Installed C6ZO6 shocks
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
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From: Dublin GA
Installed C6ZO6 shocks
Well, I just finished installing a set of C6Z06 shocks my wife got me for Christmas.
One thing it reminded me of, I remember now why I'm not a mechanic for a living
While not the hardest job I've done by a LONG way, it is definitely an aggravating job. Word of advise, make sure you have plenty of heavy duty zip ties on hand before you start
I havn't had an opportunity to drive it yet since it's been RAINING off and on the last couple of days, but I hope it makes a positive improvement
One thing it reminded me of, I remember now why I'm not a mechanic for a living
While not the hardest job I've done by a LONG way, it is definitely an aggravating job. Word of advise, make sure you have plenty of heavy duty zip ties on hand before you start
I havn't had an opportunity to drive it yet since it's been RAINING off and on the last couple of days, but I hope it makes a positive improvement
Pro
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 606
Likes: 18
From: burke va
How long did it take and if you had to do it again how much quicker do you think it would be? I've heard nothing but good things about the C6Z06 shocks. Congratulations!
Last edited by egrand333; Feb 6, 2010 at 04:16 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I installed them on my 02 ZO6. It made a slight difference in everyday straight line city / highway driving. They really shine when you press the car thru emergent maneuvers and enter curves at higher speeds. If you have ever experienced the car "side stepping" in hard rough turns; the C6 Z shocks really help eliminate that problem.
BC
BC
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 600
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From: Las Vegas NV
I can't remember how hard it was when I swapped my originals for Bilsteins, but i can get the rears in and out without zip tying them now. Just bear down on them to compress the piston and wiggle/pop them out the bottom.
Tech Contributor
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
When i installed mine,,,I just used some medium duty solid wire, compressed them by hand against the ground and lock wired them compressed. Once they were in place,,,,I cut the wire and allowed them to expand into place. Total job. APPOX 2 hrs.
Make sure that you have the TORQUE Specs for the bolts.
Make sure that you have the TORQUE Specs for the bolts.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 9
From: Dublin GA
I could do it again in probably 1/2 the time. It was funny, the first side would kick my rear, but each time I did the second side, it took hardly no time because I had figured out some of the "tricks"
Like bill said, you compress them on the floor, tie them, and they slip right in. Wouldn't hesitate to help someone slip on a set now if they needed it
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Tech Contributor
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Contact Gene Culley; www.gmpartshouse.com
He has them for $250 New for all four! Best price in town!
He has them for $250 New for all four! Best price in town!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 16
From: Katy Tx
I just put C6-Z06 shocks in yesterday - was a bigger job than I thought actually. The wire-tie idea from the forum definitley made it possible - thanks guys . Trouble I had was on the fronts - the nut at the top was Very hard to tighten - got stiff before enough of the little flat at the top was visible -- still haven't got the right front tight - any tips?? (I moved the coolant resv. out of the way to clearly see the top but still am having trouble tightening the nut - and yes I did lube it first.
Is there a trick to this I missed? -- some way to keep the shaft from turning except that tiny tip ?
Is there a trick to this I missed? -- some way to keep the shaft from turning except that tiny tip ?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I just put C6-Z06 shocks in yesterday - was a bigger job than I thought actually. The wire-tie idea from the forum definitley made it possible - thanks guys . Trouble I had was on the fronts - the nut at the top was Very hard to tighten - got stiff before enough of the little flat at the top was visible -- still haven't got the right front tight - any tips?? (I moved the coolant resv. out of the way to clearly see the top but still am having trouble tightening the nut - and yes I did lube it first.
Is there a trick to this I missed? -- some way to keep the shaft from turning except that tiny tip ?
Is there a trick to this I missed? -- some way to keep the shaft from turning except that tiny tip ?
BC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 16
From: Katy Tx
yeah - thats what I did - but still had a devil of a time - gonna keep trying - only got it on a few threads.... wonder why they are so snug?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
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From: Dublin GA
They are snug, but that should keep it from backing off.
After my 1/4 wrench wouldn't hold, I removed the coolant tank (and windshield washer tank) clamped a set of vise grips tightly on it (vertically) then took a set of slip lock pliers (horizontally) to hold the vise grips from rotating. My wife tightened the nut while I held it and it was a snap.
After my 1/4 wrench wouldn't hold, I removed the coolant tank (and windshield washer tank) clamped a set of vise grips tightly on it (vertically) then took a set of slip lock pliers (horizontally) to hold the vise grips from rotating. My wife tightened the nut while I held it and it was a snap.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
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From: Brentwood TN
Tech Contributor
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Remove the shock, inspect/repair the threads. Run the nut down with the shock out of the car.BC
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Feb 8, 2010 at 10:52 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,283
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From: Katy Tx
well - "got 'er done"... thanks for the encouragement Bill.
I did back the nut off, inspected (threads looked ok visually) -
then threaded the nut part way on the shaft of the old shock just to make sure it was ok -- did fine but still stiff. Got a little further on this time - just enough to get an adjustable wrench (of all things) on the flat real snug - threaded the rest of the way with some effort but got it all the way down tight--- feel SO much better. The C6-Zo6's drive GREAT with the C6-Z51 sways I already put on (base susp 97). Thanks again to all
Gary
I did back the nut off, inspected (threads looked ok visually) -
then threaded the nut part way on the shaft of the old shock just to make sure it was ok -- did fine but still stiff. Got a little further on this time - just enough to get an adjustable wrench (of all things) on the flat real snug - threaded the rest of the way with some effort but got it all the way down tight--- feel SO much better. The C6-Zo6's drive GREAT with the C6-Z51 sways I already put on (base susp 97). Thanks again to all
Gary
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,904
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From: Vancouver Washington
Zip ties, medium duty wire, grunting and pushing - - - You guys are barbaric. 
You just put the Easy Shock on them, snug it up, pull the bolts, compress the Easy Shock and lift the old one out. Reverse the process with the new one. Couldn't be any easier. Takes a half hour for four shocks and you can do it with a cup of coffee in your other hand. 
Just yanking your chains guys, I made it myself. BUT, it does work like a charm on C5, C6, Bilstein and probably other shocks both front and rear.
You just put the Easy Shock on them, snug it up, pull the bolts, compress the Easy Shock and lift the old one out. Reverse the process with the new one. Couldn't be any easier. Takes a half hour for four shocks and you can do it with a cup of coffee in your other hand. Just yanking your chains guys, I made it myself. BUT, it does work like a charm on C5, C6, Bilstein and probably other shocks both front and rear.
