How hard is it to repace all for struts? I was thinking bilsteins. Any suggestions?

 

We have four "shocks"..... no struts .

Shock/Spring Install

Back shocks are 15-minutes each. Fronts require a spring compressor, and can take 1 to 2 hours each.

 

It's an easy job. If you ever thought about changing your springs, that would be the ideal time to do it. The Bilsteins are a great choice.

 

Do springs wear out? And how critical is it to repace them?

 

Is there more than one type of Bilstein shocks for a camaro? Also, where would you buy them? Thanks!

 

The front shocks can be a b-tch to replace sometimes because the nut at the top usually corrodes to the point where you need to cut it off.

 

buy them at bimmerparts.com

 

Is there more than one type of Bilstein for a camaro?

 

Yes, springs can wear out and it will cause the ride to be really rough. Bilsteins are probably the best shock for our cars. My friend just replaced his shocks/springs on his 95 t/a with the OEM and his car rides amazing, its not rough at all.

 

we have 2 rear shocks, and 2 front Struts...

 

No...

We have an unequal a-arm front suspension, with "coil over" shocks. They are not struts.

3rd Gen F-Bodys have "struts"...... Mustangs have "struts". 4th Gen F-bodys have shocks.

 

What's the difference b/t shocks and struts?

 

The coilover shock in front have the spring around the shock. Part of the shock actually holds the spring in place. The shocks in the rear are totally separate from the springs.

The rears are easy to change. I changed all 4 shocks and the front ones took about 5 hours and the rear ones about an hour. Have something ready so you can cut the top nut off the shocks in front. My driver side was o.k., but the passenger side was rusted tight. A hacksaw won't do it. You can't get the right angle. You need some kind of grinder. I used a dremel but it took FOREVER.

You also need a spring compressor and a torx bit for the bolts on the shocks in front. Have a friend help.

Dan

 

how easy is it to dot he fronts really? Is this something I should consider doing myself or would it be more price effective to just have a shop do it?

 

My shop quoted me about $150 to do the front install. I did it for free. It's time consuming, and kind of a pain. If you want to see exactly how your front suspension works, do it yourself.

Let me put it this way, it wasn't worth loosing $150 that I could spend on other mods. Autozone has free lender spring compressors. The torx bit was a few dollars.

Dan