Has anyone replaced rear shock bushing and tube (upper) in a c3? 1978

[Frank G.]

I ordered new bushing from Zip. The issue is that the bushing are too tight to fit back into place. Did I get the wrong ones? I have the GYM suspension on my 78.

[Edward J.]

Re: Has anyone replaced rear shock bushing and tube (upper) in a c3? 1978

Frank, what I would tell you is with so many shock makers out there the bushing sizes may vary a bit. Can you shave a bit off the edges to fit.You'll likely want the rubbers slightly bigger that the sleeves.

[Joel T.]

Re: Has anyone replaced rear shock bushing and tube (upper) in a c3? 1978

Dumb question.... Were there different ones for top vs bottom of the shock? The bottom is certainly less restrictive than the tops.. Unless you are going to show the car I would just shave them down as Ed suggested.... I just did the complete rear on my '78, also with the Gym suspension... The shocks were new and after market so I did nothing to them... Could not say that for the rest of the rear end! Joel

I ordered new bushing from Zip. The issue is that the bushing are too tight to fit back into place. Did I get the wrong ones? I have the GYM suspension on my 78.

[Joe L.]

Re: Has anyone replaced rear shock bushing and tube (upper) in a c3? 1978

Dumb question.... Were there different ones for top vs bottom of the shock?

Joel-----


Yes, the rear top bushings were different than the rear bottom. Once-upon-a-time GM used to offer the upper bushing in SERVICE. However, they dropped this "eons" ago. Why? I expect because of exactly the installation problem described here. Thereafter, the rear upper bushings were "replaced" when the shock was replaced.

[Frank G.]

Re: Has anyone replaced rear shock bushing and tube (upper) in a c3? 1978

Sounds like thats my only option. I'll shave the middle so the ends look factory new. Lower ones are easy as they just slide right on.
Thanks Ed, Joel and Joe.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Has anyone replaced rear shock bushing and tube (upper) in a c3? 1978

Frank,

Before you shave anything try to put some silicone grease around the bushings and install them into the shock then use a vice with flat washers on both ends to see if they compresss more inside. You may then be able to install them into the frame shock pocket.