rear leaf spring cushion cup

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Jul 29, 2008 | 06:43 PM

Carl Granquist

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From: Shoreline WA

rear leaf spring cushion cup

Anybody reuse these? Finally changing my rear leaf spring but after 37 years I'm afraid those metal cups that the rubber cushions set in are self-welded to the inside of the trailing arms. Leaf spring too, but that's out now so not an issue. I've tried heating in hopes of loosening them but no good. Before I grab a hammer and cold chisel I thought I should ask,...has anybody just left them in place and reused them? Mine look okay and I wiped them down with steel wool then air blasted. I'm just concerned that trying to muscle them out will damage the trailing arm in that area.

Jul 29, 2008 | 07:06 PM

brdd

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Joined: Apr 2002

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From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter

I am currently doing my trailing arms, as well as everything from the drive shaft back.

Yesterday I popped the last one of those cups out. I have new ones since I am installing a new composite spring. The one that was stubborn came out with a screwdriver and few taps of a hammer.

All of mine would easily be reusable, so they will go in (one of) my spare C3 parts boxes, alongside my C4 spare parts boxes......

Jul 29, 2008 | 08:53 PM

...Roger...

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From: Dayton, Ohio

I dont replace them unless they are rusted through.

Jul 29, 2008 | 10:07 PM

Glassbowtie77

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From: Long Island New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWncchs

I dont replace them unless they are rusted through.

Jul 29, 2008 | 10:18 PM

vettecrazy88

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From: Lakewood Colorado

Didn't replace mine. Just touched em up. Working fine 2 yrs later.

Jul 30, 2008 | 01:23 AM

Carl Granquist

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From: Shoreline WA

Cups

Thanks everybody! I really do appreciate the feedback. This is taking me a bit longer than I planned. Tomorrow when things settle back down on the new spring there'll be ride height issues to deal with, but that's okay because that means I'll be back on the road again.

By the way, I had to go out and buy a 13/16ths open end/6pt-box wrench (Sears). Necessary! Also, my new stock spring was manufactured in India. I'm not sure whether that has any bearing on the fit, but I now have to stop at NAPA for a set of 4 slightly longer bolts. There's 3/8ths inch difference between '71 stock and the replacement thickness (9-leaf). Longer is needed for underneath the differential, otherwise I'm just catching the first few threads.

Not complaining though. Nice to be able to have a chance to work on a C3, which is entirely different from having to work on one.

Jul 30, 2008 | 02:21 AM

Bangkok Dean

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From: one night in Bangkok you are never lonely

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Granquist

Also, my new stock spring was manufactured in India.

No problem but you may find your self talking with your head swiveling from side to side. This is not a problem as long as the rear of your vette does not do the same thing.

Jul 30, 2008 | 08:30 AM

...Roger...

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From: Dayton, Ohio

Carl be careful of getting the bolts too long.If they go in the diff. and bottom out they can penetrate the cover and you will have diff. oil leaking around the threads.Tightening the spring bolts down should be done with the weight of the car on the spring so some of the arch is taken out.