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Strut rod question

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Old Sep 26, 2010 | 09:36 PM
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Default Strut rod question

I am restoring a 1968 corvette and have a 1975 parts car. I noticed that the strut rods on the 75 are much more beefy looking. I was wondering if I could replace the one on my 68 for the ones off my 75 or would with cause any problems?

Thanks,
Kevin
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Old Sep 26, 2010 | 09:43 PM
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Originally Posted by 1976 corvette
I am restoring a 1968 corvette and have a 1975 parts car. I noticed that the strut rods on the 75 are much more beefy looking. I was wondering if I could replace the one on my 68 for the ones off my 75 or would with cause any problems?

Thanks,
Kevin
They will fit just fine.
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Old Sep 26, 2010 | 11:54 PM
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actually the 75 and later Vettes have more rubber bushing material to give the Vette more compliance but also more camber change (softer ride, less handling.) You should also be aware that the spindle housing casting for an early suspension may have interferenace problems with the bigger strut rod ends and may need to be clearanced in the "U" section to prevent binding of the outer strut rod end.
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Old Sep 27, 2010 | 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Solid LT1
actually the 75 and later Vettes have more rubber bushing material to give the Vette more compliance but also more camber change (softer ride, less handling.) You should also be aware that the spindle housing casting for an early suspension may have interferenace problems with the bigger strut rod ends and may need to be clearanced in the "U" section to prevent binding of the outer strut rod end.
A little grinding to make them fit.
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Old Sep 27, 2010 | 03:46 PM
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Thanks for the help. So overall do you think it is a worth it to switch with the 75 ones or just better off keeping with the 68 rods?
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Old Sep 27, 2010 | 06:39 PM
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I'd suggest keeping the '68's if they're otherwise in good shape.
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Old Sep 27, 2010 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by 1976 corvette
Thanks for the help. So overall do you think it is a worth it to switch with the 75 ones or just better off keeping with the 68 rods?

The small struts used to be hard to find and were expensive.
You could rebuild the 68s.
If your trying to save money by using the 75s the modification is very minor,about 2 min a side. All your doing is grinding a corner off the inside of the bearing housing.
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Old Sep 28, 2010 | 12:40 PM
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Keep the 68 struts on the 68. No real gain going to the later style.

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Old Sep 28, 2010 | 08:49 PM
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Just as a foot note to this.. When GM stopped making the smaller strut rods the issued the larger ones as a direct replacement part.. for years all we could get was the larger struts.

Willcox
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Old Sep 28, 2010 | 10:09 PM
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Thanks everyone for the help
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