Shock change questions, need help.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,754
Likes: 89
From: arvada co
Shock change questions, need help.
I will be changing my Z51 shocks for some slightly used base shocks I bought from a fellow forum member. Unfortunately the shocks did not come with upper bushings and I don’t want to reuse the 85K mile bushings currently on the car.
I have a few questions:
Does anyone know where to buy shock bushing for a C6? I have located a Dorman bushing #31012 - .36ID x 1.0 OD x .875 tall, would that fit properly?
Also, Are there any special tools required? I will haft to buy a 24mm(?) wrench/socket for the rear lower links, and I have seen a special tool to keep the shock rod from turning during nut removal (I hear the fronts can be a b*** without that tool), what is it called? Would harbor freight have that tool?
I plan to unscrew the upper front A arms rather than do the zip tie/cinch compression method.
What are the various torque values?
Thanks in advance for any help you guys can offer.
I have a few questions:
Does anyone know where to buy shock bushing for a C6? I have located a Dorman bushing #31012 - .36ID x 1.0 OD x .875 tall, would that fit properly?
Also, Are there any special tools required? I will haft to buy a 24mm(?) wrench/socket for the rear lower links, and I have seen a special tool to keep the shock rod from turning during nut removal (I hear the fronts can be a b*** without that tool), what is it called? Would harbor freight have that tool?
I plan to unscrew the upper front A arms rather than do the zip tie/cinch compression method.
What are the various torque values?
Thanks in advance for any help you guys can offer.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Why in the world dont you get some C6 ZO6 shocks from Gene Culley, www.gmpartshouse.com
There $250 new for all for and they are a direct fit!. Just collaps the shock, use some coat hanger wire to keep it from extending. Set it in place, cut the wire and it will open and install its self!
Lube up ALL the shock bolts/nuts with penerating oil and use an impact wrench on the front uppers. They usually come right off.
Call ZIP Products and they will have your bushings. While you are ordering from ZIP, get their POLY SWAY BAR bushings. If you dont have them or yours are bad, you can also order metal end links.
I attached a PDF for all the C5 torque values!
There $250 new for all for and they are a direct fit!. Just collaps the shock, use some coat hanger wire to keep it from extending. Set it in place, cut the wire and it will open and install its self!
Lube up ALL the shock bolts/nuts with penerating oil and use an impact wrench on the front uppers. They usually come right off.
Call ZIP Products and they will have your bushings. While you are ordering from ZIP, get their POLY SWAY BAR bushings. If you dont have them or yours are bad, you can also order metal end links.
I attached a PDF for all the C5 torque values!
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,754
Likes: 89
From: arvada co
Why in the world dont you get some C6 ZO6 shocks from Gene Culley, www.gmpartshouse.com
There $250 new for all for and they are a direct fit!. Just collaps the shock, use some coat hanger wire to keep it from extending. Set it in place, cut the wire and it will open and install its self!
Lube up ALL the shock bolts/nuts with penerating oil and use an impact wrench on the front uppers. They usually come right off.
Call ZIP Products and they will have your bushings. While you are ordering from ZIP, get their POLY SWAY BAR bushings. If you dont have them or yours are bad, you can also order metal end links.
I attached a PDF for all the C5 torque values!
There $250 new for all for and they are a direct fit!. Just collaps the shock, use some coat hanger wire to keep it from extending. Set it in place, cut the wire and it will open and install its self!
Lube up ALL the shock bolts/nuts with penerating oil and use an impact wrench on the front uppers. They usually come right off.
Call ZIP Products and they will have your bushings. While you are ordering from ZIP, get their POLY SWAY BAR bushings. If you dont have them or yours are bad, you can also order metal end links.
I attached a PDF for all the C5 torque values!
Thanks for the torque values.
I didn't make myself clear. The reason I am changing the shocks is to get a less harsh ride, not to increase performance (next I plan to get rid of the runflats).
I just called Zip and they do not have shock bushings (rubber) for a C6.
Thanks again.
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
Why in the world dont you get some C6 ZO6 shocks from Gene Culley, www.gmpartshouse.com
There $250 new for all for and they are a direct fit!. Just collaps the shock, use some coat hanger wire to keep it from extending. Set it in place, cut the wire and it will open and install its self!
Lube up ALL the shock bolts/nuts with penerating oil and use an impact wrench on the front uppers. They usually come right off.
Call ZIP Products and they will have your bushings. While you are ordering from ZIP, get their POLY SWAY BAR bushings. If you dont have them or yours are bad, you can also order metal end links.
I attached a PDF for all the C5 torque values!
There $250 new for all for and they are a direct fit!. Just collaps the shock, use some coat hanger wire to keep it from extending. Set it in place, cut the wire and it will open and install its self!
Lube up ALL the shock bolts/nuts with penerating oil and use an impact wrench on the front uppers. They usually come right off.
Call ZIP Products and they will have your bushings. While you are ordering from ZIP, get their POLY SWAY BAR bushings. If you dont have them or yours are bad, you can also order metal end links.
I attached a PDF for all the C5 torque values!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 248
Likes: 40
From: Carlsbad CA
Why in the world dont you get some C6 ZO6 shocks from Gene Culley, www.gmpartshouse.com
There $250 new for all for and they are a direct fit!. Just collaps the shock, use some coat hanger wire to keep it from extending. Set it in place, cut the wire and it will open and install its self!
Lube up ALL the shock bolts/nuts with penerating oil and use an impact wrench on the front uppers. They usually come right off.
Call ZIP Products and they will have your bushings. While you are ordering from ZIP, get their POLY SWAY BAR bushings. If you dont have them or yours are bad, you can also order metal end links.
I attached a PDF for all the C5 torque values!
There $250 new for all for and they are a direct fit!. Just collaps the shock, use some coat hanger wire to keep it from extending. Set it in place, cut the wire and it will open and install its self!
Lube up ALL the shock bolts/nuts with penerating oil and use an impact wrench on the front uppers. They usually come right off.
Call ZIP Products and they will have your bushings. While you are ordering from ZIP, get their POLY SWAY BAR bushings. If you dont have them or yours are bad, you can also order metal end links.
I attached a PDF for all the C5 torque values!
I may need to call Gene to figure out which option to choose from.
Pat
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,037
Likes: 9,798
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I don't think going to the base shocks will help. Remember the Z51 springs are stiffer than the base springs and the Z51 shocks are valved to control the higher rate spring. Reducing the dampening may lead to interesting affects. Sort of like putting on new worn out shocks. Your ride is probably harder due to the spring than it is the shocks.
Bill
Bill