I believe that the majority of hardware is metric on the 5th gen. Due to being made in Mexico I think
Installed Bilstein shocks 24-009492 in front yesterday. Seemed simple enough right?
The 2 lower mounting feet thickness is nearly .4". Much thicker than my originals making the original bolts to short to provide adequate turns. Bilstein had provided longer bolts to compensate. Great. I installed the shock and used the longer bolts. The bolts would only turn in 1-2 turns then bind up. I compared the long bolts to the originals. The originals are 8mm, and the longer appear to be 3/8-16. I was able to find 4 threaded clips that matched the bolts and installed them. Anyone else run into this issue? Why do I have metric hardware in my 84'?
Thanks.
84pacecar.
Thanks.
84pacecar.
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
It's the way it's meant to be. GM switched the "G-Body" to all metric in 1982. I say that in quotes because 1978-81 were technically A bodies and those were still imperial.The 2 lower mounting feet thickness is nearly .4". Much thicker than my originals making the original bolts to short to provide adequate turns. Bilstein had provided longer bolts to compensate. Great. I installed the shock and used the longer bolts. The bolts would only turn in 1-2 turns then bind up. I compared the long bolts to the originals. The originals are 8mm, and the longer appear to be 3/8-16. I was able to find 4 threaded clips that matched the bolts and installed them. Anyone else run into this issue? Why do I have metric hardware in my 84'?
Thanks.
84pacecar.
I guess that this is a heads up for anyone installing Bilstein shocks on newer models. The retaining clips are metric, the shocks come with 3/8-16 bolts. The original shorter metric bolts will be two short to accommodate the additional thickness of the shock mounting tab. IMO. I removed the original metric clips and replaced them with 3/8-16 clips.👍🏼
Good info! But now for the important part, how does your Elco ride with those Billsteins?I guess that this is a heads up for anyone installing Bilstein shocks on newer models. The retaining clips are metric, the shocks come with 3/8-16 bolts. The original shorter metric bolts will be two short to accommodate the additional thickness of the shock mounting tab. IMO. I removed the original metric clips and replaced them with 3/8-16 clips.👍🏼
Doing a few more things. Should have her on the road Friday.
I remember a guy who had a mid 80's T-Bird and he had to have both sets of tools. Drivetrain was metric and body and suspension was English. He got so fed up with it he traded it for a Probe because at least it would all be metric.
at least it wasn't a Rover and had WhitworthI remember a guy who had a mid 80's T-Bird and he had to have both sets of tools. Drivetrain was metric and body and suspension was English. He got so fed up with it he traded it for a Probe because at least it would all be metric.
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
El Camino Central Forum
A forum community dedicated to Chevy El Camino owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Recommended Communities
