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Replacing Shocks: Need Any Additional Parts? Good Install Instructions

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Old Mar 18, 2014 | 10:11 AM
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Default Replacing Shocks: Need Any Additional Parts? Good Install Instructions

I know I'm beating a dead horse but I've tried searching and am not satisfied with the results I've come up with. I'm going to be replacing the shocks on my '01 with C6Z06 shocks in the coming weeks. It appears that it should be a simple bolt on, but some people have mentioned that I may need to replace bushings or some plastic part of the front suspension. Can anyone confirm if I need any additional parts aside from the Shocks?

Also, does anyone have a link to a good write-up with pictures on how to replace the shocks? I've found a few YouTube video's but haven't been able to find a good write up.

Sorry for beating a dead horse.
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Old Mar 18, 2014 | 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Macleod52
I know I'm beating a dead horse but I've tried searching and am not satisfied with the results I've come up with. I'm going to be replacing the shocks on my '01 with C6Z06 shocks in the coming weeks. It appears that it should be a simple bolt on, but some people have mentioned that I may need to replace bushings or some plastic part of the front suspension. Can anyone confirm if I need any additional parts aside from the Shocks?

Also, does anyone have a link to a good write-up with pictures on how to replace the shocks? I've found a few YouTube video's but haven't been able to find a good write up.

Sorry for beating a dead horse.
I just did this a few months ago. Here is a good write up I had found and used. http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm

All of the nuts and bolts are reused. Additionally, there is a washer and a rubber piece you will reuse from the top of the front shocks.
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Old Mar 18, 2014 | 11:21 AM
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Thank you! That is exactly what I was looking for. I had seen that write up before but couldn't find it. Do you know if you can use string instead of the Zip Ties?
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Old Mar 18, 2014 | 11:55 AM
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I just redid my entire 99 base suspension. The shocks add a huge difference. The shock should come with their own bushings and washers; they won't likely be polymer. If you haven't already, I would spend the $100 and get the plastic sway bar end links replaced with the metal-gm-links. I made a step-by-step photo log on how to do the full suspension change: shocks, sway bars, end links, and springs. I will see if I can upload them for you.

After deciding that I still have too much play in the suspension, I am going back and putting vb&p bushings throughout the car's entire suspension. The bushings look brand new, but after further professional advise, I found out they are just too soft, regardless of age and wear.

Lastly, even if you aren't changing bushings, or messing with the sway bars, move the sway bar bushings and grease them. That really helps the bars actually do what they are suppose to do.

Once I do the bushings I'll post that, too.
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Old Mar 18, 2014 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Macleod52
Thank you! That is exactly what I was looking for. I had seen that write up before but couldn't find it. Do you know if you can use string instead of the Zip Ties?
I think you could try, but the issue with any rope or string is it will stretch more. Even with the zip ties I had a rough time as I broke a few of them being cheap plastic. You need to compress them more than you think and it takes a lot of work especially if you have no help. i would get the zip tie on and then work at compressing the shock more and more tightening each time until I had enough to get it out.
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Old Mar 18, 2014 | 12:39 PM
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I found a bottle jack and clothes hanger worked the best.
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Old Mar 18, 2014 | 08:36 PM
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Use the zip ties, you'll be glad in the end.
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Old Mar 19, 2014 | 09:33 AM
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I did the hands only, no zip ties method, and it SUCKED. I was just too impatient to wait till the next day. Nobody had zip ties big enough here(small town) and i have some large ones at work.

The rears go in easily.
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