Bilstein shock questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
Bilstein shock questions
I just bought a set of bilstein sport shocks from a fellow forum member and have a few install questions.
1. The bushings that came with the shocks do not seem to fit the holes so I am planning on using the old ones or should I get new stock bushings?
2.I tested the top nut and it does not seem to go on the bils as it should compared to the stock. I don't want to ruin the threads so I wanted to ask if anyone knows if I should have a different nut other than stock.
3. The bils seem to compress easier than the stock z51's should this be the case? I only have one shock on without tightening everything up just yet so it isn't to late to change things around.
thanks for your help.
1. The bushings that came with the shocks do not seem to fit the holes so I am planning on using the old ones or should I get new stock bushings?
2.I tested the top nut and it does not seem to go on the bils as it should compared to the stock. I don't want to ruin the threads so I wanted to ask if anyone knows if I should have a different nut other than stock.
3. The bils seem to compress easier than the stock z51's should this be the case? I only have one shock on without tightening everything up just yet so it isn't to late to change things around.
thanks for your help.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
I installed a set of Bilstein sports about two years ago without any of the issues you describe, they bolted in using the fasteners that were on the car without any fitment problems.
You should ask the individual you purchased the shocks from if they are indeed for your application and if he modified them in any way. Good luck.
You should ask the individual you purchased the shocks from if they are indeed for your application and if he modified them in any way. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
ugh,not what I wanted to hear.
the stock nut will go on a few turns, but then the amount of effort needed to turn it any more i ridiculous, and I am scared I might damage the threads. It definately doesn't feel as if this nut should be on this shock. I did check the parts numbers before install, and they are correct, but I can't figure out why the nut is so darn difficult to get on.
You used an allen in the top to keep the shaft from spinning correct?
the stock nut will go on a few turns, but then the amount of effort needed to turn it any more i ridiculous, and I am scared I might damage the threads. It definately doesn't feel as if this nut should be on this shock. I did check the parts numbers before install, and they are correct, but I can't figure out why the nut is so darn difficult to get on.
You used an allen in the top to keep the shaft from spinning correct?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
I believe you are correct about the allen wrench, that was 2 years ago and my memory is not that great any more. I recommend you use a thread pitch gage to check the nut and bolt in question; you can also use a tap and dye to check the thread pitch.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
Cool.
I am going to try and see if I can find another nut at Lowes which might fit better. I just didn't feel like I should have to push with all my might to get that darn thing on.
is there anything I should be concerned about with getting another nut? There is nothing special is there? I am overly cautious and like to do everything correctly the first time.
Thanks.
I am going to try and see if I can find another nut at Lowes which might fit better. I just didn't feel like I should have to push with all my might to get that darn thing on.
is there anything I should be concerned about with getting another nut? There is nothing special is there? I am overly cautious and like to do everything correctly the first time.
Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
The nut you're using isn't by chance a lock nut is it? I believe mine came with a ny-lock nut. Once you find the correctly threaded nut, do use a ny-lock nut if possible.
By all means do not crossthread a nut on the shock. It will make removal and installation nearly impossible with zero chance of selling them if you are unhappy.
I replaced the Z-51 shocks on my 35k, C5 and the (new) Bilsteins were clearly stiffer than the Z-51's.
Good luck... GUSTO
By all means do not crossthread a nut on the shock. It will make removal and installation nearly impossible with zero chance of selling them if you are unhappy.
I replaced the Z-51 shocks on my 35k, C5 and the (new) Bilsteins were clearly stiffer than the Z-51's.
Good luck... GUSTO
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
A lock nut would be a good idea, if you cannot find a lock nut with the correct size and thread pitch you can either use an additional lock nut or a thread lock compound.
For this application I recommend you go with at least an SAE GRADE 5 or preferably an SAE GRADE 8 nut.
For this application I recommend you go with at least an SAE GRADE 5 or preferably an SAE GRADE 8 nut.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
Likes: 26
From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
yup my stock bushings were re-used with no issues.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver Washington
