Changing Shocks
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Changing Shocks
I have a 2004 vette w/magnetic ride shocks(F55) and am going to change to regular Bilsteins, one of the originals is leaking. The plan is to de-program system with Tech II, and I plan to change the shocks myself, but according to the factory service manual, the front ones require that a monoleaf spring compresser be used. Can the job be done without compressing front spring? Has anyone done this?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 156
Likes: 9
From: Sprint Car Territory
I replaced my shocks without a spring compresser on my 2001 Z-51. I did have some trouble getting the shocks in and out of the control arms. As I remember, I did put a jack with a piece of wood on the jack pad under the control arm to move the control arm up. I may have also unhooked the sway bar links, but I'm not sure. I replaced my stock Z-51 shocks with Edelbrocks. Unless the magnetic ride shocks are bigger they should come out. Just take your time and be careful. Hope this helps.
The Outlaw
The Outlaw
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,350
Likes: 678
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
I did that exact change earlier this year on my 2003 (for the same reason). I changed them myself, and the only issue was compressing and keeping them compressed during install.
I am extremely pleased with the Bilstien Sport shocks (I can't tell the difference from the Magnetic ride shocks set on the "Sport" setting, which is where I normally kept it).
Yes, you will get a 80 mph max speed warning (every 10 minutes) until you get the F55 dialed out of the system.
I saw zero change in ride hgt., which was something I was concerned about.
Good luck,
Plasticman
I am extremely pleased with the Bilstien Sport shocks (I can't tell the difference from the Magnetic ride shocks set on the "Sport" setting, which is where I normally kept it).
Yes, you will get a 80 mph max speed warning (every 10 minutes) until you get the F55 dialed out of the system.
I saw zero change in ride hgt., which was something I was concerned about.
Good luck,
Plasticman
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,037
Likes: 796
From: Tollesboro Kentucky
[QUOTE=Plasticman;1585402837]I did that exact change earlier this year on my 2003 (for the same reason). I changed them myself, and the only issue was compressing and keeping them compressed during install.
Zip ties to hold them compressed will save alot of trouble.There is a good video of this on Youtube
Zip ties to hold them compressed will save alot of trouble.There is a good video of this on Youtube
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
zip ties are helpful as you can compress the suspension and then tie the shock.
i did mine the hard way, pulled the upper control arm and rear tie rod, didn't dawn on me till later that i could have zip tied the shocks
even if you do pull the upper arm and rear tie rod it's only a few more minutes of work.
i did mine the hard way, pulled the upper control arm and rear tie rod, didn't dawn on me till later that i could have zip tied the shocks
even if you do pull the upper arm and rear tie rod it's only a few more minutes of work.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 347
From: SC
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,350
Likes: 678
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
I used welding rod looped on each shock end, and a long 1/4" bolt / washers / nut to compress the old front shocks for removal. It worked fine, just took time. The new shocks were pretty easy to compress on the bench, and then tie them with light nylon line, and was easy to untie and gradually release the shocks into position, and then pull out the line.
I had wondered if anyone tried to drill a very small hole in the old shocks to release the pressure. Probably would of gotten a face full of shock fluid for my trouble, so I did not try it - but I was tempted.
Bottom line is the Bilstiens work great!
Finding a dealer to dial out the F55 was harder (local dealers refused), but found a tuner who who had a Tech II, and knew how to use it.
Plasticman
I had wondered if anyone tried to drill a very small hole in the old shocks to release the pressure. Probably would of gotten a face full of shock fluid for my trouble, so I did not try it - but I was tempted.
Bottom line is the Bilstiens work great!
Finding a dealer to dial out the F55 was harder (local dealers refused), but found a tuner who who had a Tech II, and knew how to use it.
Plasticman
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
