This procedure covers the removal and installation of front and rear shock absorbers on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette with 327ci V8 engine, including proper torque specifications for mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or performance equivalent
• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or performance equivalent
• Upper mount self-locking nut × 4 — 3/8-24 prevailing torque nut
• Lower mount bolt × 4 — 7/16-20 x 1.5 inch grade 8

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Chock rear wheels if working on front shocks first, or chock front wheels if working on rear shocks first.
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove.
4. Raise vehicle at appropriate jacking points and support securely on jack stands under frame rails.
5. Remove all four wheels to access shock absorbers.
6. Apply penetrating oil to upper and lower shock mounting hardware and allow 15-20 minutes soak time.
7. Inspect shock mounting points for rust, damage, or frame deterioration before proceeding.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access front shock upper mount
   Open hood and locate front shock upper mounts inside engine compartment. Each front shock mounts inside the coil spring with the upper stud attaching to the frame/crossmember bracket and the lower end to the lower control arm. Access the upper mount from the wheel well area after removing the wheel. Clean the upper stud threads with a wire brush. Clean the upper stud threads with a wire brush.
2. 2

   Remove front shock lower mount
   Working from underneath the vehicle, locate the lower shock mount bolt passing through the lower control arm bracket. Use a 9/16 inch wrench to hold the bolt head and a 9/16 inch socket to remove the nut. Remove the bolt, noting the position of any washers or spacers.
3. 3

   Remove front shock upper mount
   From the wheel well, use a wrench to hold the shock shaft at the flats (if equipped) and a socket to remove the upper mount nut. Remove the washer and upper bushing, then withdraw the shock from inside the coil spring after the lower mount is free.
4. 4

   Inspect front shock mounting hardware
   Examine upper and lower bushings for cracking, compression set, or deterioration. Check mounting bolts and studs for thread damage or excessive corrosion. Replace any damaged hardware. Verify the frame mounting points are solid with no cracks or rust-through.
5. 5

   Install new front shock
   Insert the new shock upward through the lower control arm. Install the upper bushing, washer, and new self-locking nut onto the upper stud, but do not fully tighten yet. Align the lower mount hole with the lower control arm bracket and insert the lower bolt with washers in their original positions.
6. 6

   Torque front shock mounts
   Install the lower mount nut and torque to specification using a torque wrench. Then torque the upper mount nut to specification. Hold the shock shaft with a wrench if it rotates during tightening. Verify both fasteners are properly torqued.
   Torque spec

   Lower Mount Bolt90 Nm (66 lb-ft)

   Upper Mount Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Repeat for second front shock
   Repeat steps 1 through 6 for the opposite front shock absorber. Ensure both shocks are installed with the same orientation and that all hardware is torqued to specification.
8. 8

   Access rear shock mounts
   Move to the rear of the vehicle. Locate the rear shock absorbers mounted between the rear axle housing and the frame. Locate the rear shock absorbers mounted between the rear suspension and the frame. Both the upper and lower mounts on the independent rear suspension are accessed from underneath the vehicle. The lower mount attaches to a bracket on the rear axle housing.
9. 9

   Remove rear shock lower mount
   Working from underneath, use a 9/16 inch wrench on the bolt head and a 9/16 inch socket to remove the lower mount nut. Remove the bolt and note the position of any washers or spacers. The shock may now hang from the upper mount.
10. 10

    Remove rear shock upper mount
    Access the rear shock upper mount from underneath the vehicle. Use a wrench to hold the shock shaft and a socket to remove the upper mount nut. Remove the washer and upper bushing, then lower the shock out from beneath the vehicle.
11. 11

    Install new rear shock
    Position the new rear shock and insert the upper stud through the frame mount. Install the upper bushing, washer, and new self-locking nut, but do not fully tighten. Align the lower mount with the axle bracket and insert the lower bolt with washers in their original positions.
12. 12

    Torque rear shock mounts
    Install the lower mount nut and torque to specification. Then torque the upper mount nut to specification, accessing it from underneath the vehicle. Hold the shock shaft if necessary to prevent rotation during tightening.
    Torque spec

    Lower Mount Bolt90 Nm (66 lb-ft)

    Upper Mount Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat for second rear shock
    Repeat steps 9 through 12 for the opposite rear shock absorber. Verify both rear shocks are installed with correct orientation and all fasteners are properly torqued.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all four wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully, ensuring all tools and parts are clear.
3. With vehicle on ground, torque wheel lug nuts to 80 lb-ft in a star pattern.
4. Close hood and trunk, ensuring no tools remain in compartments.

Verification

• Visually inspect all four shock mounts to confirm hardware is installed and properly tightened.
• Bounce each corner of the vehicle and verify shocks dampen oscillation within 1-2 cycles.
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no rattling, clunking, or abnormal noises from suspension.
• Re-torque all shock mounting hardware after 50-100 miles of driving.
• Inspect shock seals after first drive for any signs of leakage.

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