Rear shock replacement - R & R advice - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

wakespeak · 01-04-2017, 01:36 PM

I have some new 1LE rear shocks on the way. The install instructions say I need a spring compressor to relieve pressure on the top nut before removing it. I have one, but wondering if it is really needed and if I can just slowly unscrew the nut. Can anyone comment?

Davidd_SS · 01-04-2017, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wakespeak

I have some new 1LE rear shocks on the way. The install instructions say I need a spring compressor to relieve pressure on the top nut before removing it. I have one, but wondering if it is really needed and if I can just slowly unscrew the nut. Can anyone comment?

You shouldn't need a spring compressor. just some weight on the strut to be able to insert the nut.

LCPLPunk · 01-05-2017, 10:48 PM

Are you getting new 1LE front struts as well? Or do you already have them?

littlefielc · 01-06-2017, 11:20 AM

No way I could have installed the Koni shocks on my 2013 2LT without a spring compressor. I've seen the videos that show otherwise, didn't apply to me.

terry_b · 01-06-2017, 12:07 PM

First of all, I don't think 1LE rear shocks are any different from normal SS shocks. The front struts are the monotube struts specific to the 1LE but I don't know about the rears.

Second, I've swapped out shocks using the same OEM spring. You *shouldn't* need a spring compressor, as I did 2-3 shock/strut replacements without one. But to get the nut started back on the strut you will need to be pretty good at pressing down the spring and threading the nut on carefully at the same time. It can be done, but it's a tricky setup.

LCPLPunk · 01-06-2017, 05:24 PM

terry, GM Parts Direct shows different part numbers for rear 1LE shocks and SS shocks..

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/auto-pa...omponents-scat

olblue75 · 01-06-2017, 08:48 PM

Yes the rear shocks are different the 1LE shocks are stiffer compared to SS shocks.

terry_b · 01-07-2017, 08:09 AM

You're right.. my mistake - it's the springs that are exactly the same as the regular SS springs.

At any rate, what I said still holds true. No spring compressor required, but be careful as you loosen the nut. I laid them down and made sure it wasn't pointed at anything important. there's not a lot of tension there but there's a little

wakespeak · 01-07-2017, 12:34 PM

Thanks for the input guys. Going to try look for my spring compressor, but good to know it can be done without it.

wakespeak · 01-19-2017, 11:21 AM

Update after install -

You do not need spring compressors. There is a slight pop when you remove the nut, so don't point it at anything. When reassembling, you can stand up the assembly, then push down some on the top mount to get the nut started.

I had to unbolt the swaybar endlinks, the shock bolts, and the bolt holding the lower control arm to the hub. The lower control arm can be then pulled away with enough clearance to remove the shock assembly. (Leave the control arm bolted to the cradle).

The instructions say to torque down the shock bolts "at trim height" so as not to twist the lower shock bushing once loaded. The control arm to hub did not have that restriction.

LCPLPunk · 01-19-2017, 11:44 AM

Thanks for the review, sounds too easy honestly. I hate having to use spring compressors.

What is 'trim height'?

olblue75 · 01-19-2017, 12:56 PM

Ride height

LCPLPunk · 01-19-2017, 03:01 PM

Well crap. When I rebolted the shocks after doing the subframe bushings I definitely didn't tighten them at ride height. :P

01-04-2017, 01:36 PM	#1
wakespeak Drives: 2020 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,335	Rear shock replacement - R & R advice I have some new 1LE rear shocks on the way. The install instructions say I need a spring compressor to relieve pressure on the top nut before removing it. I have one, but wondering if it is really needed and if I can just slowly unscrew the nut. Can anyone comment? __________________ 2020 ZL1 1LE [Moroso SC Expansion Tank, otherwise stock]

01-05-2017, 10:48 PM	#3
LCPLPunk USA-1 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS L99 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Near DC Posts: 1,893 View My Garage	Are you getting new 1LE front struts as well? Or do you already have them? __________________ "A Camaro in the garage is safe, but that's not what Camaros are built for..." R2C CAI / Apex Scoop / VMAX Ported TB / Speed Engineering LTHs / X-pipe / GPI port/rod-mod intake manifold / Circle D 3200 278mm Converter / 3.91 gears / DynoSteve tuned / 1LE Shocks/Struts/Toe Links / ZL1 Rear Sway Bar / Z/28 Trailing arms / Prothane Radius Arm & Subframe Bushings / BMR UCA Bracket, Steering rack bushing / B&M Tranny Cooler / RX Catch Can / Jannetty Tranny Dipstick / 2012+ Heater Hose / 2013+ Rearview Mirror / Fuel rail flip / Drake shifter / Oil Cooler Delete

01-06-2017, 12:07 PM	#5
terry_b Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 1LE Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hudson, MA Posts: 1,387 View My Garage	First of all, I don't think 1LE rear shocks are any different from normal SS shocks. The front struts are the monotube struts specific to the 1LE but I don't know about the rears. Second, I've swapped out shocks using the same OEM spring. You shouldn't need a spring compressor, as I did 2-3 shock/strut replacements without one. But to get the nut started back on the strut you will need to be pretty good at pressing down the spring and threading the nut on carefully at the same time. It can be done, but it's a tricky setup. __________________ 2014 2SS/RS 1LE

