TheAlex427

So, after a series of events, my 77 Vette became my daily driver. It desperately needed a set of tires, so after much reading, I decided to put 275/60/15s on the rear.

Unfortunately They rub just ever so slightly whenever I hit a bump, or pull into a parking lot. After looking underneath, I discovered that all the bushings on the rear spring bolt are toast. I thought I'd just tighten the nut to lift it temporarily, but unfortunately I had no thread left to do so.

So, I need to know the most practical, cheapest way of raising the rear. I don't want to just shim it with a ton of washers, but I don't want to replace a whole lot either. I have yet to look at prices for the bushings, but I'm sure someone here can point me in the right direction.

pawpaws toy

I've got a pair of air shocks that were on a 1980.

Mike Ward

I'd get rid of the oversize tires that are causing the root problem and change the bushings that are worn out.

Trying to use a 36 year old car as a daily driver comes at a price.

Richard454

Check the length of your bolts. Originally they were 6"- could have been changed to 8" or even 10" to lower the car.

If you need - I'm sure I have a couple sets of 6" bolts laying around.

Just PM me if wanted/needed-

Richard

TheAlex427

Okay, thanks! I'll be sure to measure them once I get back home, it is very possible there are longer ones on there.

johnt365

The cheapest way might be shorter bolts. Somewhere along the line someone put 5 inch bolts in mine. Perhaps to compensate for bigger tires.

Alan 71

Hi A,
Installing a new set of bushings will raise the rear ride height even using the bolts that are there.
The new (thicker) bushings will effectively shorten the bolt!
Regards,
Alan

New un-compressed bushings:


Old compressed bushings:

dochorsepower

Trying to use a 36 year old car as a daily driver comes at a price.[/QUOTE]

NAH, I do it every day.

TheAlex427

That looks like a pretty significant difference! I only need at most 1" more clearance. It's raining out right now, so I'm not crawling under the car to measure the bolt, I might melt.

TheAlex427

Sorry for the slow response, shortly after I made this post, I found out I lost my job. I will need the stock 6" bolt. I will shoot you a PM, Richard.

Richard454

Hey Alex-

Shipped them out today.

Richard

doorgunner

I'm sorry about your job loss and I'm glad you were able to keep the Corvette. Keep us updated in this thread.