Shocks? Need some suggestions :D
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Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,325
From: BC
Shocks? Need some suggestions :D
I currently have a stock suspension and am nearing 125,000 miles. Is it time for new shocks? Am I way past due? Are they good for a lot longer?
The car isn't really bouncing up and down after a bump, but it doesn't exactly feel like a new car either. I need some advice on if I should even consider upgrading my shocks yet and what I should consider if I want to "upgrade".
Do springs wear out as well? Is it worth it to replace them at the same time? I drive a lot of city and a lot of highway and want the best of both worlds if possible ....
And if anyone thinks I'm good for another 75000miles don't hesitate to let me know I should just hold on to my cash
The car isn't really bouncing up and down after a bump, but it doesn't exactly feel like a new car either. I need some advice on if I should even consider upgrading my shocks yet and what I should consider if I want to "upgrade".
Do springs wear out as well? Is it worth it to replace them at the same time? I drive a lot of city and a lot of highway and want the best of both worlds if possible ....
And if anyone thinks I'm good for another 75000miles don't hesitate to let me know I should just hold on to my cash
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 576
From: Missouri
Re: Shocks? Need some suggestions :D
The shocks are likely worn out.
My bushings where ok at 90k miles but the rear adjustment bolt on the Front LCA's was welded with rust.
The shock rod and nut are like a mess of powdered rust and water.
They will be frozen to the shock rod and you will destroy the mounts when you try to take it apart.
The upper control arm will be badly rusted, almost to a dangerous structural problem.
Under side of the front fenders where the shock mount goes will be rusted and will need sanding and repainting.
I did the whole suspension on my car at 90k miles. It was really bad, if they salt your roads yours could be worse.
I would buy front upper and lower control arms for both sides. They come with new ball joints and bushings.
I would buy the upper shock mounts and dog bones and expect to throw yours away. I was able to get 1LE parts, but they may be getting harder to get.
Springs should be fine, reuse them.
Buy some bilstein HD or some combo from Stranoparts.com.
Check your rear bump stops, they may be gone to powder.
Search under my name if you want partnumbers to go through GMPD. You should be able to beat dealer prices through them and other sources.
Z28
My bushings where ok at 90k miles but the rear adjustment bolt on the Front LCA's was welded with rust.
The shock rod and nut are like a mess of powdered rust and water.
They will be frozen to the shock rod and you will destroy the mounts when you try to take it apart.
The upper control arm will be badly rusted, almost to a dangerous structural problem.
Under side of the front fenders where the shock mount goes will be rusted and will need sanding and repainting.
I did the whole suspension on my car at 90k miles. It was really bad, if they salt your roads yours could be worse.
I would buy front upper and lower control arms for both sides. They come with new ball joints and bushings.
I would buy the upper shock mounts and dog bones and expect to throw yours away. I was able to get 1LE parts, but they may be getting harder to get.
Springs should be fine, reuse them.
Buy some bilstein HD or some combo from Stranoparts.com.
Check your rear bump stops, they may be gone to powder.
Search under my name if you want partnumbers to go through GMPD. You should be able to beat dealer prices through them and other sources.
Z28
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,325
From: BC
Re: Shocks? Need some suggestions :D
Thanks for the info, very useful!
I've got a good grasp on the engine and such but suspension is a very new thing to me.
Are there any sites or books that I can read up on to learn a good bit more about my suspension? Much of what you were describing was somewhat greek to me Although about 50% I did comprehend
Roads here are salted but because i'm on the coast its for a very short period of time usually, so I'm hoping its not going to be "too" bad. This is my daily driver though :/
I've got a good grasp on the engine and such but suspension is a very new thing to me.
Are there any sites or books that I can read up on to learn a good bit more about my suspension? Much of what you were describing was somewhat greek to me
Although about 50% I did comprehend Roads here are salted but because i'm on the coast its for a very short period of time usually, so I'm hoping its not going to be "too" bad. This is my daily driver though :/
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