shock install
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: Olympia WA
Re: shock install (Rob 99)
They are pretty easy. The hardest part is compressing the shocks so you can get them in and out easily. I dropped my A arm in front to get the fronts out easy. Only 4 bolts on each side and very easy to do. Also a good time to lower the front if you plan on doing this.
Use something to hold the shocks in their compressed state. I used rags tied into a loop. Others have used those nylon ties. Either would work fine.
You will like the changes the Bilsteins will make to the ride and handling. If you lower the car as well, you will like it even more... especially the look.
Incidentally, I bought the lowering kit (for the rear) from Mid America Designs that include longer bolts and new bushings. This way you can keep the stock bolts and bushings in case you want to go back to stock. They are the only ones I know of that include new bushings.... ... :cheers:
Use something to hold the shocks in their compressed state. I used rags tied into a loop. Others have used those nylon ties. Either would work fine.
You will like the changes the Bilsteins will make to the ride and handling. If you lower the car as well, you will like it even more... especially the look.
Incidentally, I bought the lowering kit (for the rear) from Mid America Designs that include longer bolts and new bushings. This way you can keep the stock bolts and bushings in case you want to go back to stock. They are the only ones I know of that include new bushings.... ... :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 1
From: Morganton, NC, USA
Re: shock install (Mike Schriber)
I did all 4 Bilstein Sport shocks one afternoon and lowered front and rear at the same time. Unbolting the front upper A- arms (4 bolts) makes access very easy. I did not have to pre-compress either the front or rear shocks, just push them closed a little. Rear shocks look like the bottoms are trapped, but with a little twisting and turning, they can be removed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,976
Likes: 527
From: Clouds Over California
Re: shock install (Rob 99)
Easy money, follow the above post, I just did a poly kit, front spring, shocks, and swaybars. Once the car is up on stands or jacked up from the crossmember I could do the fronts in 10 mins and the rears in about 20 mins. The lower bolt on the rear shock is torqued to 167 lbs, I suggest using a 1/2" drive ratchet and socket or a really big and long wrench! :cool:
Thread Starter
I'm "Apache" a psycho dog
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 31
From: N.J.
Re: shock install (Shinobi's97)
Ok guys, thanks for the replys, im going to give it a try this afternoon, i have ait tools at my disposal so that should make it a little easier, iv done stuff like this before just not on a C-5 so its my first time diggin underneath :eek: and dont want to screw up, let u guys know how i make out, thanks, Rob. 
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 58,783
Likes: 1
From: D*ck ina Box
CI III & IV Vote Ho
CI II, III, IV & V Vet
CI IV Bracket Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: shock install (Rob 99)
get a friend to help when compressing the shocks....position yourself under the rotor and have your friend holding the zip ties, prepared of course. When you compress the shock, the buddy puts the zip tie....very easy
Mark
Mark
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs
Re: shock install (Rob 99)
Last weekend I tried to install Bilstein shocks on my 99 Vette. I was able to get the old shock loose. But I could not get it out of the frame. I had no way to compress and hold the shock. I put it back together and let the Corvette dealership install them. They charged me $125 for labor. It was either difficult or they ripped me.
EDC
EDC
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
I'm "Apache" a psycho dog
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 31
From: N.J.
Re: shock install (EDC)
hey EDC, same here, i got the old shock loose, but no way to get it compressed and at the same time pull it down so the top stud would clear, i was bymyself so as another post said its better with 2 people. wasted 2 1/2 hours messin with it plus getting all the tools and jacks out. tommorow i am bringing it to the shop that did the A+A exhaust bypass thats were i should have went today but i thought i would give it a shot :mad
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 58,783
Likes: 1
From: D*ck ina Box
CI III & IV Vote Ho
CI II, III, IV & V Vet
CI IV Bracket Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: shock install (Rob 99)
hey EDC, same here, i got the old shock loose, but no way to get it compressed and at the same time pull it down so the top stud would clear, i was bymyself so as another post said its better with 2 people. wasted 2 1/2 hours messin with it plus getting all the tools and jacks out. tommorow i am bringing it to the shop that did the A+A exhaust bypass thats were i should have went today but i thought i would give it a shot :mad
Mark
Drifting
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Re: shock install (Rob 99)
Rob! All you need are some beefy wire ties and a big screwdriver. Trust me, you can do it. The installation article on Corvette Dreams tells you how, and it was done by one person!
Then again, $125 is a darn good deal...
Mike
Then again, $125 is a darn good deal...
Mike
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: Olympia WA
Re: shock install (Mike Schriber)
This can be done by one person. MAKE SURE THE CAR IS WELL SUPPORTED! You will need a little muscle to compress the rears and your tie loop needs to be attached to the bottom of the shock so you can slip it over the top (compressed) as you hold it. By removing the top a-arm bolts you can get the fronts out very easily.
One problem you might have on the front is getting the top nut off. Spray some lubricant or lock-ease on the nut an hour or so before you start. The new nuts go on very easy and have an allen socket.
One problem you might have on the front is getting the top nut off. Spray some lubricant or lock-ease on the nut an hour or so before you start. The new nuts go on very easy and have an allen socket.
Thread Starter
I'm "Apache" a psycho dog
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 31
From: N.J.
Re: shock install (Chuck Broten)
thanks to all for there tips about the install, i did get them in today with some help, and no problems, i can tell the diff already without even getting out on the highway,it is a flatter ride but not harsh or unbearable, and thanks to corvette dreams.com for the online directs, they were a great help.. Rob. :cool:
