Rear shocks won't fit 😑 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

p.s. · 05-24-2021, 10:59 AM

I'm trying to reinstall my factory shocks but the control arm won't adjust far out enough to allow the struts to fit into them. I've adjusted the lower control arm bolts to allow them out as far as possible but it's still off and I can't get anything to fit. Seems like I'm trying way too hard to force stuff to fit. I
https://ibb.co/JytdD5P

Crazych66 · 05-24-2021, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p.s.

I'm trying to reinstall my factory shocks but the control arm won't adjust far out enough to allow the struts to fit into them. I've adjusted the lower control arm bolts to allow them out as far as possible but it's still off and I can't get anything to fit. Seems like I'm trying way too hard to force stuff to fit. I
https://ibb.co/JytdD5P

Had the same challenge when installing new shocks on mine just recently, at least on one side. Do not fully tighten the upper mounts which gives you some play to secure the lower mount. Make sure the bolt that attaches the LCA to the frame is still loose.

As for getting the last bolt into the hub/LCA, you have to wiggle the rear hub assembly and LCA to get it to line up. I ended up using a spare floor jack to lift up the LCA so I could move the hub to get the hole to line up.

Hope that helps.

AlanRubin · 05-24-2021, 01:02 PM

They are VERY hard to line up on your own. IF you tightened the top plate to the
chassis, it's even harder. Someone has to pull and hold the LCA down, as you push and
line up the shock bottom and get that bolt through. Doing it by yourself, without
the proper tools, is almost impossible. So, don't fret, you're not the only one that has
had difficulty with it on their own.

kevint · 06-25-2021, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanRubin

They are VERY hard to line up on your own. IF you tightened the top plate to the
chassis, it's even harder. Someone has to pull and hold the LCA down, as you push and
line up the shock bottom and get that bolt through. Doing it by yourself, without
the proper tools, is almost impossible. So, don't fret, you're not the only one that has
had difficulty with it on their own.

All of this. Had a friend help with mine yesterday. There's a lot of wedging needed to get everything to line up. I needed a 2 lb mini sledge to get the 120 degrees of torque on the bolts.

bayarea408 · 06-28-2021, 12:58 PM

i can usually get it to line up enough to wiggle in a screw driver once i get that in i can usually nudge it around, but im not a small guy and its a hard move for sure.

05-24-2021, 10:59 AM	#1
p.s. Drives: 2014 v6 manual Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: upstate ny Posts: 67	Rear shocks won't fit 😑 I'm trying to reinstall my factory shocks but the control arm won't adjust far out enough to allow the struts to fit into them. I've adjusted the lower control arm bolts to allow them out as far as possible but it's still off and I can't get anything to fit. Seems like I'm trying way too hard to force stuff to fit. I https://ibb.co/JytdD5P

05-24-2021, 01:02 PM	#3
AlanRubin Banned Drives: 2010 LS Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Pgh Posts: 411	They are VERY hard to line up on your own. IF you tightened the top plate to the chassis, it's even harder. Someone has to pull and hold the LCA down, as you push and line up the shock bottom and get that bolt through. Doing it by yourself, without the proper tools, is almost impossible. So, don't fret, you're not the only one that has had difficulty with it on their own.

06-28-2021, 12:58 PM	#5
bayarea408 Drives: T Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: CA Posts: 803	i can usually get it to line up enough to wiggle in a screw driver once i get that in i can usually nudge it around, but im not a small guy and its a hard move for sure.