Replacing OEM shocks - 2003 Z06

[Cruncher]

On replacing the OEM shocks with Bilstein Sport shocks, does it matter if the shock rod/rubberboot faces up or down? Or is there only one way that these shocks will install. One web site says that the shock rod/rubber boot should point down to get longer life, & then states that that it really doesn't matter. To me, this doesn't make sense...if the shock rod is pointing down, wouldn't the shock rod pick up more dirt than if it was pointing up? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[stevebz06]

If you are talking about the shock body being up or down, I don't think the Bilsteins are designed to operate inverted, but I haven't used Bilsteins on my C5, so don't take that as gospel. If you are talking about the shock isolator installed between the top mounting point on the frame and the end of the rod, I don't see where it would matter much.

[stevebz06]

One more point, although I'm not sure I totally understand your question, the main reason for running shocks inverted is to reduce unsprung weight, which is not usually something most people are concerned about for normal street driving.

[Cruncher]

The following is from a Bilstein seller: "With the internal design of the Bilstein monotube gas shocks, it does not matter whether the shocks are mounted with the shock rod side up or down. There are some minor advantages in longevity and overall suspension effectiveness with the shock rod pointed down, and there are many instances where Bilstein has changed the orientation to take advantage of these minor improvements where there are no clearance problems. If there is an option, we recommend mounting the shock with the shock rod and boot pointing down, but in the grand scheme of things, there is no noticeable difference."

To me, having the rod and boot pointing down makes no sense...I figure that the rod would pick up more dirt since it would be closer to the ground and also, I've never seen a set up like that on any vehicle.

[stevebz06]

I have Penskes that are designed to mount that way (inverted, that is) and Pfadt's are also. I have never seen the dirt argument before, but anyplace inside of the fender is going to be dirty. If you're not racing, I wouldn't worry about it and just do whatever you're comfortable with.