C3 Rear Shocks

[John Wissocki]

I think I have looked everywhere in the world, Does anyone know where I can get NOS shocks for my 1982 Corvette? #22025253 Rear, 22025101 Front.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Rear Shocks

John-----

I presume that you got the above-referenced shock part numbers off of the shocks, themselves, or out of the AIM. However, shocks of the above part numbers were NEVER available in SERVICE under those part numbers, if they were available, at all. So, if you look for a set of NOS SERVICE shocks, you won't find ANY with that number on the box.

Almost always, the shocks inside a box will have a different part number on them than the on-box SERVICE part number for the shock. As I mentioned, aside from the on-box part number, I don't know if shocks of this part number could ever be found inside of a box. To my knowledge, they could not. If they ever were available, then they were available under SERVICE part number GM #4975486, front, and GM #22011967, rear. Although boxes of both of these part numbers contained shocks of, successively, several different part numbers over the years of their availability, to my knowledge, NONE of them have been the numbers which you mentioned. It is still remotely possible that, at some point, the shocks supplied in boxes with the above-referenced part numbers were the numbers you're after. I can't confirm that, though, and I consider it very unlikely.

If your primary concern is "numbers", then I think that you're going to be out of luck as far as obtaining NOS examples of the shocks you seek. You might find them used, though, if you're into used shocks. I'm not.

If your primary concern is configuration, functionality, and performance, then there are other GM shocks once available that will fill the bill nicely. The shocks once available under the part numbers that I provided above are configured EXACTLY like your originals, except for numbers. The Reactec-series shocks, recently discontinued by GM, are also configured EXACTLY like your originals, except for numbers.

There are NO shocks currently available from GM which are configured identically to your originals.

[Tom R.]

Re: C3 Rear Shocks

After having a chance to see John's car this past weekend in Orlando...I would have to say its the "numbers" route. A Very nice car. The search is one of patience and perserverance using sources like the Driveline, swap meets and hate to say it but eBay. Good luck

[John Wissocki]

Re: C3 Rear Shocks

Is there any company that can replace the oil in the rear shock and replace the seals? I would really like to keep the originals. Thank you, you are the Vette brain of all time.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Rear Shocks

John------

There's no one that I know of that can restore a mono-tube shock. Once-upon-a-time "rebuilt" shocks used to be available in auto parts stores for "ultra low budget" car repairs. Often, these shocks simply had a small hole drilled in them and fluid added---that's how they were "rebuilt". To replace the internal seals, the shock tube has to be cut open and re-welded. I've seen some of these done on the steering shock absorber used for some 63-68 Corvettes which are, in principle, exactly like a suspension shock absorber. The re-weld is rather obvious, though, regardless of how someone tries to disguise it.

One thing that you could do is this: keep your original shocks and restore them to like-new external appearance. Keep them and use them for major judging events. It's really not that hard to replace a set of shocks on a Corvette. For normal road use, obtain another set of shocks. If you can find a set of Reactecs that will be your best bet. These shocks will be identical in configuration to your original shocks save for "numbers" and they'll perform much better on the road. The Reactecs are GM-discontinued but there may still be a few around.