Live2XS

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies. I'm a newbie and a new Vette owner.
My 1987 Convertible rides very very very low. I assumed when I bought her she just needed new shocks which I had installed.
But, even a small speed bump causes a huge bottom strike. I realize it rides low w/o much clearance but I have owned other sports cars before and never experienced such a rough ride. I'm afraid to drive her for fear of doing damage--- takes all the joy out!

Is his normal?
Or is there another component I should look at?

If so, any recommendations of reputable shops would be great.

1986coupe

Shocks don't affect your ride height, springs and other factors do. It sounds like your car has been lowered. You need to check to see if it is at the correct ride height. If it isn't then you need to decide if that is how you want it, and it seems that you do.

The rear is easy. It is adjusted by tightening or loosening the nuts...assuming the bolts are the correct ones. Make sure you have the correct length of bolts on the rear otherwise you won't be able to set the correct ride height.

The front will likely require a new spring. Lowering the front involves removing the rubber on the ends of the springs (at least that is how it was done on mine before I had it) The new spring brought the front up.

I don't understand lowering the car...the front wheels can hit the hood and the ride is terrible.

Good luck!

Live2XS

Thank you sir. And, yes, the ride is terrible.
I find I odd that It may have been lowered as it was a 1 owner 105 lb. lady from Scottsdale who didn't do any mods... But I shall check!

383vett

How much do you weigh?

Live2XS

Eh, the passenger side bounces too!

GREGGPENN

There have been some reports of tranverse spring de-lamination -- leading to the symptom you describe. I'll bet on the need for a new spring as well. Mostly likely up front.

(There is one "leaf" spring that runs all the way from one side to the other. Hence, the term transverse.)

ChasD

I knew my shocks were bad but they didn't even return to full length when I pulled them off to replace. If your shocks are that bad, you might see another half to three fourths with new ones. That's what happened with my new KYBs.

1986coupe

She may not have done any mods but boyfriends or mechanics may have.
Check for stress cracks in the springs. Since they are fiberglass the stress cracks are easy to see.

leesvet

shocks don;t raise or lower the chassis..thats ALL about the springs. The composite spring CAN break if its exposed to chemicals...and thats the fatsest way I know of to drop the rear end...

DE-Laminate...........fancy
term for broken

StealthLT4

Sounds like damaged springs to me. May be lowered, but I have mine lowered and as long as I drive it like it's a Corvette, I don't have any problems. I recommend picking up a set of used springs from the forum or ebay. Look up what codes you need though, as there were many different stiffnesses made throughout the years, and you need to ensure you get the right ones.

MotorCity_87_C4

My front shocks were completely collapsed and I could move them by hand. The front tires would rub in the wheel wells when I hit bumps. I installed new Bilsteins on all 4 corners. the ride height went up about just over an inch.