74 Leans to Left
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 145
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From: Santa Maria California
74 Leans to Left
Hi All, I have a couple questions. I did a full suspension replacement all the way around using all the manufacturers specs. Now I notice the car leans to the drivers side. I did frame to ground measurements and FL - 7 inches, FR-8 inches, RR - 7 1/2 inches, RL - 6 3/4 inches. The front right gap between the fender and tire are very noticeable but the rear not so much. What can cause this? The only thing I suspect is the front right spring might not be seated correctly as it makes a squeak every time I go over a speed bump. But that’s all. Could that be it?
Last edited by dreno73; Jul 12, 2020 at 01:50 PM.
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Just did a lot of "Ride Height" work on mine. Another thing to check, although the ft spring not seated correctly sounds like a good place to start. Would be your rear leaf spring. Is it perfectly centered? Raising the rear will push the front down somewhat.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 145
Likes: 16
From: Santa Maria California
Last edited by dreno73; Jul 12, 2020 at 05:10 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Temple Terrace Florida
Seat the spring in the frame pocket to within 3/8" of the inspection hole. I put blue painters tape on the spring so it can be seen from the top. You could also drop a bolt in the inspection hole and have the spring edge rest on it. When the spring is seated and secure, remove the bolt. Jerry
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 145
Likes: 16
From: Santa Maria California
Seat the spring in the frame pocket to within 3/8" of the inspection hole. I put blue painters tape on the spring so it can be seen from the top. You could also drop a bolt in the inspection hole and have the spring edge rest on it. When the spring is seated and secure, remove the bolt. Jerry
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Indiana
I still say this is the issue for many when they say springs too tall..i almost indexed to the bottom a arm not top frame...
i think maybe too some years different
pull that bolt as soon as tensioned before full compression, it may pinch
i think maybe too some years different
pull that bolt as soon as tensioned before full compression, it may pinch
Last edited by interpon; Jul 12, 2020 at 09:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 145
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From: Santa Maria California
I wondered if my springs are the right size but since I am using aluminum heads, perhaps the weight difference doesn’t compress the springs down as much. That’s what I came to the conclusion anyways. Your thoughts?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Indiana
are not springs rated by weight per inch? Thats a lot of weight off...if 20 pounde lighter than a bag of potatoes on each fender drops the car that mich? No way..
heres my saga
Thread Starter
Instructor
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From: Santa Maria California
20 lbs? That’s it? I read somewhere they were 80 lbs. now that you say that, I double checked and you’re right, 20 lb savings. Thanks
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Aluminium heads, aluminum intake, and a couple other minor mods and my car was sitting an inch and a half higher, stock springs, 43 years old.
Race Director
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From: SW Florida.
interpon brought up a-arm bushings tightened under load. if you install the bushings and tighten them, then take the car off the stands, they will want to stay where they were tightened. they flex either side of their center point. they do not swivel.
Le Mans Master
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From: Indiana
assuming 290..wouldn’t you have to lose like 450/ 2 225? pounds for 1.5 inches?
Last edited by interpon; Jul 13, 2020 at 10:03 PM.
Le Mans Master
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https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rs-method.html
Last edited by interpon; Jul 16, 2020 at 08:50 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 145
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From: Santa Maria California
Ah ha!!! I fixed it! I was able to use a spring compressor, a 2x4, 5lb hammer, and a lot of swear words! Actually, I gave up and put it all back together to take it to a shop and as soon as I dropped the jack, POW!!!! It fell into place and seated itself. Now it’s about 1/2 an inch higher than the left side but it’s level on the rear part of the frame. Thanks for the ideas and help!