MTLMARKY

Hi everyone, About to attempt 4 new shock replacement, I did a search for some How too threads on replacing C5 shocks, came up with nothing concrete. Wanted to run it by you guys if u knew of a thread or site with some picture step by step instructions? Thank a bunch!

VetteDrmr

Don't know of any DIY pages, but they go in and out fairly normally. Only thing I can suggest is get something to tie the shock top and bottom together when its compressed; it'll make life a lot easier getting them in and out. I've used safety wire, clothshangers, and really big zip ties.

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike

davidfarmer

simple bolt-together deal. Just take everything loose, and swap them. As above, compressing the shock can be the hardest part.

FKING1

linky http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm

rws.1

here's another
http://www.c5forum.com/diy/shocks.php

IFLUBYU

get some long beef zip ties, will go easy!

MTLMARKY

Thanks everyone, got both the rears in with some coat hangers and long ties, works great!

Tommorow i will tackle the fronts!

Just Enough

Fronts you need to unbolt the top A-arm, just remember how many washers (shims) were under each bolt so your alignment will be uneffected.

FRCTony

Why would you do that?

Choreo

I just replaced all 4 shocks with Bilstein HDs and did not need to unbolt the A-arms - just used large (1/4" wide) Zip Ties on all the shocks.

Only issue I had was the lower rear shock bolt torquing to 162-ftlbs. Found out the hard way that the lower bolts/nuts are "designed" for one-time use. See http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1658908

JeffC5

I didn't unbolt the A arms when I replaced my shocks.
jeff

Joy of 6

Me neither, just unbolt the top and bottom mounts and swap

MTLMARKY

I am gona do just that, dont want to alter any alignment related parts.

Just Enough

I only unbolted the top A-arms for the front shock replacement. You don't need to do this, I felt it was easier this way. I also found that it gave me a chance to apply some blue locktight to the A-arm bolts. It is scary how easy (loose) those bolts are when you go to remove them. There are many ways to replace most parts, after having the shock unbolted and trapped in the A-arms, instead of scratching the shock or needing to squeeze it together with a zip tie, I simply unbolted the A-arm. Rear shock removal/installation the zip tie or bailing wire is the way to go.

moserbe

Good info.

One Nut

NEGATIVE
not necessary

moserbe

Just finished installing the fronts. Wasn't bad, a few beers and a couple of hours. Compressing the shocks was the hardest part but wire ties work wonders. Next is installing the rears which looks to be easier than the fronts.

wuznme

mechanics wire works better then zip ties and is reusable.

as stated no need to remove a-arms. and if the shocks are worn enough you may be able to compress and remove no wire or ties.