VETJET

I just installed a VBP front monospring suspension with tubular lower A arms on my 1981. Wow, what a difference. The ride is hard to explain it is soft but yet firm. Now when I hit bumps I do not have the harsh jarring effect that I had before, but when I quickly turn the wheel it does not body roll either. Very impressive technology and I highly recommend the installation. It is also easier to install the whole assembly with new A arms than it is to change the coil springs (and not as scary!).

I also had an excellent experience with Art at Van Steel. He provided me with great tech support after the sale even when I asked questions that were probably elementry to him.

There are a couple of tricks when installing it. One make sure that it is perfectly centered which took me a few times of installing the spring and removing it to get it into the proper position. The other is to install the outside spring bolts (which allow you to adjust your ride height) down into the A arms not up into them. By installing the bolts in this manner you do not limit your ground clearance with the bolts protruding towards the ground.

:auto:

flynhi

Here are a couple more:
Don't overtighten the adjustment bolts on the rotating blocks. The block needs to be able to rock a bit.
Lube the rotating block.
Check the AIM and Vette Improvement Program article for info on lowering. Lowering beyond a certain point will require shortening the rubber bumper to insure full travel.
Use the proper shocks: Bilstein Sports or KYB GR2s.

frC3

Is this the same kit described in Vette Mag -April 2003. How much did you spend for the total job? Do you have the composite spring on the rear? Fred.

Desertdawg

You guys are just posting this to tease me, Right??????


Now that you are saying how nice it rides, I really want to get this.

Quick, someone send me their extra money. :cheers:

VETJET

Yes it is the same kit that was used in the magazine article. The spring and the new lower a arms cost me about $650.00 with lower ball joints installed from Van Steel. Some other catalogs are selling them but they do not include the ball joints for the same price nor do they give you the tech support that I needed. I recomend changing all of your bushings up front which costs a little more but it is worth it. I do not have the composite spring in the rear , but I do have the fiberglass rear mnonspring that came factory starting in 81.

VETJET

Flynhi, did your spring chaffe against your frame in the center? I am told that this is normal, but it concerns me. I installed a sheet of Teflon between the spring and the frame to insure that the frame does not cause abrasion on the spring.

flynhi

The damage was about 10" inboard from the RF wheel.

pingdashf

How hard is this to do if you have no previous suspension work experience?

VETJET

I had limited front end suspension work and I was able to do it.

Armstrong

I plan on doing this to mine . If things go as planned maybe the beginning of next year. Hopefully
I'm glad you posted this as now i know its worth the time and money.
Hope you remember what you did then and make sure your still around cause i'm sure i'll be askin questions then. :yesnod: :yesnod: