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Hello, I am going to upgrade my base model 2002 40,000 mile shocks to the Bilstein B6 HD, is there anything you all recommend that I do, going to do install myself, any helpful information would be great
I'd recommend following the advice of some of the DIY's available. I didn't have to disconnect anything other than the shocks themselves, but having them compressed was a must for me. I ended up using a daisy chain of zip ties as recommended by one of the DIYs. Tried the mechanic wire method but failed at that. IIRC the fronts were a tight squeeze getting in place, but patience helped
There’s a couple good YouTube videos on it. As mentioned, the zip tie method works well, that’s how I did mine. The rears are pretty simple, the front will take a little more time.
Did rears first which was more than straightforward. Getting torqued down was most difficult. High torque needed. Fronts were done with zip tie method. Bought long, heavy duty ties at local hardware store. Went very smoothly. Not an issue for those with even limited mechanical skills and average tools. A few extensions help in front. Breaker bar helps on rears.
I'd recommend following the advice of some of the DIY's available. I didn't have to disconnect anything other than the shocks themselves, but having them compressed was a must for me. I ended up using a daisy chain of zip ties as recommended by one of the DIYs. Tried the mechanic wire method but failed at that. IIRC the fronts were a tight squeeze getting in place, but patience helped
Yeah I can see zip ties helping when you get them compressed, I’d rather try that method then mess with the control arms, make it more easier.
The B8 are the sport version, they are stiffer then B6, have heard they are harsh, and plus Bilstein recommends the B6 for non lowered c5s
You could also go with the DRM Versions of the Bilsteins, IMO there a bit better than the Z06 versions and handle lowering on the stock bolts. Both will be firmer rides than the stock setup. They are more though.
My fronts were a PITA - I bought the "special tool" that is supposed to grab the top of the shock - and that part promptly broke. The lower part of the shaft was too "slippery" to get a grab with a vise grip. Used a Sawzall to cut the shaft (between the shock and the upper mount), remove the lower part, then with the Sawzall grind a flat into the piece left up top - which I was then able to grab with a vise grip and remove the top nut. Rears were no problem...
Hello, I am going to upgrade my base model 2002 40,000 mile shocks to the Bilstein B6 HD, is there anything you all recommend that I do, going to do install myself, any helpful information would be great
I would ask, why are you doing this? Doing something for the sake of doing it is not a good strategy. The shocks on a C5 are excellent they can easily see 100,000 miles.
Unless you need absolute control of your car in a very competitive track scenario, you will lose any assemblance of a nice ride. Many people put HD race ready shocks because they think they are better than the stock shocks.. If your driving style and your experience tell you that your car needs them to compete in an all out track event, that is a different story.. Dont buy heavy duty shocks and have to live with the harsher ride, if the harsher ride is a given and a trade off for better track conditions. Im sure there will be a few who might disagree... but everything is a trade off.. if you need more control diving into a corner at 110 mph, then by all means go for HD shocks. if your car is never going to see 110 mph corners, dont waste your money.
Anyone claiming there is no change in ride quality, when increasing the dampening force valving is just simply uninformed about automotive technology and the physics that go into the deign of a quality shock.
03-12-2019, 06:15 PM
Going to buy new shocks
