Suspension Aggrivation
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 366
Likes: 19
Suspension Aggrivation
So the suspension "KIT" from a long time Corvette parts company for my 73 is installed. Rear is too high, and the 8" bolts are not long enough to lower it to a decent stance. I have read where guys added longer bolts, will 10" work? Should I get longer, and where do I find them? The 440# front coils are too tall also. So now I need to pull them, cut them, reinstall them and hope it works? Plus it will make them stiffer right? I don't mind working hard on this car, but very frustrated that another KIT is so far off. 
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Guys.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Guys.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
There has been a LOT of discussion here recently about springs and 10 in bolts...you can search the archives too.
BUT consensus is don't go to 10 inch, else safety issues can happen, and best advice is to go for a new spring...I am fighting same problem now!!!
Also if you lower front that will jack up rear slightly too.
BUT consensus is don't go to 10 inch, else safety issues can happen, and best advice is to go for a new spring...I am fighting same problem now!!!
Also if you lower front that will jack up rear slightly too.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 662
Likes: 2
From: chatam nj
Brian is right, c4 have the 10" bolts.
I'm using "8" with vbp #550 and love them both. The ride is good enough to avoid and issues in the road etc. I feel 10" is to low IMO
http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/bluepastu/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-08-26202109_zps4560f842.jpg.html
I'm using "8" with vbp #550 and love them both. The ride is good enough to avoid and issues in the road etc. I feel 10" is to low IMO
http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/bluepastu/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-08-26202109_zps4560f842.jpg.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Exactly, I doubt if anyone has actually needed all 10" of the bolt, but it gives you a little extra to work with. Mine probably sits OK at about 8 3/4", I ended up cutting off a little over 1" from the bolt when I was happy with the ride height.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Cutting down a 10" bolt is definitely an option, as well as using safety as an excuse to move up to 16" or 17" rims (and leaving the 10" bolt)
How high is the rear sitting? As in what's the measurement to the fender lip?
If you look at old photo's, everyone selected the off-road check box on the order form. These were never designed to sit where we want them to these days...
M
How high is the rear sitting? As in what's the measurement to the fender lip?
If you look at old photo's, everyone selected the off-road check box on the order form. These were never designed to sit where we want them to these days...
M
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
Likes: 174
From: WI
I don`t know where you are from but any industrial supply, farm implement store or even Mcmaster Carr online sells 8", 9" or even 10" grade 8 bolts...and no Corvette tax from any of them, mine came from John Deere.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 366
Likes: 19
Suspension
Thanks Red, will look into that. Bad *** machine you have there!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 366
Likes: 19
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 366
Likes: 19
Suspension bolt
Cutting down a 10" bolt is definitely an option, as well as using safety as an excuse to move up to 16" or 17" rims (and leaving the 10" bolt)
How high is the rear sitting? As in what's the measurement to the fender lip?
If you look at old photo's, everyone selected the off-road check box on the order form. These were never designed to sit where we want them to these days...
M
How high is the rear sitting? As in what's the measurement to the fender lip?
If you look at old photo's, everyone selected the off-road check box on the order form. These were never designed to sit where we want them to these days...
M
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 366
Likes: 19
One member mentioned that 10" bolts could be a safety issue. Can anyone elaborate? Trying to build a safe, comfortable machine. Also I will talk to the company that sent me my suspension kit, to see if they recommend a different front spring. I have put so much work, time and money into this labor of love, still annoyed I have to swap springs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
The bolt might protrude lower than the wheel, so if you have a blowout, the bolt could hit the ground.
I have the street and slalom suspension on my '79, with 15" wheels, and I'd like to put in a longer bolt and bring the rear down but I feel that the existing bolt already is pretty low.
I have the street and slalom suspension on my '79, with 15" wheels, and I'd like to put in a longer bolt and bring the rear down but I feel that the existing bolt already is pretty low.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Make sure you have your front springs properly seated in the pockets. If they are not it could cause the front to sit high.
If you have not already, do a search on this forum. Lots of threads on how to seat coil springs properly.
I installed 550 lb coils which slightly lower the front and I find it perfect for my taste.
If you have not already, do a search on this forum. Lots of threads on how to seat coil springs properly.
I installed 550 lb coils which slightly lower the front and I find it perfect for my taste.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 366
Likes: 19
Found a good price on the longer 10" bolts for the C4. Will try those and cut off the excess. When I can get back to the shop, will confirm tire size. Will try to find the thread on seating the coils. Felt confident they were in correctly, will double check. Thanks again C3 guys!