Could this be my Problem?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 982
From: Wauconda IL
Could this be my Problem?
Left side.
Right side
While I'm in the process off dropping my differential (side yokes worn), I decided to check the rear spring (VB&P 330 lb.). As you can see in the photos, the RH spring edge is about 13 1/4 " from the ground and the LH spring edge is about 14 1/2" from the ground. In addition , I took a measurement from the center spring insulator to the edge of the spring. RH is 21 1/4", LH 22 1/4". It appears the spring is not centered. Could this be the reason the RH wheel opening is about an 1 1/4" higher than the LH?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
One has the bolt removed. One does not. Pull the other and see if any difference. Which is lower, the long side or the short side? I would think tha 1/2 inch off center would make that much difference.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 982
From: Wauconda IL
Bolt is just hanging loose. No tension at all from that bolt in the photo.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
The spring should be centered
That said, these springs are fairly flat in that center section so I'm not sure that being 1/2" off-center would change the drop at the end the amount you're seeing, if at all. But now's certainly a good time to correct it regardless
M
That said, these springs are fairly flat in that center section so I'm not sure that being 1/2" off-center would change the drop at the end the amount you're seeing, if at all. But now's certainly a good time to correct it regardless
M
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The spring should be centered. The ride height on each side can be adjusted with the bolt length attaching the spring to the rear of the trailing arms. Lengthening that bolt (by adjusting nut position) will drop the ride height on that side.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jun 19, 2019 at 09:35 PM.
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
I've done many C3 rear suspensions and never seen a spring off center. The spring has a centering pin to keep it from shifting side to side.
There could be many reasons why the spring is hanging oddly. Have you considered just replacing it? You can buy new for about $200.
Greg
There could be many reasons why the spring is hanging oddly. Have you considered just replacing it? You can buy new for about $200.
Greg
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Is there any problem with the spring clearing the inside of the wheels? Maybe a trailing arm problem that requires the spring to be relocated? Just check that stuff out before putting it in the PROPER location.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 982
From: Wauconda IL
I've done many C3 rear suspensions and never seen a spring off center. The spring has a centering pin to keep it from shifting side to side.
There could be many reasons why the spring is hanging oddly. Have you considered just replacing it? You can buy new for about $200.
Greg
There could be many reasons why the spring is hanging oddly. Have you considered just replacing it? You can buy new for about $200.
Greg
Well, find out soon when I remove the rear spring. Enjoying my retirement. No hurry, just spend a couple of hours a day on it, maybe!
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 982
From: Wauconda IL
With as many times I've had the rear end up in the air the last 2 years doing something rear suspension related, nothing seemed out of the ordinary at all, with the exception of the RR w/o being higher than the LR.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 982
From: Wauconda IL
I got the spring out. There was no centering pin on the lower insulator. The upper insulator has the locating pin. What was odd to me was the upper spring insulator stayed attached to the diff cover. I had to use a long screwdriver to pry it off. If I'm not mistaken, aren't both insulators supposed to be attached with an adhesive of some type to the spring? The only thing I can figure out is the spring separated some how from the upper insulator which has the centering pin. With no centering pin on the lower insulator to keep it in the lower spring plate, somehow the spring shifted to the left.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
On my current one (TW style) the pads aren't stuck on (glue wouldn't last all that time anyway) so I always have to measure them into location when I re-install it. I've got a new VanSteel on the shelf, I think the pads are taped in place...
M
M
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 982
From: Wauconda IL
I did notice a vertical alignment line on both insulators. So the torqueing of the 4 spring bolts should keep the spring from moving?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Once it's torqued in I can't see it moving, at least mine never had over the years I've had it on/off anyway. I guess putting a pin into the glass springs wasn't an option...
M
M