I ordered new Z06 shocks for my '98 coupe. I've got the rear of the car lifted and the right rear shock unbolted (with the lower A-arm supported by a small jack).

Question 1: How do I remove the shock and install the new one? I can't compress either of them by hand (despite the fact that I read elsewhere on these forums that you can).

Question 2: What should I expect to encounter on the front end?

If those of you who have done this before could please offer your recommendations, I would be most appreciate of the help.

Thanks,
LO PHAT

 

You need to get some BIG zip ties, compress the shocks, zip tie them, get them into position, and then clip the ties.

If you do a search on this forum, there are several ggod posts on how to do this.

 

The rear end is easy, especially if you pull the upper control arm. I lowered my car the same time I did the shocks, and knowing I was going to need an alignment anyways, I just ripped everything off. There are 2 18mm bolts holding the upper control arm on, so you remove them. You need a 15/16 wrench, and a 15/16 socket to pull the bolt at the bottom of the shock. Then, using a 13mm 3/8 drive ratchet, a 3/8 swivel, and some extensions, you need to remove the 3 13mm bolts at the top of the shock. If the control arm is unbolted at the top, the lower control arm can sag a bit more. With all of the shock bolts removed you can carefully work the shock out of its place. There is a metal bracket at the top you need to remove. Get yourself a 15mm wrench, and an adjustable wrench. Put the adjustable wrench at the top on the flat spot of the shock rod to keep it from turning, and pull that 15mm nut off. Once it is off, remove the big washer, pull off the bushings, and pull the shock off. Transfer the metal bracket thingy to the new shock, put the new bushings on, and tighten that 15mm nut. Once that is done, work the new shock back into place, and assembly is the opposite of how I told you to take it apart. If you want to lower your car, NOW IS THE TIME TO DO IT. It's super easy, I will post a link.

Anyways, it's dinner time, I will walk you through the front after I eat. Get crackin!

 

here your go..two slightly different methods..
the first link is what I followed

http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm

http://www.c5forum.com/diy/shocks.php

 

I have done the shocks twice on my Z06. The first time, I did it similar two the directions in the quoted links. When I Recently installed my Pfadt Sport Shocks, I followed their instructions which added the step of unbolting the upper control arms. After doing it both ways...the unbolting the control arm method is the BEST way to do it. It made it so simple and I did not have to deal with compressing the shocks and then using zip tires or wire to hold them compressed.

Here is Pfadt's instructions: http://www.pfadtracing.com/docs/pfad...structions.pdf

 

The zip ties did really not work the first 10 times I tried it. They kept breaking or other complications. I tried chains and other things. Eventually I got it to work. Shock #2 in the front was a little easier. You should be able to compress by hand. If you can't it you will have get the zip tie method to work.

 

That is exactly why I did it, it was so easy and took so little time.

 

Take the jack out from under the lower a-arm.

Pulling the upper arms should make it easy. If you don't want to do that then I'd recommend you use something like mechanics wire to tie the shocks closed till they are in position. The C6Z06 shocks do require a lot of force to compress them. The only way I could compress them was with one end on the floor and then leaning on them.

The C6Z06 shocks should come with all the necessary parts installed except the upper bushing and washer and nut for the fronts.

Peter

 

Thank you for all of the comments and links, gentlemen. Hopefully this will go smoothly.

LO PHAT

 

If you find zip ties hard to work with I found it easier to use those small ratcheting tie downs guys with pickup trucks use to hold down cargo they are smaller versions of the tie downs usedto secure your race car to your trailer. you don't have to lean or compress the shock by hand as the ratcheting mechanism easily compresses the shock............ just my $.02

 

You guys need to eat some Wheaties and hit the gym!!!



I compressed them by hand and kicked them out to the side.



Ga'damn what a difference with 04z shocks and c6z51 sways!

 

Your shocks must have been really weak then! There is no way I could hand compress my shocks, but they were from a fairly low mileage 03 Z06!

 

I tried that too but my ratchet straps were just too big to work in that small area. If you can get smaller straps that $10 or whatever is totally worth it for those front shocks. Or go out and get the biggest zip ties you can find.

 

Does pulling the upper control arms require a new alignment? I'm getting ready to do this myself and need all the EASY I can get!

 

no...just put any washers back in the same place you found them.

 

Thanks, Hammer!