rear end sag
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
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rear end sag
Ive noticed that the drivers side rear end had been sitting lower than the other side so decided to jack it up and peak around a bit to see if my untrained eyes would find something out of the ordinary. after not seeing anything out of the ordinary i sat her back down and low and behold the height was back up to normal. it stayed that way until i took it for a drive and it was right back down. the shocks on it look a little old, so was wondering if a bad shock could cause the sag or could this be something more major? thanks...don
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
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From: New Hill NC
Ive noticed that the drivers side rear end had been sitting lower than the other side so decided to jack it up and peak around a bit to see if my untrained eyes would find something out of the ordinary. after not seeing anything out of the ordinary i sat her back down and low and behold the height was back up to normal. it stayed that way until i took it for a drive and it was right back down. the shocks on it look a little old, so was wondering if a bad shock could cause the sag or could this be something more major? thanks...don
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 243
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From: Canton MI
My car does the same thing. I am also interested to see what some other responses are (besides "no."). My thought was that it could be the shocks or the leaf spring showing its age.
I've also heard various things about the molds for the cars having this sag problem built into them...since they're fiberglass cars, I've heard this is a common occurrance. At any rate, I feel like it gives the car character, if nothing else.
But as I'm getting ready to sort through the rear suspension, I'd like to know everyone's experiece with this, as well.
There are tons of threads on this if you do a search. Here's just one http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1563867
I've also heard various things about the molds for the cars having this sag problem built into them...since they're fiberglass cars, I've heard this is a common occurrance. At any rate, I feel like it gives the car character, if nothing else.
But as I'm getting ready to sort through the rear suspension, I'd like to know everyone's experiece with this, as well.
There are tons of threads on this if you do a search. Here's just one http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1563867
Last edited by ajkogut; Oct 15, 2007 at 11:42 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,946
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From: Long Beach CA
No, shocks do not affect the ride height. The spring and the bolts on each end do that. A worn out or missing rubber bushing on the top or bottom of one of the spring end bolts can make one side lower than the other. Or the spring could be sagging. With everything sitting normally on the ground, it should have a slight arch in it. If it's flat or the ends are bending up (reverse arch), then it's time to consider replacing it.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 78
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From: Nashville NC
No, shocks do not affect the ride height. The spring and the bolts on each end do that. A worn out or missing rubber bushing on the top or bottom of one of the spring end bolts can make one side lower than the other. Or the spring could be sagging. With everything sitting normally on the ground, it should have a slight arch in it. If it's flat or the ends are bending up (reverse arch), then it's time to consider replacing it.
Shocks don't support any weight unless they are air shocks. Not a good idea on a Vette. You definitely have a suspension problem. 
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
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My 76 does the same thing..Leaf spring is straight scross...(wore out) ...I think you will have a bend in leaf spring and of course correct ride height..I DO have air shocks but am not planning on keeping them on for very long..This was a jury rig previous owner did I suppose..A new leaf spring (7 to 9 leaf) is only a couple hundred bucks..still not cheap BUT is the way to go... ....Just my 2 cents...Pete
....Just my 2 cents...Pete
