How hard is it to replace shocks on a C5?
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Pro
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From: Discipline, Commitment, Toughness Effort, Pride
St. Jude Donor '13
How hard is it to replace shocks on a C5?
I've read the toutorials and it all seems pretty straightforward, however: For those who have actually replaced their own shocks, how difficult is it and how long did it take you? I plan to do the work myself in my garage using a floor jack, ramps and handtools.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Racer
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From: Palm Desert CA
Agree with what has been said. Truly the hardest part is compressing the front shocks to get them out. If you place the vette on a jackstand, you can use the jack to compress the shock, secure it with a couple large zipties and away you go. Other than that it is very easy to do.
Danny
Danny
Drifting
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From: Hopatcong New Jersey
Then the hardest part ends up being how to keep your drinks cold for 2 hours without a cooler while you change your shocks
Le Mans Master
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From: LAND OF OZ Kansas
Wow, they were shot; they were that way on my old tuck. As others have stated, it's not hard, and trying to match the lower bolts is going to give you the most trouble, but even that is easy once you get one bolt in there. It's definitely a DYI job man.
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St. Jude Donor '13
Thanks for the info guys. Too many cases of getting into a project that looked easy enough only to spend 3X longer than planned to finish it. Sounds like this one I can do!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: MA
You can find DIY directions on the web. The job is not hard to do. Just one caution, do NOT tighten the lower rear mounting bolts to the 160 ft-lbs recommended by many DIY instructions. That torque is for new bolts and is the torque to yield value. If you intend to reuse the lower bolts I think the factory recommended torque is 104.
Burning Brakes
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From: Yes it's hot! Arizona
I was lucky, mine were the same way. Zip ties too install the new ones!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Jensen Beach FL
I used the McRat method. Works pretty well except getting the rear shocks out. Might be easier to compress and zip tie them also for easier removal. http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
I did mine twice (C5 Z51 shocks, Koni FSD shocks=current) - Also did two of my buddies Vette's as well! 
First time I don't remember how long it took, next time taking my time I knocked it out by myself in a hour and a half
I used this same link as above: Very helpful link
http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm
I does not take that long, just work slow and easy and careful using safety equipment (gloves,goggles etc.)
After you are done you would be able to cut the time in half and then a third time you are an expert!
Thanks,Matt
First time I don't remember how long it took, next time taking my time I knocked it out by myself in a hour and a half
I used this same link as above: Very helpful link
http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm
I does not take that long, just work slow and easy and careful using safety equipment (gloves,goggles etc.)
After you are done you would be able to cut the time in half and then a third time you are an expert!
Thanks,Matt
Le Mans Master
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From: Allentown PA & Elk Twp NJ HPDE Addict
When you torque the rear lower nut and bolt....make sure you put the torque wrench on the nut side. If you try to torque the bolt side, you'll risk snapping the bolt
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The McRat method is very detailed and works well. Good luck getting them swapped out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Oceanside California
Had an easy time with the swap. One of the first things I ever did to this car! Just need basic tools and some time. The zip tie method and jack underneath the control arm work well.
I just hope the coilovers I have on the way are as easy to get in!
I just hope the coilovers I have on the way are as easy to get in!
Race Director
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From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
[QUOTE=KF9BD;1584220001]Agree with what has been said. Truly the hardest part is compressing the front shocks to get them out. If you place the vette on a jackstand, you can use the jack to compress the shock, secure it with a couple large zipties and away you go. Other than that it is very easy to do.
Danny[/QUOTE
Danny[/QUOTE