Front Shock Absorber Upper Washer

[Chuck G.]

I've seen many "styles" of washers used on 63 through 82 Corvettes. Many use the heavy washer that's also used on the upper and lower A Frame bushings. What is the consensus of the "correct" washer for each year of Corvette ? Chuck

[Loren]

Re: Front Shock Absorber Upper Washer

Gray in color, 1 13/16" in diameter with about a 1/4" "crown" to the 3/8" diameter hole that the shock end passes through. More?

[Loren]

Re: Front Shock Absorber Upper Washer

Gray in color, 1 13/16" in diameter with about a 1/4" "crown" to the 3/8" diameter hole that the shock end passes through. More?

[Jimmy G.]

Re: Front Shock Absorber Upper Washer

I agree with this for late 64 and up. 63 (and perhaps early 64's)had a smaller "normal" shock washer. By the way a control arm bushing washer is different as it is not "crowned" the entire radius of the washer. It is close but "Old Eagle Eye" McCagh can catch it. "Corvette Fanatics" makes a very good repo, in fact I can't tell theirs from a NOS one without a dial micrometer.

[Jimmy G.]

Re: Front Shock Absorber Upper Washer

I agree with this for late 64 and up. 63 (and perhaps early 64's)had a smaller "normal" shock washer. By the way a control arm bushing washer is different as it is not "crowned" the entire radius of the washer. It is close but "Old Eagle Eye" McCagh can catch it. "Corvette Fanatics" makes a very good repo, in fact I can't tell theirs from a NOS one without a dial micrometer.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Front Shock Absorber Upper Washer

Chuck,

Joe Lucia went through this fairly extensively (what a surprise) not so long ago, and it should be in archives.

Patrick Hulst

[Patrick H.]

Re: Front Shock Absorber Upper Washer

Chuck,

Joe Lucia went through this fairly extensively (what a surprise) not so long ago, and it should be in archives.

Patrick Hulst

[Gene M.]

Re: Front Shock Absorber Upper Washer

Another piece of info, the shock washer is a clearance for a 3/8 thread the suspension washer is clearanced for 7/16 bolt.

[Gene M.]

Re: Front Shock Absorber Upper Washer

Another piece of info, the shock washer is a clearance for a 3/8 thread the suspension washer is clearanced for 7/16 bolt.

[Joe L.]

Re: Front Shock Absorber Upper Washer

Chuck----

Corvettes from 1965 thru 1982 used front shock upper retainer GM #3790342. This retainer is a smooth, convex design with a 1-29/32" OD and a 13/32" hole in the center. It has an unusual "oil penetrant" finished surface which stands up rather well to the elements, although it will eventually rust. This part is still available from GM and should be used with grommet GM #3790341, which is also still available.

Other retainers seen on 65-82 models are service replacements which are usually supplied with shock absorbers. These retainers, supplied over the years under a MULTITUDE of part numbers, are usually smaller in diameter, zinc plated, and with a completely different configuration. They generally have a hex-shaped indention surrounding the center hole to provide a "locking" feature for the shock upper retaining nut. Although they are satsifactory service parts, they are not correct with respect to configuration.

Although they are similarly configured, the A-arm shaft end retainers are NOT the same as the shock washers(retainers). The upper A-arm retainer is currently GM #9785742 and is convex shaped with a 3/8" center hole. The lower retainer is GM #3714369. This retainer is convex shaped, 1-13/32" OD, and with a 7/16" center hole.

[Joe L.]

Re: Front Shock Absorber Upper Washer

Chuck----

Corvettes from 1965 thru 1982 used front shock upper retainer GM #3790342. This retainer is a smooth, convex design with a 1-29/32" OD and a 13/32" hole in the center. It has an unusual "oil penetrant" finished surface which stands up rather well to the elements, although it will eventually rust. This part is still available from GM and should be used with grommet GM #3790341, which is also still available.

Other retainers seen on 65-82 models are service replacements which are usually supplied with shock absorbers. These retainers, supplied over the years under a MULTITUDE of part numbers, are usually smaller in diameter, zinc plated, and with a completely different configuration. They generally have a hex-shaped indention surrounding the center hole to provide a "locking" feature for the shock upper retaining nut. Although they are satsifactory service parts, they are not correct with respect to configuration.

Although they are similarly configured, the A-arm shaft end retainers are NOT the same as the shock washers(retainers). The upper A-arm retainer is currently GM #9785742 and is convex shaped with a 3/8" center hole. The lower retainer is GM #3714369. This retainer is convex shaped, 1-13/32" OD, and with a 7/16" center hole.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Front Shock Absorber Upper Washer

Hi Jimmy; I'm intrigued by your comment about 63's and early 64's. That's sort of where "I'm coming from". Could you elaborate on the 63/64 washer? I have come across several "odd ball" washers cleaning up the shelves, etc. which are much larger than the "zinc" replacements, but not nearly as thick as the "A Frame style" washer which is commonly used. The diameter is about 2X greater than the zinc replacements. They are only a bit thicker. They have the "hex recess" in the center. Chuck

[Chuck G.]

Re: Front Shock Absorber Upper Washer

Hi Jimmy; I'm intrigued by your comment about 63's and early 64's. That's sort of where "I'm coming from". Could you elaborate on the 63/64 washer? I have come across several "odd ball" washers cleaning up the shelves, etc. which are much larger than the "zinc" replacements, but not nearly as thick as the "A Frame style" washer which is commonly used. The diameter is about 2X greater than the zinc replacements. They are only a bit thicker. They have the "hex recess" in the center. Chuck