Shocks-how long do they last?

jbm37379 · Post by **jbm37379** » Mon Jan 04, 2016 5:41 pm

My 2002 TH car is now over 14 years old and has 45K miles on it. I have noticed that the ride is more harsh than ever. Since the car doesn't get driven very much (about 3500 miles a year), do shocks over time just wear out? The car doesn't have a lot of bounce but I have noticed the car over bumps seems to be "porpoising" a little. Best place to get OEM shocks without going to dealer??

GMMG ZL1 41 · Post by **GMMG ZL1 41** » Fri Jan 08, 2016 12:56 am

It couldn't hurt to replace them. The the Bilstein shocks are good.

jbm37379 · Post by **jbm37379** » Wed Jan 13, 2016 5:34 am

Actually-I was hoping to get part numbers for original replacement shocks. I have been told by Brandon Brown(who decoded my VIN #) that my car has two special RPO codes for the front suspension. Spring Comptr Select Frt LH (6BS) and Spring Comptr Select Frt RH (7BS). I Have no idea what that means, but I want to make sure that it is not some kind of special shock. According to Brandon, only 19 Camaro convertibles in 2002 had these RPO codes.

Blackbird34 · Post by **Blackbird34** » Thu Jan 14, 2016 1:54 am

Are your current shocks yellow or orange in color?

jbm37379 · Post by **jbm37379** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:00 am

They look orange-I think if they were yellow they would be more visible from looking at car without being on rack. I'm assuming that being orange means they are stock GM and not Bilsteins.

Blackbird34 · Post by **Blackbird34** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 2:55 am

Yes they are likely the factory DE Carbons. They aren't available anymore and frankly are not a great shock to begin with. I'd go with a new set of Bilstein shocks with the SLP valving. A new set can be had for around $385.

Damien Scott · Post by **Damien Scott** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 4:19 am

I second the Bilteins, I had that package on my Firehawk and they are a great bang for the buck.

jbm37379 · Post by **jbm37379** » Wed Mar 16, 2016 12:37 am

Drove my car today for the first time in a couple of months(it was over 80 here today-perfect convertible weather). I really now notice that the rear shocks are worn-the car is wandering and bouncing all over. Can anyone out there give me the correct part numbers for the original shocks for the 2002 ss convertible? The front code are something different but I'm pretty sure the rears are not something "special". Thanks to all who reply.

Blackbird34 · Post by **Blackbird34** » Thu Mar 17, 2016 1:51 pm

The factory shocks ARE NOT available for your car anymore. The front and rears were the same brand....nothing special. Go with the Bilstein replacements like others and myself have stated. Your lowering springs are likely getting weak too.

jbm37379 · Post by **jbm37379** » Mon Mar 21, 2016 5:03 pm

Ok-thanks. I'm guessing eibach for the springs?