Mar 5, 2015, 07:05 PM
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- How to Install Shock Absorbers
Step by step instructions for do-it-yourselfers.
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Shock Absorber Installation
Thread Starter
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
Shock Absorber Installation
This is for any DIYer out there that has replaced their shocks: Any tips or helpful hints for a DIY install? I'll probably being putting in a set of Bilstein HD's or Bilstein Sports on a Z51 suspension. Opinions on using the HD's or Sports welcome.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Major tip I've seen on CF is using zip ties to hold the compressed shocks. As to Bilsteins, altho one recent poster w. base suspension is very happy w. Sports, the years-ago advice was that the HD is for base springs/sways, and the Sport for Z51. Obviously, it doesn't work for everyone.
I think I read that LG does a modified Bilstein to their specs. And, of course, so does DRM. I've heard they'll make it to any spec you want based on your use, your needs, etc. Might be worth a call to find out what they do and cost. Probably more tho than an off the shelf B8 HD or Sport.
Tell us what you wind up with!
I think I read that LG does a modified Bilstein to their specs. And, of course, so does DRM. I've heard they'll make it to any spec you want based on your use, your needs, etc. Might be worth a call to find out what they do and cost. Probably more tho than an off the shelf B8 HD or Sport.
Tell us what you wind up with!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
Bill is right...something to hold the shock compressed is a major timesaver...zip tie, string, wire...whatever you have around. Put the two bolts loosely in the one end and then as you cut the tie, guide the single end into the hole.
Thread Starter
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
Major tip I've seen on CF is using zip ties to hold the compressed shocks. As to Bilsteins, altho one recent poster w. base suspension is very happy w. Sports, the years-ago advice was that the HD is for base springs/sways, and the Sport for Z51. Obviously, it doesn't work for everyone.
I think I read that LG does a modified Bilstein to their specs. And, of course, so does DRM. I've heard they'll make it to any spec you want based on your use, your needs, etc. Might be worth a call to find out what they do and cost. Probably more tho than an off the shelf B8 HD or Sport.
Tell us what you wind up with!
I think I read that LG does a modified Bilstein to their specs. And, of course, so does DRM. I've heard they'll make it to any spec you want based on your use, your needs, etc. Might be worth a call to find out what they do and cost. Probably more tho than an off the shelf B8 HD or Sport.
Tell us what you wind up with!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
If you do decide to unbolt the control arm from the frame, which in my opinion is a very bad idea, be sure to replace the spacers exactly as they were, because alignment can be affected if things are not put back correctly. Replacing shocks is easy, to me there is no reason to unbolt major suspension pieces.
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Thread Starter
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
How do you collapse the shock and then zip tie it. Do you just compress it by hand or use a pry bar? and then zip tie from the upper mount to bottom mount? That's going to be a pretty long zip tie. A little clarity please. Also, on the rears doe the tie bar end have to be dropped from the lower suspension as called for in the shop manual?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
Use your body and SLOWLY compress the shock against the floor. Remember what shocks do and you'll understand why you can't compress it FAST. I just used a loop of string, hooked it around when the shock was compressed.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 14
From: Pinellas Park Fl
St. Jude Donor '08-'09 & '12, '14
If you do decide to unbolt the control arm from the frame, which in my opinion is a very bad idea, be sure to replace the spacers exactly as they were, because alignment can be affected if things are not put back correctly. Replacing shocks is easy, to me there is no reason to unbolt major suspension pieces.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Same story here. I have done it both ways and removing the upper control arm is really easy. I have studs instead of bolts, so that makes it even easier.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,286
Likes: 4
As soon as I decided to remove the a arm bolts, I was done in minutes.
I was due an alignment anyhow, which after being checked, was almost still spot on so I must have been careful.
Either way works but IMHO, the A arm method is way way easier.
Jeff
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 521
Likes: 14
From: Denham Springs Louisiana
I'm in the "me too" for A Arm bolt removal. Easy peasy... and yes..make sure you put back the washers where they go. Some bolts have multiple washers too.
Forget zip tying.
I went with the DRM's because of the deal I got on them and have base springs, but Z06 sways. The sports IIRC are the ones to use with the Z51 option.
Forget zip tying.
I went with the DRM's because of the deal I got on them and have base springs, but Z06 sways. The sports IIRC are the ones to use with the Z51 option.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 126
St. Jude Donor '07
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles CA
Me too. 
Tried it both ways.
- Compressing zip tie/strap needed help from my brother.
+ Removing upper control arm was easy by myself, just watch the shims that may exist between arm & chassis, and put back unless you want extra negative camber.
Tried it both ways.
- Compressing zip tie/strap needed help from my brother.
+ Removing upper control arm was easy by myself, just watch the shims that may exist between arm & chassis, and put back unless you want extra negative camber.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,338
Likes: 2,438
From: Eastern
If you do decide to unbolt the control arm from the frame, which in my opinion is a very bad idea, be sure to replace the spacers exactly as they were, because alignment can be affected if things are not put back correctly. Replacing shocks is easy, to me there is no reason to unbolt major suspension pieces.
I used the zip tie method to remove the old shocks, and install the new.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,762
Likes: 4
From: Chandler Arizona