78 spring mounts
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From: Granger Ia.
78 spring mounts
Hi, Im new here. I just got a 78 vette. Im going to put new rear spring mounts on it at the end of the springs, my question is that the spring seems to be too far back because the bolts are angled back and wedge on the trailing arm and spring, even when I jack up on the spindle mount but its better. There not up and down straight with each other. Has anyone run into this? DoI need to take the spring off. Maybe its bent.
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From: Granger Ia.
trim tag
I only have one trim tag on the door post that says chevrolet J01 trim 19C 13U 07M paint, But there is not another trim tag on it like it says on the other sites in the engine bay cowl, should there be? I dont know the date J01 either. Im tring to find out how early it is and if it might have the narrower spring because of that. Still have to get pic of spring mount.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
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From: Columbus OH
Hi, Im new here. I just got a 78 vette. Im going to put new rear spring mounts on it at the end of the springs, my question is that the spring seems to be too far back because the bolts are angled back and wedge on the trailing arm and spring, even when I jack up on the spindle mount but its better. There not up and down straight with each other. Has anyone run into this? DoI need to take the spring off. Maybe its bent.Take a look, hopefully this helps
I think you are describing the spring mounting bolts, from spring to TA. When I did my rebuild, I raised the trailing arm to the right height and used a socket to hold it up in the frame pocket. To do this though, the strut rod, shock were all disconnected and the trailing arm was free. If you disconnect the shock only you should be able to get enough movement up to line the bolt up.
Also, take caution in where you jack things up. Pressure under the bearing mounting "ear" is not a good idea.
HTH
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From: Southbound
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From: Granger Ia.
The spring that is on it is a 7 leaf 2 1/4". I noticed yours in the picture is the same. Is that a special suspension that doesnt have the 9 leaf? Mine does not have a sway bar, but there are two holes on the top of the trailing arm, is that where the sway bar brackets would be. Sorry, just trying to figure out weather someone changed it or if this is the spring that came on it.
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From: Southbound
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Go here http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...x.php?cmd=area and see if you can obtain a copy of the original dealer invoice for your '78. The invoice will list all the options, prices, original dealer, date shipped, etc.
Safety Car
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From: Beecher Illinois
That sounds like an aftermarket gymkhana spring. ORIGINAL gymkhana spring would be 6 leaves.
There should be a 1/8" shim in front of and in back of the spring where the four mounting bolts are.
Seems a common mistake is replacing a standard rear spring with a heavy duty gymkhana spring and not making any changes to the front springs.
There should be a 1/8" shim in front of and in back of the spring where the four mounting bolts are.
Seems a common mistake is replacing a standard rear spring with a heavy duty gymkhana spring and not making any changes to the front springs.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Beecher Illinois
Here's a pic with the shims.
The bolts at the trailing arms WILL be slightly angled when the suspension is hanging. You should be able to push down on the spring end enough to get the bolt out. The gymkhana spring doesn't have as much arc as a standard spring. When you jack the gymkhana spring end up to remove the nut on the bolt, you should be able to completely release the jack from the spring without any problem.
The bolts at the trailing arms WILL be slightly angled when the suspension is hanging. You should be able to push down on the spring end enough to get the bolt out. The gymkhana spring doesn't have as much arc as a standard spring. When you jack the gymkhana spring end up to remove the nut on the bolt, you should be able to completely release the jack from the spring without any problem.
Last edited by KapsSA; Jan 14, 2010 at 10:36 PM.
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From: Granger Ia.
That is a graet pic of of the spring. The spring in mine has 7 leafs and a flat plate at the top of it. No shims. I heard if I want a smooth ride, I should put the original 9 leaf back in. Car is just stock. 185hp woo hoo! I may change that down the road, but only to 275 hp or so.Thanks for the pic, now I know there should be a heat shield there also, or was there on a 78?
