Uneven Suspension
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Uneven Suspension
New-very novice user
I am in the process of restoring/ modifying a 1980 C3. I have already added a ZZ4 motor. I have question about the suspension.
It is higher on the right side front and back by about 3/4 inch. Is this a symptom of broken springs? Any body heard of one side being higher than the other?
I am in the process of restoring/ modifying a 1980 C3. I have already added a ZZ4 motor. I have question about the suspension.
It is higher on the right side front and back by about 3/4 inch. Is this a symptom of broken springs? Any body heard of one side being higher than the other?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Re: Uneven Suspension (Chris Butchart)
Welcome Chris, that normal for most vettes with original springs. You are probably going to have to change the front with the ZZ-4 anyway. Mine was doing a wheel stand after the weight reduction. $48 for the fronts and you might be able to adjust the back spring. I'm no expert there, yet.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1,395
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Re: Uneven Suspension (Chris Butchart)
Welcome to the Forum Chris. I think all Vettes are a bit off from one side
to the other. Some seem to be worse than others.
Barry
to the other. Some seem to be worse than others.
Barry
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: Bonney Lake WA
Re: Uneven Suspension (Chris Butchart)
yea budman might be right on the fronts. and besides they already paid for themselves so replace them. as for the rear you adjust your camber useing the strut rods. If one side is lower look at the car from the rear, chances are that the low side will have a negative camber (top in). If thats the case jack the car adjust that rod and drive it around the block and see if it matches. Your trying for 0 to slight positive camber.
Racer
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: MESA, AZ, USA
Re: Uneven Suspension (Chris Butchart)
Don't judge suspension "height" by body height. Get a good repair/Chevy manual and see the correct way to check suspension. It requires measuring distances within the suspension and NOT the body. The frame and suspension can be just fine, but the body all kinds of distances from the ground. The body's heights are spec'ed, but differently and just generally reflect on the condition of the suspension. Check the suspension, correctly, first, then if all is well, check the body height. And, only use Chevy's spec's when you do both.
Andy
Andy
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane, Australia 1985 Coupe
Re: Uneven Suspension (Chris Butchart)
Measure the frame, not the body. Mine is 10mm lower on the front right side and was not fixed with new springs.
And no offense, but you want negative camber not positive.
:cheers:
And no offense, but you want negative camber not positive.
:cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Re: Uneven Suspension (Chris Butchart)
I bought the Moog 74 Big Block springs 460 lb rate and cut 1/2 coil. I'm 28 1/2" from the ground to the top of the fender well with 245/60-15. You could go lower if you want. 27" is getting down there.
Autozone,NAPA, or any of the parts house will stock the springs.
Autozone,NAPA, or any of the parts house will stock the springs.
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: Bonney Lake WA
Re: Uneven Suspension (Budman78)
Of course the body height is a different problem all together, if thats the problem start looking at the body mounts. If thats the case may the gods be with you. From what I understand generally if the mounts are that shot the bolts have become one with the frame. Don't be intimidated by suspension work. Its not rocket science. Get the factory manual and learn the basics and as long as you don't get goofy with the toe on the back have can play with the camber. Just remember its a TOY and you have to play with it!!!