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Rear Lowering Bolts

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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 07:44 PM
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Default Rear Lowering Bolts

So I am looking to lower the rear end on my basically stock 1979 Vet. I have search many posts on here and can't seem to find the right answer. So old threads mention VDP bolts that are 10" but google search comes up with nothing. I really only need the bolts as the bushings are new. Most places I search for lowering bolts only come up with 8". Why can't I find any 10" bolts to lower the car? I know there are pros and cons but what is the basic difference if I use and 8" or 10" bolt. Looking to go maybe 2" lower to clean up the look in the rear. No I don't want to change to a larger tire. Just want to drop the rear a bit.Some other threads mention you can get Grade 8 bolts at Fastenal. Help! Too many threads that get confusing. I just want a simple option for my weekend cruiser.
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 08:03 PM
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Most Corvette parts suppliers carry them.
It looks like the front could come down a bit too,

Last edited by gg521; Oct 9, 2019 at 08:04 PM.
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 08:09 PM
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Yes I am gonna get to the front once I figure the rear. Problem I am running into w Vet suppliers is that they only carry 8" bolts. I don't think that is gonna give me what I am looking for. A lot of older threads mention 10" bolts but they are no where to be found as a kit for the C3,
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 08:17 PM
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Look for C4's.
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 08:34 PM
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I saw that on some threads. So ur saying 10" bolts for the C$'s will work?
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by harleeflstn
I saw that on some threads. So ur saying 10" bolts for the C$'s will work?
Yes.
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 08:37 PM
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Thanks! What did u do to drop the front. Looks nice!
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 08:37 PM
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Do a google for the size you want. Use nylock nuts, grade 8 washers and grade 8 bolts.
Chevy bought them from a fastener supplier too.
The car "hangs" from the spring. What you desire in drop is what you need to add to what you have.
Beware of too long a bolt cutting the tire when cornering, or digging into the ground with a blow out.

Last edited by Big2Bird; Oct 9, 2019 at 08:41 PM.
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 08:40 PM
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Thanks..I saw them on boltdepot.com. Will give them a call!
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 08:50 PM
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I needed a little lowering so I used 7" grade 8, US made bolts with unlocks. I drilled the end of the bolt and use a cotter pin so the nylock cannot possibly back off.
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 08:52 PM
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stock bolts are 6.5"....what did 7" give in a drop?
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 08:57 PM
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Originally Posted by harleeflstn
Thanks! What did u do to drop the front. Looks nice!
460 lb. coil springs with 3/4 cut off.
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 08:58 PM
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Thanks!!!
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by harleeflstn
stock bolts are 6.5"....what did 7" give in a drop?
1/2".
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Old Oct 9, 2019 | 09:00 PM
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gotcha!! thanks!!
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Old Oct 10, 2019 | 06:02 AM
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There is nearly a 2:1 ratio on how much the car drops vs. the change in bolt length (geometry of the trailing arm design). You probably need to install 8" bolts to get the drop you need.
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Old Oct 10, 2019 | 06:05 AM
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I was gonna use 10" bolts then what ever I have left after the drop Im looking for I can cut the diff off. Someone told me to just order the 10" bolts they sell for the C4 models. Thanks for the info!
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Old Oct 10, 2019 | 11:55 AM
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That is kinda dumb to by C-4 bolts or stuff from one of the corvette vendors! Don't you have local nut and bolt places? I just go down to a store like this one just 5 minutes away and I can get any size or length in 1/2 inch increments grade 8 with Nylock nuts for a few bucks each. The size is 9/16 12 thread per inch. Then just get 8's or 9's or 10's

https://www.re-fastener.com/

Amazon Just look up what ever you need!

Amazon Amazon
Amazon Amazon



I'm fortunate to live in a modest size city with most everything you could need locally and amazon prime is great with "FREE" shipping for only $99 a year. I've worked out of state is small towns that only have an auto parts store like NAPA and it drives me nuts having to order stuff and get it days later.

this is my removed spring bolt from a VB&P 420# which I bought at the nut and bolt store.


Last edited by gkull; Oct 10, 2019 at 11:58 AM.
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Old Oct 10, 2019 | 01:49 PM
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Yes..we have a fastenal supply near me...but online for C4's im only looking at $20 for 10" bolts incl the nylock nuts. I will check my local place out before I buy!
Thanks
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