C1 front shock problems
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Palos Heights IL
C1 front shock problems
I just recently finshed restoring my 59vette. I've run into a problem with the drivers front shock mount. Twice the drivers side shock mount broke causing the shock to just hang. When I replaced the mount I noticed the car was leaning to the side that the shock mount broke. Anybody else have this problem or know of a way to fix it. Car has new springs and kyb gas adjust shocks on it.
thanks
brian
thanks
brian
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,340
Likes: 664
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
Brian,
Just a couple of thoughts (have not had your problem myself).
Could the springs be lower than original, and/or the shocks not have sufficient travel for the application? In other words, the mounts should not fail unless the "system" was in a bind.
The fact that your Vette was leaning over on the side that broke the mount "suggests" that your using high pressure gas shocks which may be putting an undue strain on the mounts (for which they were not designed), and that could be the "cause". But I don't recall any discussions in the past concerning KYB's causing that type of issue. Or one of your front springs is lower that the other, and that could also put more strain (more easily bottomed out).
Have you taken hgt. measurements to determine if the springs are correct (both before and after the spring change)?
Then check that the shocks are the correct p/n for your Vette.
Plasticman
Just a couple of thoughts (have not had your problem myself).
Could the springs be lower than original, and/or the shocks not have sufficient travel for the application? In other words, the mounts should not fail unless the "system" was in a bind.
The fact that your Vette was leaning over on the side that broke the mount "suggests" that your using high pressure gas shocks which may be putting an undue strain on the mounts (for which they were not designed), and that could be the "cause". But I don't recall any discussions in the past concerning KYB's causing that type of issue. Or one of your front springs is lower that the other, and that could also put more strain (more easily bottomed out).
Have you taken hgt. measurements to determine if the springs are correct (both before and after the spring change)?
Then check that the shocks are the correct p/n for your Vette.
Plasticman
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Note that the lower shock retainer plate has an offset on it that fits UP INSIDE the shock hole in the lower control arm - that offset leg on one side and the plate attaching bolt on the other side carry the compression loads. If you don't place the offset leg on the plate up inside the hole in the lower control arm, the bolt on one side is the only thing carrying the load, and it'll break before you get around the block. 
