This procedure removes and replaces the rear shock absorbers on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette, which uses traditional shock absorbers rather than strut assemblies.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or performance equivalent
• Upper shock mounting hardware kit × 1 — Includes rubber bushings and washers
• Lower shock mounting hardware kit × 1 — Includes rubber bushings and washers

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. If available, apply penetrating oil to all four shock mounting bolts (upper and lower, both sides) and allow to soak for several hours or overnight
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential housing or frame rails
6. Position jack stands under frame rails immediately behind rear axle mounting points
7. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before proceeding
8. Remove both rear wheels completely
9. Visually inspect shock absorbers and mounting points for damage or excessive corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper shock mounting point
   Locate the upper shock mounting point on the 1966 Corvette (C2). The upper end of the shock attaches via a stud/eye to a bracket on the frame crossmember in the rear suspension area. Note that the C2 Corvette has no conventional trunk; access this fastener from underneath the vehicle. Move any obstructions aside for clear access.
2. 2

   Remove upper shock mounting bolt (driver side)
   Using a 9/16 inch wrench to hold the nut on the backside and a 9/16 inch socket on the bolt head, remove the upper shock mounting bolt. The shock absorber has a stud with nut configuration - hold the stud with a wrench while turning the nut with the socket. Remove the upper mounting hardware including rubber bushings and washers, noting their order and orientation for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove lower shock mounting bolt (driver side)
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt where the shock attaches to the rear axle housing bracket. Using a 1/2 inch socket and breaker bar, remove the lower mounting bolt. The bolt passes through the shock eye and axle bracket. If frozen, apply additional penetrating oil and allow to soak, then retry. Support the shock absorber as you remove the last threads to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Remove driver side shock absorber
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully extract the shock absorber from the vehicle. Maneuver it past the rear axle and any brake lines or wiring. Inspect the mounting points on both the frame and axle for damage, cracks, or excessive rust that would require repair before installing new shocks.
5. 5

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean both the upper frame mounting area and lower axle bracket mounting surfaces. Remove all rust, corrosion, old rubber residue, and debris. This ensures proper hardware seating and torque values. If mounting holes are wallowed out or threads are damaged, repairs must be made before proceeding.
6. 6

   Install new driver side shock absorber
   Install the new shock absorber with fresh rubber bushings and washers in the correct orientation. Insert the upper mount first, threading it into the frame bracket from below. Install the upper hardware loosely - do not tighten yet. Align the lower eye with the axle bracket and insert the lower mounting bolt. Thread the lower bolt by hand to ensure proper alignment.
7. 7

   Torque driver side shock mounting fasteners
   With the vehicle weight on the suspension (shock at normal ride height position), torque the upper shock mounting nut to the factory specification (verify in the 1966 Corvette Chassis Service Manual; the upper stud/bushing nut is typically approximately 20 ft-lbs) using a 9/16 inch socket. Torque the lower shock mounting bolt to the factory specification (verify in the service manual) using a 1/2 inch socket. Tightening at ride height prevents binding of the rubber bushings and premature wear.
8. 8

   Remove passenger side upper shock mounting bolt
   Access the passenger side upper shock mounting point from underneath the vehicle. Using a 9/16 inch wrench and socket, remove the upper mounting bolt and hardware in the same manner as the driver side. Note the orientation of all bushings and washers.
9. 9

   Remove passenger side lower shock mounting bolt
   Using a 1/2 inch socket and breaker bar, remove the lower shock mounting bolt from the axle bracket. Support the shock as you remove the bolt to prevent it from falling. Extract the passenger side shock absorber from the vehicle.
10. 10

    Clean passenger side mounting surfaces
    Wire brush all mounting surfaces on the passenger side, removing rust, corrosion, and debris from both upper frame mount and lower axle bracket. Inspect for any damage requiring repair.
11. 11

    Install passenger side shock absorber
    Install the new passenger side shock absorber with fresh bushings and hardware. Insert upper mount first into frame bracket, then align lower eye with axle bracket. Install both bolts loosely, threading by hand to verify proper alignment.
12. 12

    Torque passenger side shock mounting fasteners
    With the vehicle at ride height position, torque the upper mounting nut and lower mounting bolt to the factory specifications from the 1966 Corvette Chassis Service Manual (verify values; upper stud/bushing nut is typically approximately 20 ft-lbs). Ensure shock is at normal compressed/extended position when tightening to prevent bushing bind.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Carefully raise vehicle slightly off jack stands using floor jack
3. Remove jack stands from under vehicle
4. Lower vehicle completely to ground
5. Torque wheel lug nuts to 80 ft-lbs in a star pattern with vehicle weight on wheels
6. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Visually inspect all four shock mounting points to confirm hardware is fully seated and properly torqued
• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle firmly and verify shock absorbers dampen the motion within 1-2 cycles without excessive bouncing
• Check that no interference exists between shock absorbers and brake lines, axle components, or body panels throughout full suspension travel
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, verifying normal handling and no unusual noises from rear suspension
• After first 50 miles of driving, re-torque all four shock mounting fasteners to specification and verify none have loosened
• Have a qualified technician inspect the installation if any abnormal handling, noise, or vibration is present

More procedures for this vehicle