UPS delivered my new Bilstein HDs yesterday ($358/delivered from ShockWarehouse) so I checked the box to ensure they were exactly what I ordered...A-OK so far. I did notice a couple of things...

There are no blue boots like shown in some of the older threads on HDs. Are the boots missing or just not needed so no longer supplied by Bilstein?

Also, the sales guy indicated they came with a strap that held them compressed for easy installation...not so. None of the Bilsteins I have installed on my Mercedes have been strapped, and mounting them was possible at home but not particularly easy because of the limited working clearance...very hard to squeeze the shock into the available space, but it was do-able with some grunting and raising the car the max possible.

The Corvette is still resting under the car cover waiting for good weather so I have not actually peeked at the work space for this. I do not have access to a lift, just a floor jack and lots of tools. Is a lift needed, or can I reasonably expect to do this job in my garage by simply lifting the car and removing the wheels, like I have always done with my Mercedes? I figure some sort of strap will be needed to compress the shock, so I'll rig up something with a length of parachute cord,or something similar.

Any other helpful advice for a first-time Corvette owner would be gratefully received and much appreciated.

Thanks,

 

I haven't done it myself but I saved this thread just in case. It might help. Check post #12:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ions-long.html

 

I received my Bilstein Sports a few weeks ago and they had the blue boots, same as all Bilsteins I have seen on here before... I would talk to your supplier, or maybe a Bilstein rep (I'm sure you can find one on their website)

Mine weren't strapped either, but you can conpress them by hand, or leaning on them using your weight, and then hold them with a couple of long tie-straps. Then move the shock in the right position, cut the straps and it will slowly expand in place.

Really easy install. With the car on jackstands and wheel removed, just release and take out all shock mounting bolts. Then use a 1 inch wide strap with a little ratcheting-thingy, wrap it around top and bottom of shock, and start ratcheting. it will compress the shock and you can take it out without any problems. Then compress new shock as above and mount in car... Should be possible in about 3 hrs for all 4 corners...

Hope this helps, Sonny

PS, search for "bilstein" on here, and you' ll find several detailed install threads.

Edit: something I just remembered: most people re-use the original rubber "mounting washers" or whatever they are called, that are on the rod of the shock, they fit better then the ones supplied by Bilstein. You will need one of the big Bilstein washers on top of the blue boot, to keep it from hitting this rubber. More details through "search".
(but I guess you don't even have the boots, so I wonder about the rest of the hardware)

 

Thanks to both of you...any suggestions for where to get the strap/ratchet tool? Is this a typical rental item?

 

Don't know, never tried, but it probably is. However they are relatively cheap and easy to find, Home Depot, Lowes, any boat, trailer or RV store. It's just a regular, small ratcheting hold down strap.

 

What ever you do DO NOT undo the lower camber bolts on the A arms. thats your alignment...

ask me how i know.

I removed the upper a arm bolts and the tie rod end and the sway ends to get the length to do the install.

you dont need a strap. i used nylon cord tie a loop in the middle and use that to cinch the cord tighter as you compress then tie it off....boy scout trick to tighten something

 

Those are the ones I meant, the regular, small ratcheting hold down straps. Got mine at Harbour Freights, only a few $...

Sonny

 

Thanks, again. Next stop Home Depot/Lowes...no Harbor Freights around here, bet they would be lowest cost.

 

Mine came with the blue dust covers...have never seen them come without. I just use a piece of string to hold the shock compressed for install. Hold the shock compressed and have a friend tie the string, then cut when in place for install. Do not remove a-arm bolts to frame as this is not necessary and should require re-alignment. Shock replacement should not require an alignment. Easy install, no lift needed. Mine took 2 hours working leisurely, but now could easily do in one hour.

You can tie string yourself by holding shock compressed against a wall with knees using a piece of wood to protect knees. Then you have both hands free for string.

This is the page from Bilstein corporate:
http://www.bilsteinus.com/cart/ymm.p...ORVETTE&zenid=

They certainly show the blue boot. Are you sure it isn't stuck in the box?

 

I just received my HD shocks Thursday for the front of my 2005 front Corvette Central and they came with the blue boots and a sealed package of hardware. The bushings and upper cap are already on the shaft.
I installed the rear Bilstein HD shocks in October 09 after one of the OEM leaked oil after 54K miles. easy job.

Suggestions: I would install your rear shocks first since IMO easier to manipulate. Just make sure you support the lower control arms and of course the frame. This will allow you to adjust the new shocks length for installation.
With the rear converted you know what to expect with the fronts where you have to be patient and careful.

I did my brakes at the same time I did the shocks.

Hope this helps.

Mike

 

My Bilsteins came with the blue boots ... I would query your vendor.

I used a long tie-wrap to hold mine in the compressed position while I got them into place, and cut the tie wrap. Total cost was about $1 ... no point buying a reusable tool (ratchet strap) if you are not going to do this often ...

 

I got mine last week. They had the blue boots, and were not strapped.

 

Looked again and found the boots in the bottom of the box...the instruction sheet was wrapped around and holding it tight to the carton so it would not fall out with the hardware sack. Just opened from the other end to get at the instructions...there you go. Checked all the other boxes and all is well. Dumb-a$$ strikes again...it's been a long winter, snow on the car again this morning, must affect your reasoning skills.

Thanks again for all the installation advice.

 

no lift needed? no need to place a floor jack to support the control arm when lowering or lifting? i did my own replacement on my mustang but the corvette seems to be different due to the leaf spring...

 

I just used the jack to lift the car, put jack stand under the car, then used a block of wood to support control arm. A spring is a spring, no diff.

 

For those of you that purchased Bilsteins, did you chose the Sport or the HD, and why?

I noticed some list the part number as F4-BE5-2977-HO and F4-BE5-2978-HO, while other sources list them as F4-BE5-2977-H1 and F4-BE5-2978-H1. Does anyone know the difference between the HO and the H1 suffix?

Are the rear bolts 24MM?

 

Chose HDs.

Reasons: Base suspension, no Z-bars, no track day pretensions. Bilstein Sports are intended to complement upgraded suspensions, like Z51; that's not what I have or need.

 

I have no idea...have never seen those suffixes...call Bilstein at 1-704-663-7563 and get it straight from the maker.

I did the HDs...to me the best for the street is Bars and Bilsteins on the Base suspension.

 

www.allshocks.com has the info you seek.

 

And Eshocks.com has the best deal.