New suspension not so good????
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,981
Likes: 0
From: Houston,Tx. USA
New suspension not so good????
Got the new suspension front and rear installed, and it looks like a "Bubba" ride (OK for my 4x4, but not the 1980 Vette...sitting about 1 1/2 inches too high;
The rear has adjustable end links, but not sure how to lower the front.
(cut the springs down?).
I put 255-60-15 tires on. The new front springs are actually shorter than the old ones by an inch.
The ride hieght just looks too tall for my taste.
Anybody know how to get this thing down closer to the ground by at least an inch or more?
The rear has adjustable end links, but not sure how to lower the front.
(cut the springs down?).
I put 255-60-15 tires on. The new front springs are actually shorter than the old ones by an inch.
The ride hieght just looks too tall for my taste.
Anybody know how to get this thing down closer to the ground by at least an inch or more?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,321
Likes: 0
From: Reno NV
St. Jude Donor '08
On the back, you need to get a 10inch bolt, and just don't put tighten the bolt all the way up. You can get a grade 8 bolt for it at any industrial supply house, and get nyloc nuts for them.
The front cut a half coil off at a time until you get your desired ride height.
David
The front cut a half coil off at a time until you get your desired ride height.
David
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,981
Likes: 0
From: Houston,Tx. USA
Have not driven it except to move it...how much could be expected from a weeks worth of driving?
I've still got about 1 1/2 inches left on the rear end link on the spring;
But looks like the front may need cutting.
Not sure what the rating is on the front springs, but the whole thing was a kit. Also the rear sway bar would not fit between the wheels.
I've still got about 1 1/2 inches left on the rear end link on the spring;
But looks like the front may need cutting.
Not sure what the rating is on the front springs, but the whole thing was a kit. Also the rear sway bar would not fit between the wheels.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 3
From: I KNOW JESUS... HE'S MY GARDENER
Originally Posted by Chopper Larry
Not sure if the guys did it that way or not.
You let a complete stranger work on your Vette
? Or was it a shop with national TV & radio ads?Loosen the control arm bushing bolts, drive the sucker around and see if it settles. If it does, do not let that mechanic ever see your car again.
Re-torque when done.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,981
Likes: 0
From: Houston,Tx. USA
Originally Posted by SkunkApe
You let a complete stranger work on your Vette ? Or was it a shop with national TV & radio ads?
Loosen the control arm bushing bolts, drive the sucker around and see if it settles. If it does, do not let that mechanic ever see your car again.
Re-torque when done.
? Or was it a shop with national TV & radio ads?Loosen the control arm bushing bolts, drive the sucker around and see if it settles. If it does, do not let that mechanic ever see your car again.
Re-torque when done.
Thanks for the input, I'll give it a try.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Also make sure that the front springs are seated in the lower a-arm pocket correctly. If not that will make your car ride high up front. What type of rear spring did you get? Did they run the bolts all the way up? If so back them off and the car will drop.
All aftermarket spring are shorter than stock so don't worry about that. The coils are wound tighter than the originals.
All aftermarket spring are shorter than stock so don't worry about that. The coils are wound tighter than the originals.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,981
Likes: 0
From: Houston,Tx. USA
Originally Posted by Van Steel
Also make sure that the front springs are seated in the lower a-arm pocket correctly. If not that will make your car ride high up front. What type of rear spring did you get? Did they run the bolts all the way up? If so back them off and the car will drop.
All aftermarket spring are shorter than stock so don't worry about that. The coils are wound tighter than the originals.
All aftermarket spring are shorter than stock so don't worry about that. The coils are wound tighter than the originals.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,927
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
1. The upper spring must be seated in the upper pocket(in the groove). Bottom doesn't matter.
2. Don't torque the CA bushing bolts until there is weight on the front end.
2. Don't torque the CA bushing bolts until there is weight on the front end.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Originally Posted by Chopper Larry
I got the "performance spings" from mid-america. I can see that backing off the locking nut on the rear will lower it enough, but it's the front I'm worried about. I don't know if the old stock springs in front are actually bad. How obvious is the incorrect seating of the front spring into the lower part of the arm-pocket?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Seems like some are saying that the spring has to positioned in the upper pocket and someone mentions the lower pocket. Lars mentions in his write up to install the spring so the end of the coil come right up against the water drain hole in the lower spring pocket.
So from reading all the info in this thread and in other threads, the spring has to positioned properly in both pockets and has to be checked so that it doesn't cover the drain hole. Correct??
So from reading all the info in this thread and in other threads, the spring has to positioned properly in both pockets and has to be checked so that it doesn't cover the drain hole. Correct??
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Most of the newer spring are not cut like the old ones. I believe the original springs are cut 180 deg from one end to the other. The new ones are cut 90 deg from one end to the other. I don't know why this is but, it is more important to have the lower a-arm seated correctly. If the lower is not seated correctly than your car will sit high.
