suspension

Rear Shocks - Pair

for 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 327ci V8 · RWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

2.3 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear shock absorbers on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with 327ci V8 engine.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.

⚠The rear suspension will droop when weight is removed. Ensure adequate clearance before raising vehicle.

⚠Original shock absorbers may be seized to mounting studs. Do not apply excessive force that could damage mounting points.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack stands (2)Essential

Wheel chocksEssential

9/16" socketEssential

9/16" combination wrenchEssential

1/2" ratchetEssential

1/2" breaker bar

Penetrating oil

Wire brush

Pry bar

Parts

Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or Monroe 5810 equivalent
Upper shock mounting nut × 2 — 5/16"-18 locknut
Lower shock mounting nut × 2 — 5/16"-18 locknut

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks in front of front tires
If shock mounting hardware shows significant rust, apply penetrating oil to upper and lower shock mounting nuts and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1
Raise and support the vehicle
Position floor jack under the rear differential housing. Raise the rear of the vehicle until the rear tires are approximately 4-6 inches off the ground. Place jack stands under the frame rails just forward of the rear axle mounting points. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and verify stability before proceeding.
2
Access the upper shock mounting - driver side
From inside the rear cargo area, locate the upper shock mounting stud protruding through the body. The driver side shock mounts to the body panel just inboard of the rear wheel well. You will see a single stud with a nut and washer.
3
Remove the upper shock mounting nut - driver side
Using a 9/16" socket and ratchet, remove the upper shock mounting nut from inside the cargo area. Hold the shock absorber body from below if it begins to spin. Remove the washer and note its orientation for reinstallation.
4
Remove the lower shock mounting - driver side
Move underneath the vehicle to the driver side rear shock. The lower shock mount attaches to a bracket on the rear axle housing with a through-bolt. Using a 9/16" socket on the nut side and a 9/16" wrench on the bolt head, remove the lower mounting bolt. The shock may require slight prying to free it from the lower mount if bushings are degraded.
5
Remove the driver side shock absorber
Pull the shock absorber downward to clear the upper mounting stud, then angle it to remove it from the lower mounting bracket. Extract the shock from the vehicle. Inspect the upper and lower mounting points for damage, excessive rust, or cracking.
6
Access the upper shock mounting - passenger side
From inside the rear cargo area, locate the passenger side upper shock mounting stud protruding through the body panel inboard of the passenger rear wheel well.
7
Remove the upper shock mounting nut - passenger side
Using a 9/16" socket and ratchet, remove the upper shock mounting nut from inside the cargo area. Hold the shock absorber body from below if it begins to spin. Remove the washer and note its orientation.
8
Remove the lower shock mounting - passenger side
Move underneath the vehicle to the passenger side rear shock. Using a 9/16" socket on the nut side and a 9/16" wrench on the bolt head, remove the lower mounting bolt. Pry the shock free from the lower mount if necessary.
9
Remove the passenger side shock absorber
Pull the shock absorber downward to clear the upper mounting stud, then angle it to remove it from the lower mounting bracket. Extract the shock from the vehicle. Inspect mounting points for damage.
10
Prepare new shock absorbers
Remove new shock absorbers from packaging. Verify they are the correct length and mounting configuration for the 1966 Corvette rear application. The collapsed length should be approximately 13 inches and extended length approximately 20 inches. Do not extend and compress new shocks rapidly as this can damage internal valving.
11
Install passenger side shock absorber
Position the new passenger side shock by inserting the upper mounting stud through the body mounting hole from below. Align the lower shock eye with the axle mounting bracket and insert the lower mounting bolt. Thread the lower mounting nut onto the bolt finger-tight. From inside the cargo area, install the upper washer and nut finger-tight.
12
Tighten passenger side shock mounting hardware
Using a 9/16" socket and ratchet on the upper nut (from inside the cargo area) and a 9/16" wrench to prevent the shock body from spinning, tighten the upper mounting nut firmly. Move to the lower mount and using a 9/16" socket and wrench, tighten the lower mounting bolt securely. The shock should be firmly mounted but the bushings should not be crushed or distorted.
13
Install driver side shock absorber
Position the new driver side shock by inserting the upper mounting stud through the body mounting hole from below. Align the lower shock eye with the axle mounting bracket and insert the lower mounting bolt. Thread the lower mounting nut onto the bolt finger-tight. From inside the cargo area, install the upper washer and nut finger-tight.
14
Tighten driver side shock mounting hardware
Using a 9/16" socket and ratchet on the upper nut (from inside the cargo area) and a 9/16" wrench to prevent the shock body from spinning, tighten the upper mounting nut firmly. Move to the lower mount and using a 9/16" socket and wrench, tighten the lower mounting bolt securely. The shock should be firmly mounted but the bushings should not be crushed or distorted.
15
Lower the vehicle
Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands. Remove the jack stands from under the frame rails. Carefully lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Remove the floor jack and wheel chocks.

Reassembly

Verify all mounting hardware is tight and properly seated
Confirm no tools or parts were left in the rear suspension area
Check that both shock absorbers move freely through their travel range without binding

Verification

Visually inspect both shock absorbers to confirm they are vertical and properly seated in upper and lower mounts
Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle firmly and release - the suspension should rebound once and settle without continued oscillation
Test drive the vehicle at low speed over smooth and rough surfaces to verify improved damping and absence of rattles or clunking from the rear suspension
After initial test drive, re-check all four mounting nuts for proper tightness

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