Installing Bilstein HD shocks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 198
Likes: 1
From: Cape Coral FL
Installing Bilstein HD shocks
Got some bilstein HD shocks coming in soon for my base suspension vette. Has anyone had experience installing these shocks?
I'm looking for the easiest way to install them the quickest...would unbolting the control arms be the easiest way to get them in and get the old ones out without zip ties, etc?
Thanks,
Mason
I'm looking for the easiest way to install them the quickest...would unbolting the control arms be the easiest way to get them in and get the old ones out without zip ties, etc?
Thanks,
Mason
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara Calif
Installing Bilstein Shocks
Got some bilstein HD shocks coming in soon for my base suspension vette. Has anyone had experience installing these shocks?
I'm looking for the easiest way to install them the quickest...would unbolting the control arms be the easiest way to get them in and get the old ones out without zip ties, etc?
Thanks,
Mason
I'm looking for the easiest way to install them the quickest...would unbolting the control arms be the easiest way to get them in and get the old ones out without zip ties, etc?
Thanks,
Mason
back to the Bilstein I had removed. The Bilstein is a better shock.
DO NOT unbolt control arms . They went in easy and faster the
more you do it. Good Luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 800
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From: Wichita Kansas
Put a set on mine, like Choreo said use zip ties or some safety wire to keep them compressed until in place. Or just shove them in there but no reason at all to take the control arms off. Remove or at least unbolt your washer fuild res. and the over flow tank to get to the front shock mounts easly.
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I agree - no need to unbolt the control arms to get the shocks installed.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 198
Likes: 1
From: Cape Coral FL
Yes I have and it gets easier each time. Installed Bilstein HD shocks. Drove 40K and bought C6 Shocks. After 5K miles changed
back to the Bilstein I had removed. The Bilstein is a better shock.
DO NOT unbolt control arms . They went in easy and faster the
more you do it. Good Luck!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
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You will love the Bilstein HD's. They completely transformed my car. It now handles like it's on rails. But, I did also install an Eibach sway bar kit to complement the Bilsteins.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 198
Likes: 1
From: Cape Coral FL
Does anyone know what order the bushings and washers go on the HDs? The shocks have two bushings and a washer already installed underneath the clip, washer closest to the c clip. And then theres two more washers and bushings.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 361
From: Midland TX
This old post of mine "might" help...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ar-shocks.html
Also GM recommends replacing the lower rear shock bolts and nuts - I tried to reuse my originals and both yielded and snapped before I reached the specified torque value. Purchased new sets and no problems torquing.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...ar-shocks.html
Also GM recommends replacing the lower rear shock bolts and nuts - I tried to reuse my originals and both yielded and snapped before I reached the specified torque value. Purchased new sets and no problems torquing.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 198
Likes: 1
From: Cape Coral FL
Finished the install today. Feels MUCH better while cornering and there doesn't appear to be any wheel hop. See if I bottom out. I looked at the old shocks and the bushings on the inside of the dust cover were completely chewed out looked like a seat cushion disintegrating.
Can't wait to drive some more and get a feel for it, but right off the bat it seems great.
Can't wait to drive some more and get a feel for it, but right off the bat it seems great.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Southwest Kansas
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I have a question.....where the H3LL did you find the Bilstein shocks? I've had mine on backorder for more than two months. They claim it is a nationwide backorder.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Cape Coral FL
Mason
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 87
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From: Hohenfels
I just did my shocks 2 weeks ago and installed the Bilstein shocks. I got mine through summit racing and they were here in a week. I also got the eibach sway-bar's for the front and rear and aluminum end links.
My C5 handles 10 times better now.
My C5 handles 10 times better now.