i missing something? also how come nobody ever uses a stock replacements? Everyone uses KYB something, or Konis or some revalved bilstiens, how about going to autozone and asking for a factory replacement for a 93 corvette? I have used autozone (gabriel) shocks on my LS1 F-cars before and it worked out well.........opinions pleaseeeeeeeee
P. S. Answer on stock replacements....."cost"
Last edited by runner140*; Mar 10, 2010 at 09:25 AM. Reason: addition
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 217
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta GA
If money is not the object, the QA-1's offer the additional feature of being able to dial in the stiffness.
I got them to soften the ride when my wife and I are on vacation, and then stiffen the ride when I'm running autocross.
And, yes the swap is easy, just the three bolts. You'll need an extra socket to hold the nuts for the two bolts on the bottom but it's easy.
I got them to soften the ride when my wife and I are on vacation, and then stiffen the ride when I'm running autocross.
And, yes the swap is easy, just the three bolts. You'll need an extra socket to hold the nuts for the two bolts on the bottom but it's easy.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 7
From: Chewelah Wa
The Monroe's are junk, too. They work OK until they don't work anymore. The ones I just replaced, the shafts were snapped off at the top of the bell on both sides. I just bought 2 repacements until I get around to getting a good set. I believe the KYB's are the best bang for the buck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
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ok so whats the difference between KYBs and bilstiens outside of the name? is one adjustable? i just wanted the car to ride like a brand new stock 93 vette which i would imagine would be a very tight ride......correct? also does the car have to go in to get lined up? incase you all havent figred it yet im trying to avoid taking my vette into a shop so some guy can give it and me the "once over", i know c5s and f bodies like no tomorrow...........c4s are an entirely new vehicle for me.....
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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ok so whats the difference between KYBs and bilstiens outside of the name? is one adjustable? i just wanted the car to ride like a brand new stock 93 vette which i would imagine would be a very tight ride......correct? also does the car have to go in to get lined up? incase you all havent figred it yet im trying to avoid taking my vette into a shop so some guy can give it and me the "once over", i know c5s and f bodies like no tomorrow...........c4s are an entirely new vehicle for me.....
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 1
From: Hialeah Florida
I replaced the original bilstiens with gabriel ultras. Let's just say I'm never doing that again. After 3 months they are wasted. I feel like I'm driving a late 80s cadillac deville with the airride gone bad. The front floats and the rear has lost all sense of rebound. My next shock will be bilstiens.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,588
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From: North New Jersey
I feel suspension is one place you shouldnt cheap out because a good suspensions is what a sports car is all about. I would go with Bilsteins because they are one of the best out there and the Vette came stock with those for a reason! Thats what I would do, and will do when I need new shocks... 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
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in that case im just going to take my vin to the GM dealer and just buy through them, also will replacing the shocks raise ride hight at all in a c4? will the front end have to be lined up? are the rear shocks as easy to install as the fronts? outside of the fact the fronts dont even look like u gota pull a tire to do them.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,874
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From: Littleton CO
in that case im just going to take my vin to the GM dealer and just buy through them, also will replacing the shocks raise ride hight at all in a c4? will the front end have to be lined up? are the rear shocks as easy to install as the fronts? outside of the fact the fronts dont even look like u gota pull a tire to do them.....
If the dealer charges more than $275-$300 for the set, then just buy Bilsteins online.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,963
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From: Adelaide South Australia
just one tip, at the top of the bilstein shaft is a slot that a 6mm wrench fits into, that stops the shaft from turning endlessly when you try to undo the nut thats been there for 17 years.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
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ahh i love description with pics...lol..........very informative.........one last thing fellas.......am i going to need to rush down and have it re aligned?.................and will installing new shocks (just curious on this) raise ride hight on a c4 at all?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: Chapin South Carolina
Bilstein is the best but cost the most. KYB give you a good not great shock for the money.
I do not think you need a realignment after doing the shocks. Your not messing with any of those settings when you replace it. It will increase the height until you take it for a drive then it will settle down to its natural position....
I do not think you need a realignment after doing the shocks. Your not messing with any of those settings when you replace it. It will increase the height until you take it for a drive then it will settle down to its natural position....
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
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From: Charlotte NC
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...54&dept_id=239
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
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No, you will not have to have it aligned. AND, yes the Bilsteins will raise the car slightly. Finally, you will pay through the nose if you head off to your local dealer. All the major Corvette parts vendors offer these performance shocks. Shop around to see who might have them on sale or special offer.
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...54&dept_id=239
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...54&dept_id=239
I tried to get the dealer to price match once, and they wouldn't. So I told them I would buy my parts elsewhere. At least I gave them the option to get my business.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,660
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From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
An alignment would be best but I dont think it is required. The ride height is more controlled by the springs than the shocks so it should sit in the same place.
