Replacing Shocks

[Striker 85]

I have 66K on my 85Z51. It still has the orginal shocks. The ride is a little rough, but I am not bouncing. When should I replace my shocks???

 

[Tuna]

85 Z51 cars are generally rough. New Z51 shocks may make it rougher.

In my experience, the shocks usually last 80-100K miles, depending on the driving conditions.
When the shocks stop damping out oscilations as they should, it's time to replace. That may be hard to tell since they degrade slowly and it's easy to forget what they should feel like.

That probably doesn't help much, wish I could do better but shock replacement has a lot to do with how the car feels to you - or if any are leaking.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

I have 66K on my 85Z51. It still has the orginal shocks. The ride is a little rough, but I am not bouncing. When should I replace my shocks???

If you want to experiment, try the T.P.I.S. shocks, or the re-valved shocks that Corvette Central or Mid America sells (I believe the Mid-America ones are re-valved Gabriels, and so might be the T.P.I.S. and Corvette Central ones---I've never gotten a straight answer). Regardless, these shocks are better than the Bilsteins, especially 21 year old ones, and are far cheaper to boot. So, if you don't like them, it's hardly a financial disaster.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[G Winter]

I just ordered the OEM replacements from our GM dealer for the front shocks on my 90. They are not a premium shock but are supposed to be equal replacements. What surprised me was my cost.. $29.00 each . The back cost somewhat more in the $42 range if I remember right. I will be getting the shocks in a day or two and installed before the weekend. I will try to remember to post again how I like or dislike them. I priced Monroe shocks at $49 each but those were the sensi tracks which a number of yrs ago I had on a 83 tornado and hated them. It felt like I had no control. In just a few weeks I got the supplier to exchange for a standard shock and was much happier with that.

Glenn

 

[GuyzVette]

I just replaced my original shocks with KYB Gas-A-Just that I got from Jeg's for 29.99 front and back. It's an amazing difference. Wasn't too hard to do, with some good instructions from the forum here. So glad I did it.

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

Don't forget to check on eBay for your shocks......I put a full set (both front and back) of new premium Delco shocks on my 86 for $99.00 plus shipping

 

[mark sterling]

I have a Z51 4+3 85 , the Bilstens are too harsh on these roads so gas shocks were installed and the ride on these roads are better and the paint job lasts longer

 

[WhalePirot]

I have 66K on my 85Z51. It still has the orginal shocks. The ride is a little rough, but I am not bouncing. When should I replace my shocks???

Bilstein rebuilt mine and I love the ride. Handling is great and the ride is better, with less 'jounce'.

I'll take the Bilsteins over KYBs or Gabriel any day!

 

[G Winter]

I installed the GM replacement shocks.I sort of chuckeled when I took them out of the box, they must only be just over half the diameter of the bilstiens.
I bought them for price and for this trip I wanted just a little softer ride. I may see if my bilstiens can be rebuilt and have that done. The ride is just a bit softer and it isn't effecting the handling much that I can tell so for now they are good. I only did the front. The price was $52 for the pair including tax. So if I decide I don't like them I am not out much.

Glenn

 

[WhalePirot]

Lemme check. I have an almost-new pair of rear Bilsteins with your name on them. I believe they are 'sports'; neither the hardest nor the softest. As the crummy shop did not have the fronts in stock, as they had promised, these were mounted for very few miles; plus I wanted a harder shock.

$75/pair, plus shipping?