C5/6 Corvette Ridetech HQ shock question

[FScope]

I was looking at Ridetech Part number 11510110, Front and rear HQ shocks for C5/6 Corvette http://www.ridetech.com/store/c5-c6-corvette-hq-shock-system.html. It looks like there are no provisions for external jounce bumpers, and reading about the shocks they only seem to have internal bumpers for extension only. The Corvette's suspension travel is limited by the shocks in both compression and extension. It looks easy to add compression bumpers on the front if needed but not on the rear. Are they not needed?

Frank

[marolf101x]

Frank,

During testing we found that our smooth body direct replacement shocks provided more travel than the OE units, but that the vehicle could not "bottom out" the shocks unless you hit a VERY large bump. So in reality you never get the shock to hit "metal-to-metal", so the external jounce bumpers were not required.

However, if you would like to add them it's easy enough. Just remove the upper mounts, slide the bumpers over the shaft, and re-install the upper mount (be sure to use loctite).

If you have more questions please feel free to hit me up!

[FScope]

It sounds like the upper mounts are screwed on? What about the adjuster on the upper mount? I have one here and it doesn't seem obvious, and I don't want to experiment with it and damage it. How exactly would the upper mount be removed?
We're using stock corvette suspension with a 68 Camaro, the wheeltubs are custom metal and were set on the tire (no room for more clearance) with the spring removed sitting on the stock shocks bumpstop. If using the stock shocks, the plan was to add a small spacer to ensure the car wouldn't lock up a tire if it did fully compress the suspension. But I would prefer to use your adjustable shocks, so being able to add a bumper would be beneficial.

[Yelcamino]

It sounds like the upper mounts are screwed on? What about the adjuster on the upper mount? I have one here and it doesn't seem obvious, and I don't want to experiment with it and damage it. How exactly would the upper mount be removed?


Frank,

To remove the upper shock eyelet, clamp the shock shaft in a vise using aluminum jaws of some sort to protect the shaft. Put the rebound knob in the middle of it's adjustment range, then remove the knob using a T10 Torx bit. Apply some heat to the eyelet near the shaft (being careful not to get too close to the red seal) to "break" the loctite and then unscrew the eyelet (with the eyelet off, you'll be able to see the rebound metering rod inside the shaft). After the jounce bumper is in place, reinstall the eyelet with new locktite. With the eyelet installed, put the rebound knob back on and make sure that it adjusts properly. Apply a small drop of loctite to the torx screw and snug the knob in place.

[FScope]

I got one apart, thanks!