need rear suspension help
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
need rear suspension help
hi all i have just purchased a 1979 vette, it needs alot of work but it runs well and drives ok except for the rear suspension. i have alot of rattles and noises when i go over bumps and it sounds like im pulling a empty trailer, the spare tire holder was empty and the rear of it was zip tied up so i removed the whole thing to replace hardware that's when i got a good look at the rear spring??? i know its not stock but is this thing supposed to be better? i think the ride quality from the rear is poor, has anyone seen a spring like this?
it looks like a one piece carbon fiber spring but im not sure any help, or opinions on this thing would be greatly appreciated
it looks like a one piece carbon fiber spring but im not sure any help, or opinions on this thing would be greatly appreciated
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir; In my opinion, I think the composite spring, is one of the best things you can do to your car. Yes it is probably an aftermarket spring. G. M. started installing them in the 1981 automatic cars. In 1982 they were installed in 20K cars, with only 5K with the heavy suspension having the steel spring. In 1984, all the springs were in Composite material. I think you need to look at all the spring mount bushings, then the trailing Arm bushings, & at the U- joints on the 1/2 shafts. Last but not in the least, your exhaust system looks like it might be the main problem. Also there needs to be a heat shield between the spring & the exhaust system, I can't tell if you have one or not. Have a great day. Gene
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 48
From: hickory NC
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Hard to tell in the pic, but that spring seat doesn't look right. Looks like the insulator or something is pushed out on the top left of the mount and the right side bolt doesn't look like it's in all the way. Or the bottom plate is bent.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 807
Likes: 2
From: VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA
That spring looks shot. There should be more of an arch to it and the center bushing does not look like mine. Mine has a big square rubber bushing that goes from the bolt on the left to the bolt on the right. one big piece. Also, pull the tires and check the brakes and I bet you could use a new pair of KYB shocks in the back.
I think your differential is leaking also, that is what is on the drivers side exhaust pipe it looks like. Make sure you have fluid in there.
I think your differential is leaking also, that is what is on the drivers side exhaust pipe it looks like. Make sure you have fluid in there.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 602
Likes: 32
From: Old Bridge, NJ
I don't think your spring is shot as composite springs really do not weaken over time, they just crack or otherwise casostrophically fail (which happens very rarely by the way). I agree that the arch is less than I would expect (less than mine too). I suspect that someone used the stock (short) length bolts at the ends of the spring. This may be giving you a harder than expected ride with little spring action.
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Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
yea i have been searching around the internet i am very interested is the shark bite coil over setup, i know my car is not worth much so i dont know how much money i want to put into it, but i do know i would like it to ride better
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
we must stop saying that these cars are not worth much and their value will go up.some would like everyone to believe this so they can get more for their cars.make it as good as you can and only change whats defective and you won't loose your investment.good luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 807
Likes: 2
From: VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA
Karr, I put KYB shocks all around and noticed a big difference in the ride. Over the last couple of years I have replaced all the bushings and shocks and ball joints in the front. On the rear I have only replaced the spring bushings (I have a composite spring) and the shocks. Rides like a dream almost. Could use some bigger sway bars in the front and possibly put one on in the rear.
I tried the Monroe shocks at first and they made my car ride similar to a dump truck. KYBs are not that expensive and are good for the ride.
If your tires are old or bad, that can effect your ride also. There has been some discussions on here about date codes on tires and just because they look good, does not mean they are safe.
I tried the Monroe shocks at first and they made my car ride similar to a dump truck. KYBs are not that expensive and are good for the ride.
If your tires are old or bad, that can effect your ride also. There has been some discussions on here about date codes on tires and just because they look good, does not mean they are safe.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2011
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so i guess i should start with shocks and a bushing kit then? i still dont like the way that spring looks tho dose anyone have a pic of how theirs looks? i did a search and cant find any good pic of a car on the ground and how the spring should look with the weight of the car on it
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
Likes: 974
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
Yes Sir; In my opinion, I think the composite spring, is one of the best things you can do to your car. Yes it is probably an aftermarket spring. G. M. started installing them in the 1981 automatic cars. In 1982 they were installed in 20K cars, with only 5K with the heavy suspension having the steel spring. In 1984, all the springs were in Composite material. I think you need to look at all the spring mount bushings, then the trailing Arm bushings, & at the U- joints on the 1/2 shafts. Last but not in the least, your exhaust system looks like it might be the main problem. Also there needs to be a heat shield between the spring & the exhaust system, I can't tell if you have one or not. Have a great day. Gene
Last edited by jb78L-82; Jul 18, 2011 at 02:39 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
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so i guess i should start with shocks and a bushing kit then? i still dont like the way that spring looks tho dose anyone have a pic of how theirs looks? i did a search and cant find any good pic of a car on the ground and how the spring should look with the weight of the car on it
What are you seeing that's got you worried?
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9
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Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
well i defiantly see one difference, looks like mine has a gap top and bottom where the spring mounts in the middle to the diff, and bty very nice and clean under your vette wish mine looked that good lol, but i guess the arch is about the same on mine as yours will have to look into why there is a gap, and where to get a heat shield for it
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Goose Creek SC
Correction! The fiberglass composite rear spring first appeared in 1980 on base suspension cars and was standard on all base suspension 1981 corvettes. The 1980/81 corvettes with the sport suspension had the 7 leaf steel spring. GM probably used the composite spring on the base suspension cars first in 1980/81 to hedge their bets on this new technology before offering on the sport suspension and all cars in 1982 (I thought at least). The steel spring disappeared after 1981. Hope that helps!
Mark
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Mr. Jeff, In 1982 they sold 5,457 Gymkhana Suspension set up cars. Where are you getting your Info. that 81 cars were the last year. I'm not doubting your info. I would just like to know more info. on the 82. If they used the Composite Spring, on the Gymkhana Suspension in 82, I wonder what the weight of the spring was rated at?