Suspension question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Suspension question
I just did the rebuild on the suspension on my 71 coupe. When I was doing the front springs, there were horseshoe shaped spacers in the lower control arms, about an inch thick. Based on the condition, and the rivets in the upper ball joint, I don't think the front end has ever been apart before. Anyway, I put them back in with my new springs, because I thought they might be required to pad the control arm. Once I got the car back together and on the ground, the front end is an inch too high (go figure). I never thought not to replace them, since I have "extrapartaphobia". Of course, now I will be taking them out as soon as my wounds heal from this last front end foray. Has anyone else seen these? I don't see pictures in any of my books or assembly manual that indicate these should be in the control arms. Anyone have any thoughts or history on these things? Are they factory or dealer, or just some aftermarket thing? It may be from a previous owner who didn't want to replace the sagging springs. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
I agree - taken apart (2) 70s and (1) 75 - no spacer/damper - whatever.
Also, be sure when putting the new springs in that the
coil end lines up in the UPPER pocket ... bottom is not important.
Also, be sure when putting the new springs in that the
coil end lines up in the UPPER pocket ... bottom is not important.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,434
Likes: 0
St. Jude Donor '07
While at a corvette show i saw some spring spacers becasue i was lookign some for my 66 becuase i cant find a spring with the right height. The spacer where in a nos gm box and the guy said they came factory on i think 71 bb's.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Thanks for the inputs. My clue should have been they were metal. I'll pull them out as soon as I get back to town. I was careful about aligning the springs in the upper pocket. It does drive much better with the new front end, corners like, well, a Corvette. Guess I should have looked more closely at the pictures....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
From: Central KY
My 1973 did not have them either when I rebuilt the suspension. From reading here I think you need to carefully check how the bottom of the spring gets oriented when you reassemble. As I recall, there is a hole drilled in the LCA that you want at least 1/2 exposed, so the bottom end of the coil must be aligned with that hole - and it will move a little as you raise up the LCA to reassemble the spindle and UCA... I don't remember that there was a concern about spring alignment in the UPPER control arm (UCA)... Have I missed something? After I get home this summer, I'll be pulling mine apart to install offset pieces in the UCAs...