How hard is it to replace shocks on a C5?
 

I've read the toutorials and it all seems pretty straightforward, however: For those who have actually replaced their own shocks, how difficult is it and how long did it take you? I plan to do the work myself in my garage using a floor jack, ramps and handtools.

Thanks!

The easy part is unbolting & bolting to new ones in. The fun is sneaking them in and out of the suspension, but very doable.

:iagree:

you can DIY in a couple hours by yourself....the hardest part is keeping the shock compressed to get it in position....watch your fingers! :willy:

Agree with what has been said. Truly the hardest part is compressing the front shocks to get them out. If you place the vette on a jackstand, you can use the jack to compress the shock, secure it with a couple large zipties and away you go. Other than that it is very easy to do.

Danny

Unless your shocks were as shot as mine were and you can compress them with your pinky finger and they stay that way :ack:
Then the hardest part ends up being how to keep your drinks cold for 2 hours without a cooler while you change your shocks :lol:

Wow, they were shot; they were that way on my old tuck. As others have stated, it's not hard, and trying to match the lower bolts is going to give you the most trouble, but even that is easy once you get one bolt in there. It's definitely a DYI job man.

Thanks for the info guys. Too many cases of getting into a project that looked easy enough only to spend 3X longer than planned to finish it. Sounds like this one I can do!

oh it still may take ya 3X longer than you think but you can do it :lol:

You are probably right!

Use cable ties to keep the shock compressed when removing and installing.

Its alwayseasy the second the second time around

well yeah...after the first time you know all the **** ups :rofl:

You can find DIY directions on the web. The job is not hard to do. Just one caution, do NOT tighten the lower rear mounting bolts to the 160 ft-lbs recommended by many DIY instructions. That torque is for new bolts and is the torque to yield value. If you intend to reuse the lower bolts I think the factory recommended torque is 104.

I was lucky, mine were the same way. Zip ties too install the new ones!

I used the McRat method. Works pretty well except getting the rear shocks out. Might be easier to compress and zip tie them also for easier removal. http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm

I did mine twice (C5 Z51 shocks, Koni FSD shocks=current) - Also did two of my buddies Vette's as well! :D

First time I don't remember how long it took, next time taking my time I knocked it out by myself in a hour and a half :yesnod:

I used this same link as above: Very helpful link :thumbs:

http://fuzzydiceracing.com/test.htm

I does not take that long, just work slow and easy and careful using safety equipment (gloves,goggles etc.)

After you are done you would be able to cut the time in half and then a third time you are an expert! :smash:

Thanks,Matt

When you torque the rear lower nut and bolt....make sure you put the torque wrench on the nut side. If you try to torque the bolt side, you'll risk snapping the bolt

The McRat method is very detailed and works well. Good luck getting them swapped out.

Had an easy time with the swap. One of the first things I ever did to this car! Just need basic tools and some time. The zip tie method and jack underneath the control arm work well.

I just hope the coilovers I have on the way are as easy to get in!

[QUOTE=KF9BD;1584220001]Agree with what has been said. Truly the hardest part is compressing the front shocks to get them out. If you place the vette on a jackstand, you can use the jack to compress the shock, secure it with a couple large zipties and away you go. Other than that it is very easy to do.

Danny[/QUOTE

:iagree: