04 F55 shock change
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5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2023
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04 F55 shock change
Hello all, my 2004 sits really low so I put her up on stands to do the lowering bolts fix and noticed a little fluid on the inside of my rear passenger side rim. Took the tire all the way off and sure enough my F55 shock is leaking pretty good. It sat most of the winter (not all though) so I cleaned it up and it is still dripping so replacement is the plan. So many of the videos online are poor I didn't know if anyone had a better source or even a few tips for me before I get started? I'll order the replacement from Rock Auto and probably do the two (2) rear ones first before tacking the front's later this spring as they don't look too bad and hopefully adjusting those lowereing bolts will give me a little more space. Is there any other bushing's or other parts I should look at while I am doing this swap? I only have a little over 36,600 miles on it and other than a battery and a yaw rate sensor she has been pretty good to me. Hopefully changing these shocks and adjusting the ride height a bit will keep my wife happy as she was getting the itch to move towards something else that sits a bit higher. Thank in advance for any advise! Chip
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
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St. Jude Donor '25
You could do your tie rod ends and swaybar end links whilst there.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2023
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I started this process yesterday. I was able to remove the existing rear shocks without taking off the tie rods and so hopefully reinstalling them will be similar. I found a pretty good PDF that is helpful. On another note does anyone ever notice Rock Auto changes their prices on items? I ordered the two (2) rear shocks and less than a week later they are $79 cheaper for one and $28.80 for the other one. In total for all shocks there is a $143.80 difference in less than a week! I tried their website customer service help and that thing is atrocious to try to talk to someone and inquire about it.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Montgomery Texas
Is there any other bushing's or other parts I should look at while I am doing this swap?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2023
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All new shocks installed. Everything else looked good down there so I did not change anything else yet as I think I will have to do brakes and possibly rotors this next winter. I may upgrade but we will see. I did end up buying a tool from Amazon that allowed me to take the top nut off the front shocks through the engine bay. Seemed easy to just remove the three (3) nuts holding the washer fluid and the coolant reservoir and then remove them that way. Finding the right tools here locally proved to be impossible so I bought this and it worked perfectly.
Steering Hub Suspension Shock Absorber Strut Nut Removal Tool Set Socket Kit, Suspension Strut Spreader Tool (18pcs Suspension Tool)
It's been a bit since I have worked on cars other than fairly easier stuff so it was fun to get down there and turn a few wrenches. This forum is literally a godsend for people like me at times!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
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From: Florida
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Yes, of course. Look at the upper and lower control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, sway bar drive links and bushings, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, constant velocity joint boots, brake hoses and brake pads. In other words, you don't take the wheels off of the car every day, so while they are off, take the opportunity to thoroughly inspect everything that you have access to.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,503
Likes: 4,348
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
All new shocks installed. Everything else looked good down there so I did not change anything else yet as I think I will have to do brakes and possibly rotors this next winter. I may upgrade but we will see. I did end up buying a tool from Amazon that allowed me to take the top nut off the front shocks through the engine bay. Seemed easy to just remove the three (3) nuts holding the washer fluid and the coolant reservoir and then remove them that way. Finding the right tools here locally proved to be impossible so I bought this and it worked perfectly. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XZPNYZQ...roduct_details
