Ride height troubleshooting
Thread Starter
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Monroe Washington
Ride height troubleshooting
I just recently became the owner of a 1976 vette and after learning how to lower the front, I'm now troubleshooting the uneven height of the rear, right rear is higher than left. After crawling underneath the car I can see that the right side of the spring is sitting lower than the left. I then noticed that the bracket that the spring bolt attaches to is rotated lower on the right side.
Can this be rotated back??? How can I correct this??
Can this be rotated back??? How can I correct this??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
The only thing that is SUPPOSED to affect rear ride height in the length of the spring bolts from the T/A's to the ends of the spring. I can't see the pic, but the spring has no "bracket" per se. If I were you I'd test the rear shocks for sticking first and go from there. Also the T/A bushings and strut-rod bushings come into play to a greater or lesser degree.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
I just recently became the owner of a 1976 vette and after learning how to lower the front, I'm now troubleshooting the uneven height of the rear, right rear is higher than left. After crawling underneath the car I can see that the right side of the spring is sitting lower than the left. I then noticed that the bracket that the spring bolt attaches to is rotated lower on the right side.
Can this be rotated back??? How can I correct this??
Can this be rotated back??? How can I correct this??
Thread Starter
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 364
Likes: 3
From: Monroe Washington
GD70, I'm sorry but I don't think I am following you. Are you talking about the spring bolts? I will try to get under and measure the bolts this weekend. I think I am going to pull the tires, shocks and unbolt the spring to see I can determine the problem
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
I just recently became the owner of a 1976 vette and after learning how to lower the front, I'm now troubleshooting the uneven height of the rear, right rear is higher than left. After crawling underneath the car I can see that the right side of the spring is sitting lower than the left. I then noticed that the bracket that the spring bolt attaches to is rotated lower on the right side.
Can this be rotated back??? How can I correct this??
Can this be rotated back??? How can I correct this??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
What I notice is that the rubber cushions are more compressed on the left side as well. Assuming that the trailing arms go up and down OK and that the shocks are not binding, the way to level it is to replace the cushions (with urethane ones) and then use the bolts to level it. Remember that the car "hangs" from those two bolts so to speak. You can get some adjustment with the nuts and if no tenough use a couple big fender washers to shim it.
The left is probably a little lower because of driver weight over many, many years, but you can compensate.
-W
The left is probably a little lower because of driver weight over many, many years, but you can compensate.
-W
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,200
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
Does anyone see a difference in the 'curve' of the first leaf on the driver's side compared to the passenger's side? Is this the cause or the result of the difference in ride height?
Regards,
Alan
Does anyone see a difference in the 'curve' of the first leaf on the driver's side compared to the passenger's side? Is this the cause or the result of the difference in ride height?
Regards,
Alan
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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Let's not tell anybody the secret that many of these cars were off by 1/2-3/4" when they were new.........
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Anderson SC
No matter what the cause; Assuming nothing is binding, the cure is still to replace the cushions and use the bolts to get it level. Or just get a whole new spring and be really done with it all.
-W
-W
Thread Starter
Banned Scam/Spammer
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From: Monroe Washington
Update: I finally got the time to remove the spring bolts from both sides and let the spring hang. Immediately noticed that the right side did not hand down as far as the left. The right side is just over 1/2 inch higher from the floor than the left.
Is this common with older springs??
Is this common with older springs??
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
Old springs equals "sag". A nice upgraded spring would do you wonders...saves weight...levels things up...and reduces noise from the rear end. Throw on some polybushings while you are at it, and you have it made! Good luck to you. 
And I too think the left side of the spring has flattened out somewhat. Factory defect or just wear and tear...who knows?
Trevor
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: McLouth Kansas
My advice is to call VBP and order a new mono spring assy,,,,,problem solved and ride height is easy to adjust with the longer bolts and new cushions and the old dried rotted ones go in the trash can.
That is what I did and no regrets
That is what I did and no regrets
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
For a visual image that hard to shake: Imagine a big fat Bubba driving in the left seat at 300lbs (not counting the beer) and his 80lb meth-head wife on the right.
-W
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Florida
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
If I were to go through the trouble of ripping out the rear spring, just put a new one in there, and that way you won't have to do this job twice. Just my .02. Trevor
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
I'm forever scarred now! Thanks!! I think the only thing worse than that is a 300lb wife and the guy is the 80 pounder! *shudder*Trevor