01-06-2017, 05:24 PM	#6
LCPLPunk USA-1 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS L99 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Near DC Posts: 1,893 View My Garage	terry, GM Parts Direct shows different part numbers for rear 1LE shocks and SS shocks.. http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/auto-pa...omponents-scat __________________ "A Camaro in the garage is safe, but that's not what Camaros are built for..." R2C CAI / Apex Scoop / VMAX Ported TB / Speed Engineering LTHs / X-pipe / GPI port/rod-mod intake manifold / Circle D 3200 278mm Converter / 3.91 gears / DynoSteve tuned / 1LE Shocks/Struts/Toe Links / ZL1 Rear Sway Bar / Z/28 Trailing arms / Prothane Radius Arm & Subframe Bushings / BMR UCA Bracket, Steering rack bushing / B&M Tranny Cooler / RX Catch Can / Jannetty Tranny Dipstick / 2012+ Heater Hose / 2013+ Rearview Mirror / Fuel rail flip / Drake shifter / Oil Cooler Delete

01-06-2017, 08:48 PM	#7
olblue75 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Clarksville Tennesse. Posts: 6,064	Yes the rear shocks are different the 1LE shocks are stiffer compared to SS shocks. __________________ Orange Krush II 1LE Front sway bar, Splitter, shocks and struts, Z28 dual mode mufflers, Intake, UCA Bushings, and Toresen 3.91 Diff. 1 piece DSS Drive Shaft, ZL1/C7 Calipers, and 32mm JPSS Rear Bar. ASC race spec splitter and wicker. 6th Gen M017 Wheels. Stainless Works 1 7/8 LTs. DSE and PAFDT Suspension components.

01-06-2017, 11:20 AM	#4
littlefielc Drives: 2013 convertible Hot Wheels Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Clute, TX Posts: 46	No way I could have installed the Koni shocks on my 2013 2LT without a spring compressor. I've seen the videos that show otherwise, didn't apply to me.

01-07-2017, 08:09 AM	#8
terry_b Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 1LE Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hudson, MA Posts: 1,387 View My Garage	You're right.. my mistake - it's the springs that are exactly the same as the regular SS springs. At any rate, what I said still holds true. No spring compressor required, but be careful as you loosen the nut. I laid them down and made sure it wasn't pointed at anything important. there's not a lot of tension there but there's a little __________________ 2014 2SS/RS 1LE

01-07-2017, 12:34 PM	#9
wakespeak Drives: 2020 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,335	Thanks for the input guys. Going to try look for my spring compressor, but good to know it can be done without it. __________________ 2020 ZL1 1LE [Moroso SC Expansion Tank, otherwise stock]

01-19-2017, 11:21 AM	#10
wakespeak Drives: 2020 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,335	Update after install - You do not need spring compressors. There is a slight pop when you remove the nut, so don't point it at anything. When reassembling, you can stand up the assembly, then push down some on the top mount to get the nut started. I had to unbolt the swaybar endlinks, the shock bolts, and the bolt holding the lower control arm to the hub. The lower control arm can be then pulled away with enough clearance to remove the shock assembly. (Leave the control arm bolted to the cradle). The instructions say to torque down the shock bolts "at trim height" so as not to twist the lower shock bushing once loaded. The control arm to hub did not have that restriction. __________________ 2020 ZL1 1LE [Moroso SC Expansion Tank, otherwise stock]

01-19-2017, 11:44 AM	#11
LCPLPunk USA-1 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS L99 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Near DC Posts: 1,893 View My Garage	Thanks for the review, sounds too easy honestly. I hate having to use spring compressors. What is 'trim height'? __________________ "A Camaro in the garage is safe, but that's not what Camaros are built for..." R2C CAI / Apex Scoop / VMAX Ported TB / Speed Engineering LTHs / X-pipe / GPI port/rod-mod intake manifold / Circle D 3200 278mm Converter / 3.91 gears / DynoSteve tuned / 1LE Shocks/Struts/Toe Links / ZL1 Rear Sway Bar / Z/28 Trailing arms / Prothane Radius Arm & Subframe Bushings / BMR UCA Bracket, Steering rack bushing / B&M Tranny Cooler / RX Catch Can / Jannetty Tranny Dipstick / 2012+ Heater Hose / 2013+ Rearview Mirror / Fuel rail flip / Drake shifter / Oil Cooler Delete

01-19-2017, 12:56 PM	#12
olblue75 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Clarksville Tennesse. Posts: 6,064	Ride height __________________ Orange Krush II 1LE Front sway bar, Splitter, shocks and struts, Z28 dual mode mufflers, Intake, UCA Bushings, and Toresen 3.91 Diff. 1 piece DSS Drive Shaft, ZL1/C7 Calipers, and 32mm JPSS Rear Bar. ASC race spec splitter and wicker. 6th Gen M017 Wheels. Stainless Works 1 7/8 LTs. DSE and PAFDT Suspension components.

01-19-2017, 03:01 PM	#13
LCPLPunk USA-1 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS L99 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Near DC Posts: 1,893 View My Garage	Well crap. When I rebolted the shocks after doing the subframe bushings I definitely didn't tighten them at ride height. :P __________________ "A Camaro in the garage is safe, but that's not what Camaros are built for..." R2C CAI / Apex Scoop / VMAX Ported TB / Speed Engineering LTHs / X-pipe / GPI port/rod-mod intake manifold / Circle D 3200 278mm Converter / 3.91 gears / DynoSteve tuned / 1LE Shocks/Struts/Toe Links / ZL1 Rear Sway Bar / Z/28 Trailing arms / Prothane Radius Arm & Subframe Bushings / BMR UCA Bracket, Steering rack bushing / B&M Tranny Cooler / RX Catch Can / Jannetty Tranny Dipstick / 2012+ Heater Hose / 2013+ Rearview Mirror / Fuel rail flip / Drake shifter / Oil Cooler Delete