Shock Install
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Shock Install
I've done the shock install once before on my Z06 using the "Zip Tie" method and while it worked it was a bit tough. If you don't get good enough ties on the shock they stretch and pull apart.
What other methods are there? It doesn't seem right that you would have to disconnect the A-arms, I don't want to go through that.
I've looked for "shock wrenches" but that just shows adjustment tools or compression tools for a strut type install when you have the spring to deal with.
Any other ideas?
What other methods are there? It doesn't seem right that you would have to disconnect the A-arms, I don't want to go through that.
I've looked for "shock wrenches" but that just shows adjustment tools or compression tools for a strut type install when you have the spring to deal with.
Any other ideas?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 842
Likes: 45
From: St Paul, MN; Orlando, FL
I just put shocks in; zip tie method.
Picked up some EXCELLENT zip ties at Ace Hardware---about a dozen in a package, each about 18" long and unbreakable!
Wish I had found a better way, but beats taking the suspension all apart!
Picked up some EXCELLENT zip ties at Ace Hardware---about a dozen in a package, each about 18" long and unbreakable!
Wish I had found a better way, but beats taking the suspension all apart!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Just get some mild steel wire and make a loop on one end, compress the shock, wrap the wire around the compessed shaft with one loop and once its inplace, cut the steel wire with a pair of cutters. It will expand in place and jsut remove the wire.
You can even use a metal coat hanger but, it a little thick!
BC
You can even use a metal coat hanger but, it a little thick!
BC
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Vancouver Washington
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 92
Likes: 1
From: CT
I've done it with nothing but PVC tape. Compress the shock & hold it that way. Run a few long strips of tape the length of the shock to hold the 2 halfs together. Then wrap around the the shock at the top & bottom to hold the long strips in place.
If you don't catch the tape on anthing, it hold well enough to get the shock in place.
If you don't catch the tape on anthing, it hold well enough to get the shock in place.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 5
From: Rockwall TX
I just did mine this weekend. I used a wood clamp to compress the shocks, and an old guitar string (the thickest one) with a loop at the end. Suprisingly the string lasted for all four shocks. I also used a jack under the A arm to help in getting the bolts out. Once I got the guitar string method figured out, it was a breeze, just kept on strumming.
Last edited by dmarkshark; Feb 21, 2011 at 08:26 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Thanks all. I did it with zip ties, but had a few break and cause frustration. I still like that idea of a tool to clamp it down but I didn't have the spare time to slap that together first, just needed it done and it is!
