When to replace shocks?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: middle TN
When to replace shocks?
I've got 53,000 miles on my '94 LT1 w/standard suspension. Is it time to change shocks? Feels jittery over bumps in a turn but I can't remember if it's always been that way.
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Originally Posted by Scooter 94
I've got 53,000 miles on my '94 LT1 w/standard suspension. Is it time to change shocks? Feels jittery over bumps in a turn but I can't remember if it's always been that way.
Shock mileage may vary 
Those that hardly drive their cars may not realize the shocks are bad for at least 100,000 miles
Fairly serious drivers start to ask questions at around 50,000 miles
Others, who may be a little nuts like me, replace at around 30,000 miles
Seriously, most people go way beyond the usefull life of the shock. If it is feeling jittery, then it is probaly the shocks.
I get about 30,000 miles out of mine before I feel the difference in the handling
It depends on how you drive it...push it hard around the twisties, lower shock life
Le Mans Master
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From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
On a related note; are the Bilstiens really worth the money? I`ve got the z52 suspension on my `87, & the car only has 34,000 miles on it, but I swear that if I rolled over a quarter, I could tell if it was heads or tails.
Ken
Ken
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
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I have 123,000 miles on the original shocks. Still going good, but I will be changing them soon just because.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Lake Wylie SC
Originally Posted by Scooter 94
I've got 53,000 miles on my '94 LT1 w/standard suspension. Is it time to change shocks? Feels jittery over bumps in a turn but I can't remember if it's always been that way.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,483
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From: middle TN
The chassis could definitely be stiffer, makes it hard to tell if it's the shocks. Feels to me like it needs a softer shock to keep the back tires stuck to the road. Instead they seem to come unglued and the back end wants to skip out in the turns.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
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It is difficult to tell with the Bilsteins. They do tend to ride worse after time, my new ones are Z51 too and they actually ride better than the originals did.
Usually though, they are gone at around 75K for most drivers.
If you race alot, possibly 50K.
But if theyve been sitting alot, unless you see alot of leakage or your ride is really choppy (or it tends to 'float' on the hwy), I wouldnt worry about them yet.
Bushing wear is probably more prevalent/noticable.
Usually though, they are gone at around 75K for most drivers.
If you race alot, possibly 50K.
But if theyve been sitting alot, unless you see alot of leakage or your ride is really choppy (or it tends to 'float' on the hwy), I wouldnt worry about them yet.
Bushing wear is probably more prevalent/noticable.
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Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
FWIW, I replaced my 70K OEM Bilsteins with a 15K set I bought from CF member JB666 (he of the free headliner material fame) and immediately noticed a difference, the most obvious effect being that I very rarely bottom out on speed bumps any more. I also notice the front end doesn't seem to "float" as much at higher speeds (70-80 mph). Even without prompting, my wife said the car seemed to ride smoother...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Shocks
Judging form the posts, most of us are using old shocks that should be
replaced. Its a thing on our list that seems to be put off for to long. I
have 78000 miles and will change mine in the near future.
replaced. Its a thing on our list that seems to be put off for to long. I
have 78000 miles and will change mine in the near future.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,444
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From: Hawthorne NJ
I bought my car ('89 Coupe)used with 106K on it. It has Bilsteins that don't show leaks but the ride is hard as hell. I bought new tires and a new rear spring, and I've always owned Vettes, but this is my first one with low profile 17" wheels. I assume alot of the harshness is from the low profile but I would replace the shocks if I knew they would help. Does anyone have a softer, less jarring ride suggestion?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
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The bigger wheels actually helped my ride quality. You may want to replace the bushings and also change shocks to something softer if ride is still bothering you.
Navigator
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Prairieville LA
about time, I guess
I have 156,000 miles on my original shocks now. The ride still seems pretty smooth but I think I will change mine soon, just because it feels like it must be time..also they have started to develop a small leak.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Kempner Texas
Originally Posted by joseph p
"You may want to replace the bushings"....
Which bushings are you speaking of, Vader. Any specific recomendations for softer shocks?
Thanks
Which bushings are you speaking of, Vader. Any specific recomendations for softer shocks?
Thanks
Gabriel VHT (I believe they're called VHT) gas shocks are soft riders. I've seen them at Pep Boys.
Jake
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,474
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From: Tracy CA
I never liked the original shocks on the base suspension. Just too soft - off the showroom floor.
I did the KYB thing. You'll get comments positive and negative. Negative is mostly from the autocross and racing guys who will spend the $500 for the Konis. Overall they work really well - and for the price - can't be beat.
I'd stay away from the monroe, the only cheap shock that works is KYB.
I did the KYB thing. You'll get comments positive and negative. Negative is mostly from the autocross and racing guys who will spend the $500 for the Konis. Overall they work really well - and for the price - can't be beat.
I'd stay away from the monroe, the only cheap shock that works is KYB.
Race Director
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by dennisvet
I have 156,000 miles on my original shocks now.
I know Bilsteins are not your ordinary shock, but come ON.....
I find it strange that so many Corvette owners change oil every 2-3 thousand miles, but insist on getting 80, or 90, or 100K miles out of the original shocks.
If you want to get 150K miles out of a shock, it had better be a GOOD, adjustable unit.
Larry
code5coupe
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,444
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From: Hawthorne NJ
"I know Bilsteins are not your ordinary shock, but come ON.....
I find it strange that so many Corvette owners change oil every 2-3 thousand miles, but insist on getting 80, or 90, or 100K miles out of the original shocks.
If you want to get 150K miles out of a shock, it had better be a GOOD, adjustable unit."
I agree, is there a place that rebuilds Bilsteins? Or is it better to just replace?
I find it strange that so many Corvette owners change oil every 2-3 thousand miles, but insist on getting 80, or 90, or 100K miles out of the original shocks.
If you want to get 150K miles out of a shock, it had better be a GOOD, adjustable unit."
I agree, is there a place that rebuilds Bilsteins? Or is it better to just replace?
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Originally Posted by joseph p
...I agree, is there a place that rebuilds Bilsteins? Or is it better to just replace?
