Shock replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL, USA
Shock replacement
New bilsteins going in soon as I get them in. Not being a wrenchhead at all, should I attempt to change the stock shocks out? Ive put in a proflow and lowered the car on the bolts, but am a little apprehensive about this project. Guess my question is, how complex is this job on a 1-10 scale?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,726
Likes: 368
From: Montoursville Pa
About a 2-3 easy job probably the hardest part is getting the bolts in because the gas pressure will make them extend all the way out (the new ones)
use some penetrate on the bolts let it sit awhile then pull them out. You can do it!
use some penetrate on the bolts let it sit awhile then pull them out. You can do it!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 2
From: Simpsonville SC
I had a little difficulty on my fronts but not really. Its a pretty easy job (my opinion) even if you havent had much mechanic experiance. You pretty much need two jacks tho, makes it a lot easier. Good Luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 5
Super easy job. 3 bolts each shock. You need some muscle to compress the shocks by hand though, which wasn't a problem for me.
Tips: Don't use the grommets that come w/ the Bilstein shocks. They squeak like mad crazy. Or if you *do* use them, get some SpeedX and spray on them.
Tips: Don't use the grommets that come w/ the Bilstein shocks. They squeak like mad crazy. Or if you *do* use them, get some SpeedX and spray on them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,472
Likes: 38
From: Houston TX
St. Jude Donor '11
Just got done with the job. Not too bad. Getting the shocks out is kind of a pain. I took the rear upper a-arms off to get them out easier. Also getting the front upper mounting bolts off are a little bit of a pain because the shafts turn. I put some vice grips on the shafts through the top, removing the cooltant and windshield washer reserviors was necessary.
I lowered the car on stock bolts at the same time. It is a noticable difference lowered with Bilstein Sports.
Go for it!
I lowered the car on stock bolts at the same time. It is a noticable difference lowered with Bilstein Sports.
Go for it!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
Likes: 0
From: Johnston, Iowa
Originally Posted by JeffC5
ok, I guess I'll be the one to ask....what's tty?
jeff
jeff
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,567
Likes: 1
From: Edmond, OK...One of the first rules of online forums: If you don't like what is said but can't refute it, attack the poster.
Well, at least I'm not the only one who didn't know what tty meant. Thanks for the answer. It all makes sense now.
jeff
jeff
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,008
Likes: 508
From: Hilton NY
Some 1/4" rope will help compress the shocks; tie one end of the rope to a shock end then loop it over the ends two or three times. While pulling the free end of the rope use a lever to push the shock down a little at a time; since the rope is looped several times it gives you mechanical advantage so it's easy to hold while you increase the lever size, a board etc. When the shock is compressed enough remove the shock. Conversely, use the rope to compress the new shock for installation. If an allen wrench won't fit the top front shock due to fender interference then grind the wrench down some.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,754
Likes: 0
From: Nokomis FL
I changed out my 70k Z51's with Bilistein Sports 2 weeks ago. Great ride, love them. Only comment not covered is jack the "A" arm up and tie the shocks in the up position with wire, I also compressed them on the bench and tied them before reinstall. You'll be looking for every fraction of an inch trying to get them out and in. I'd go with a level 5 not for tech but for PIA.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 816
Likes: 0
From: peabody ma
Originally Posted by Old Rotor Head
I changed out my 70k Z51's with Bilistein Sports 2 weeks ago. Great ride, love them. Only comment not covered is jack the "A" arm up and tie the shocks in the up position with wire, I also compressed them on the bench and tied them before reinstall. You'll be looking for every fraction of an inch trying to get them out and in. I'd go with a level 5 not for tech but for PIA.
