JEEP/C5

Josh98RedC5 - So you don’t think sports will be too firm. I have been contemplating new shocks for the last 3 mo or so and I been trying to determine the shock best for my needs. I think I will go with the sports but I do a lot of interstate travel. How much firmer on the interstate would you say your new shocks are compared to your old? Did you have base or z51 shocks before? Would you say “10% FIRMER”, or “very noticeable”? Or“hardly noticeable”? Is it a choppier ride to you on the interstates? Most importantly did your significant other make any comments on the ride? She say "not too bad", or its "OK"? My old lady would shoot me if it were real choppy on the interstate (she has a bad back for long trips). So I have to be careful on what shock I install.

Thanks for your help in advance. I hate to buy the sports and have to take them back to get HD or something else. I just need a shock that has more control in the curves and side road and just a little firmer on the interstates than my z51 shock are now.

turboc5

Sorry, got them mixed up. The heavy dutys are stock leingth and the sports are for lowered z51 cars. I run the sports

dmitry_1998

I guess the two models of bilsteins are the "sport" and the "heavy dutys", what are the ups and downs of both? Also, I guess both of these are filled with gas, i have seen some bilsteins on lmperformance.com which state they are filled with oil and nitrogen gas, but doesnt specify what kind of shocks they are. Are the z06 shocks gas or oil filled? My reason for asking is because I'm concerned with longevity, from what I understand gas shocks have to be replaced more often, have a shorter lifespan. Any feedback on theese issues...?

JEEP/C5

I never did hear that gas filled shocks have a shorter life, from my understanding they put gas in shocks to help or prevent aeration which is foaming of the shock oil when its under a lot of articulation, usually high speed long lasting driving. In the off road world you can get low pressure and high-pressure shocks. The high pressure shocks are firmer but can hold up to a lot of off road abuse and not fade + better which heavy off road rides. I put low pressure on my Jeep since its a light ride and on and off use vehicle. I have not researched Bilstins website but I think its time too. If you do searches on Rancho shocks I’m sure you will see explanations on different shocks (high and low pressure, reservoirs, adjustables etc) and what they are good for and this might help.

striper

Actually, it's just the opposite with gas shocks. The gas pressure expands and compensates for shock wear making them last longer. It also helps them give a more controlled ride on rough pavement and smoothes out on the highway. I have a Chevy pickup with the off-road option that comes with Bilsteins as OEM. I'm at 105,000 miles and the shocks are still doing a good job.

DngrZne

I didn't see anything like that when I did them. All the control arms have is a machined bore that was the same diameter all the way through. No knurling or anything like that. The rubber is so soft on the stock bushings that they press out without too much difficulty, and the new ones press in the same.

Chris

BossHogg528

Yes, I have the original adjustable F45 set-up and at just 39k miles my car has become really loose, scary at speed suddenly. I haven't gotten under to look, but I'm assuming I tore an end-link free and have a Hotchkis set-up in the mail. I'd like to replace the shocks at the same time, so i was considering the Bilsteins, but afraid it will impact the resale value having the non-functional ride-control dial on the center console.

dmitry_1998

where can i get a good write-up on how to change the shocks on my 98 corvette?

Pizzano

http://www.c5forum.com/diy/shocks.php

dmitry_1998

thanks, that helps a lot

NCOMNC5

Changed mine about 2 weeks ago and lovin it. I've got a 99 convertible daily driver with 75,000 miles, base suspension and changed over to bilstein heavey duty shocks and Z06 sway bars and end link kit. I had a suspension shop check my front end before making the change and was told I need inner and outter tie rods. I had them replace the tie rods when they installed my new shocks and sway bars. Well worth the investment the car rides so much better and really sticks to the ground(no drags or autocross). You will not be disappointed....




TTT

Heretic

Thanks!