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C3 coilover rear suspension

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Old Jan 18, 2006 | 09:04 PM
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Default C3 coilover rear suspension

Are there any kits or upgrades available for the rear suspension of the c3? I really don't like the handling of the leaf, and would love to have coilover or even just shocks and springs.
Old Jan 18, 2006 | 09:38 PM
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No kits but make your own
Old Mar 22, 2020 | 03:00 PM
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Default Original rear axle dims

I’m doing something similar and planning to put a mustang 8.8” in using the autofab four link. Can anyone tell me what the original width of the C3 IRS is flange to flange?
Old Mar 22, 2020 | 03:28 PM
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Why?
Old Mar 22, 2020 | 03:39 PM
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I’ve seen a lot of people post things like “why” or “you’re going to ruin your corvette” on similar threads. I can keep it simple and say because I want to. Or we can can talk a bunch about what is legal where from a drag race perspective. It’s happening either way LOL.
Old Mar 22, 2020 | 03:48 PM
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I asked why because I was trying to understand what you were trying to rectify. If your reason is because you want to have at it.try Detroit speeds website or van steel. Good luck.
Old Mar 22, 2020 | 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by 7t9l82
I asked why because I was trying to understand what you were trying to rectify. If your reason is because you want to have at it.try Detroit speeds website or van steel. Good luck.
I can totally appreciate that. If this was a clean C3 that had some actual restoration potential, I wouldn’t just go and hack ‘er up. But she’s rough and her only chance at a second life is on the track. The autofab setup seems to be working well for those that have done it and is quite affordable. I’m looking into the Ford 8.8” because it’s said to be as strong as the GM 12 bolt and you can get em dirt cheap. My only challenge now is finding something in the ballpark I need for width. So that’s a more long winded reason behind my initial post / question.

Last edited by schwabner; Mar 22, 2020 at 03:55 PM.
Old Mar 22, 2020 | 04:22 PM
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No matter what rear you use it will need to be narrowed, if you've never done it you likely want to get a professional to do it.putting a 4 link or other rear in any car is not a bolt in deal. There will be a good bit of welding and fabrication. I don't know what your skill set is but I'm assuming you haven't done much of this type of job. If I'm right either get someone that has to help you or hire a pro. Also, an 8.8 probably won't be much cheaper than a 9 in when all is said and done and. It still won't be as strong as a 9 in.. good luck and post pictures as you go.. oh and remember, your life depends on getting everything right.
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Old Mar 22, 2020 | 04:29 PM
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I hear you. I’m a fairly well versed fabricator. Have a couple roll cages, four links, etc under the belt. But this is a first with a Vette. Much to learn, no doubt. How confident are you on needing to narrow the rear end? I guess if someone here could give me those stock dims I asked for, I could find out myself
I’m not married to a set of wheels so I may have some wiggle room on offset. The other think I’m noticing when weighing out donor options is that the mustang guys dump beefed up 8.8’s for a song. Nine inchers are out there but they’re usually bone stock and grody as hell. We’ll see where this goes. Maybe I’ll start my own build thread when I start making sparks

Last edited by schwabner; Mar 23, 2020 at 09:44 AM. Reason: Typo
Old May 10, 2021 | 03:55 PM
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Your work is so good ya lost me at C3 ............
Old May 10, 2021 | 08:09 PM
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Originally Posted by schwabner
I’ve seen a lot of people post things like “why” or “you’re going to ruin your corvette” on similar threads. I can keep it simple and say because I want to. Or we can can talk a bunch about what is legal where from a drag race perspective. It’s happening either way LOL.
I was going to ask, why ask in a thread from 2006?

Maybe start a new thread.

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