avizandum

So I was lowering the car (Z51 C6) back to summer weekend warrior height and both front bolts are seized and I need to replace the leaf spring.

Should I go with the Z06 spring or will it throw things off?

Data I saw indicated it's only 5 lbs stiffer.

davidfarmer

did you unload the spring so that the adjusters can turn freely.......They can seem unbelievably tight if they are loaded against the control arm.

avizandum

Unfortunately I've done it correctly. I had a brain-child to weld a nut on the top. If that doesn't work, I'm screwed. (I stripped the tops in haste / desperation.)

I'm really pissed, 'cuz had I taken a wire brush to the threads when it got difficult, this probably wouldn't have happened.

Which still begs the question: which spring... It's a DD, so ride degredation is somewhat a consideration, too.

gkmccready

I doubt you need a new spring, just figure a way to remove the adjusters and HardbarUSA sells replacements...

drivinhard

they are very easy to turn/adjust, even with the car loaded. nice for making adjustments while it's loaded on the scales

sperkins

I had the exact same problem recently. Tried to weld a nut to it, double nut it and cussed at it a lot - nothing worked.

I had to pull the spring from the car and clamp it in a vise to break it free. They were frozen badly from rust, but I was able to get them out.



Clamp in vise here:

Rag Top

Careful with the amount of heat when you weld. You don't want to damage the spring.

avizandum

The welded nut worked, but they're still very tough to turn. Did new ones go in OK?

Can new ones be installed w/o removing the springs?

avizandum

Done...

John Shiels

PB Blaster next time and soak it a few days prior. Then never-seize them.

avizandum

Permatex Anti Seize, or "Never Seez"?

John Shiels

Permatex is fine and what I usually end up with. Aluminum one in silver bottle. It last years on stuff outside.

mfquinn

I switched my front spring out and installed the Z06 front. The numbers I have show a difference on 20

FE3/Z51 502 645

FE4/Z06 526 714