rear suspension question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville TN
rear suspension question
I am nearly done getting my rearend back in all I lack is driveshaft rotors calipers and rear leaf. I replaced my old diff cover due to bubba's work and when puttng my old spring up to the new cover I discovered the bolt holes are bigger than my new ones in the mounting kit I got at Volunteer Vette where I also got the cover. So it appears I got the 77 and before cover for my 79. In addition it looks like my stock spring might not mate up with the cover. Oh yeah I checked and the box for the cover was marked right but it had the wrong one inside. What do I have to change out other than removing the cover and crossmember again cause I aint wanting to go down that road. Will different bolts alleviate it or do I need a different leaf as well. And will a different spring work with all my 79 factory parts? Thanks in advance.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
A little pain now for long term ease of maintenance.
cc
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
From: Naperville IL
78-79 springs are 2 1/2" compared to 2 1/4" for 77 and earlier, so that won't fit. If you had the later cover and earlier spring you can get spacers like the F71 setup used. A new spring will probably cost you more than a cover, I'd just drop it again and get the right part. at least you know nothing is rusted this time
I found a 78-79 cover and spring on my 73 as well, I couldn't believe how much trouble I had finding new spring liners for it when I did my rebuild.
I found a 78-79 cover and spring on my 73 as well, I couldn't believe how much trouble I had finding new spring liners for it when I did my rebuild.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 583
Likes: 61
From: USA
the 77-earlier covers use beefier spring attachment bolts. I've seen threaded inserts in spring kits to use the thinner bolts. I think the earlier ones were 9/16" dia bolts. can't remember if the 78-later models were 7/16" (or 1/2).
myself, I prefer the stronger bolts. I converted my 78 to the 9/16" bolt cover.
myself, I prefer the stronger bolts. I converted my 78 to the 9/16" bolt cover.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville TN
Thanks guys. I ended up contacting Volunteer vette products and they agreed to help me out since they were at fault. They agreed to exchange the cover or sale me the 77 spring, bolts, and plate at cost if I didnt want to remove the diff again. Well since I eventually wanted to get a composite spring and they also agreed to sell it at cost I couldnt resist and bought the 360lb spring. Now my entire rearend is either new rebuilt or cleaned up and repainted. I can;t wait to get it back on the ground and see how it rides. Although with less than 75 miles behind the wheel, and that being with original bushings and shocks, I wont be able to compare it to how it rode with factory parts. Between new bushings KYBs and the composite stiffer spring it should be nearly as good as possible in the rear suspension.
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