Need help with Bilstein install...
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 2
From: We cant stop here... this is bat country
Need help with Bilstein install...
I am having a problem with understanding the directions that came with my Bilstein's. I went to do my suspension today, and I cant understand the assembly instructions. If I cant get somebody to show me a picture of what the shock looks like with all the parts set on it and ready to be put in, then I will put up pics of the instructions and each piece tonight so that someone can give me the right order. As soon as I get this down, the Bilstein's and Hotchkis bars are going on. 
HEELLLPPP!!!! Thanks guys. Darroch Malone 
HEELLLPPP!!!! Thanks guys. Darroch Malone
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 7
Just take the stock ones off and you will see how to mount them,, there are not any tricks with shocks.. just un-bolt and replace with the new parts.
I will say that I unbolted the front knuckles from the suspension arms to get my shocks in easier.
I will say that I unbolted the front knuckles from the suspension arms to get my shocks in easier.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 2
From: We cant stop here... this is bat country
Thanks Ruby 
I asked myself right after posting what the hell I was doing. Right in the middle of the install, I needed some help now. So I decided to call the guys at ECS for some quick help. They told me the exact same thing as you! I found that I didnt have to drop the lower arm on the passenger side to get the stocker out, but for some reason I am going to have to on the driver side. I had enough for one day, so I'm gonna pick it up tomorrow. Thanks again. Darroch Malone
I asked myself right after posting what the hell I was doing. Right in the middle of the install, I needed some help now. So I decided to call the guys at ECS for some quick help. They told me the exact same thing as you! I found that I didnt have to drop the lower arm on the passenger side to get the stocker out, but for some reason I am going to have to on the driver side. I had enough for one day, so I'm gonna pick it up tomorrow. Thanks again. Darroch Malone
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,406
Likes: 0
From: Fly Over State
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
Get some Zip Ties!!! Connect the ties to the top and bottom of the shocks. Compress the shocks and pull the Zip ties tight to keep the shocks compressed. They will come right out!! Do the same for the install of the new ones.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 448
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
Originally Posted by ALLKAR
Get some Zip Ties!!! Connect the ties to the top and bottom of the shocks. Compress the shocks and pull the Zip ties tight to keep the shocks compressed. They will come right out!! Do the same for the install of the new ones.
No need to undo suspension pieces to replace shocks. Use the zip-tie method. I believe there is a tech write up in the "tech tips" section.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 2
From: We cant stop here... this is bat country
Im not sure I'm following exactly how to do this zip-tie method. If you could, please elaborate on this or point me in the direction of the write up on this. I did a search but to no avail. BTW, thanks for the help you guys. I'd be lost without you.
ALLKAR: Keep an eye on that yellow z06. I LOOOVVVEEE yellow. That is a very beautiful piece of machinery. I know where you live now!!!
Oh yeah, that other car you got is nice too. 
Dan: Too bad you are not closer. I need someone to ride with that I can also talk VETTES. Thanks for the help. Darroch Malone
ALLKAR: Keep an eye on that yellow z06. I LOOOVVVEEE yellow. That is a very beautiful piece of machinery. I know where you live now!!!
Oh yeah, that other car you got is nice too. Dan: Too bad you are not closer. I need someone to ride with that I can also talk VETTES. Thanks for the help. Darroch Malone
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,406
Likes: 0
From: Fly Over State
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by VetteHunting
Im not sure I'm following exactly how to do this zip-tie method. If you could, please elaborate on this or point me in the direction of the write up on this. I did a search but to no avail. BTW, thanks for the help you guys. I'd be lost without you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 448
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
Originally Posted by ALLKAR
Loop a Zip tie around the top shock mounting bolt. Loop another one around the bottom mount of the shock. Depending on the size of your Zip Ties loop several together to connect the top loop to the bottom. Then compress the shock and tighten the Zip ties to keep the shock compressed. Then take the shock out.
When you make the continuous loop from top to bottom with the zip-ties, it is helpful to tie one around the middle of the shock as well, to keep them from slipping off the top of the shock. Another key point, take a small jack and compress the shock via the bottom control arm, right up to the point where jacking further would start to lift the whole front end. If you can get the tie-raps secured with the shock in this position, you'll have no trouble sliding it out once the jack is released. Make sure you pre-compress the new shock (again, with more tie-raps) before attempting to install. Get the new shock into position, then cut the ties and wallah, you are ready to bolt it down. I'd draw you a picture, but it's too early in the AM for that now! Good luck.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 2
From: We cant stop here... this is bat country
Guys I appreciate this info more than words can say. This is going to save a ton of time with this install. As a matter of fact, I think I'm going to go continue this right now. I'm installing these with a set of Hotchkis bars as well. I'll let everyone know how it rides with this combo. The WCC guy said it would ride on rails. I said it already does. ??? Who knows what it will be like. Thanks again guys. Darroch Malone
Darroch Malone