Front spring replacement inqury
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 724
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From: Palm Bay FL
Front spring replacement inquiry
Within the next month I will be installing my front suspension which will be all stock, includes new front springs which I purchased from eckler's. My question is, I have read all the horror stories about changing springs and it screwing up the ride height. What is the experience of the people here who have done it?
Thanks
[Modified by Robd, 8:51 AM 12/3/2002]
Thanks
[Modified by Robd, 8:51 AM 12/3/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 3
From: far, far away
Re: Front spring replacement inquiry (Robd)
Rob,
I don't think you have anything to worry about. Going back with stock stuff is always the safest. It may look different to you after it's in, because the orginals have probably weakened enough to sag a bit. The new springs will almost certainly result in a higher ride height, but that should be the correct height. Don't worry. Drive Vette. Be happy. :cool:
I don't think you have anything to worry about. Going back with stock stuff is always the safest. It may look different to you after it's in, because the orginals have probably weakened enough to sag a bit. The new springs will almost certainly result in a higher ride height, but that should be the correct height. Don't worry. Drive Vette. Be happy. :cool:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Re: Front spring replacement inquiry (Robd)
Robd,
I just completed the rebuild of my front suspension but the engine and transmission are out of the car so I have not been able to check ride height. I put the original springs back in and the springs are positioned properly in the shock towers so the ride height should be ok.
Do your replacement springs have the same spring rate and length as the original springs? If so that should not be a source of problems.
Did you use poly or rubber bushings? Make sure you tighten the bolts at the end of the cross shafts (holding the bushings) AFTER the suspension has a chance to settle. With rubber bushings especially, if the bolts at the ends of the cross shafts are torqued down BEFORE the suspension is loaded, then the car will sit higher as the a-arm bushings are being twisted by the weight of the car. This condition will greatly shorten the life of the bushing as it is under constant twist.
Best to completely torque the end bolts on the cross shafts AFTER a short ride around the block. This short drive will give the suspension a chance to settle.
You might also search the archives for spring replacement threads.
I just completed the rebuild of my front suspension but the engine and transmission are out of the car so I have not been able to check ride height. I put the original springs back in and the springs are positioned properly in the shock towers so the ride height should be ok.
Do your replacement springs have the same spring rate and length as the original springs? If so that should not be a source of problems.
Did you use poly or rubber bushings? Make sure you tighten the bolts at the end of the cross shafts (holding the bushings) AFTER the suspension has a chance to settle. With rubber bushings especially, if the bolts at the ends of the cross shafts are torqued down BEFORE the suspension is loaded, then the car will sit higher as the a-arm bushings are being twisted by the weight of the car. This condition will greatly shorten the life of the bushing as it is under constant twist.
Best to completely torque the end bolts on the cross shafts AFTER a short ride around the block. This short drive will give the suspension a chance to settle.
You might also search the archives for spring replacement threads.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 724
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From: Palm Bay FL
Re: Front spring replacement inquiry (mapman)
Thanks for the comments,
I got the replacement spring for the BB. I believe the spring rate is supposed to be equivalent although it plays with your mind since the replacements are several inches shorter than the original. And you are correct I can’t completely button down the suspension yet because everything is off of the car, body, motor, etc. I never measured the ride height prior the tearing the car down, I will be happy as long as the I have the correct height after I'm done.
I got the replacement spring for the BB. I believe the spring rate is supposed to be equivalent although it plays with your mind since the replacements are several inches shorter than the original. And you are correct I can’t completely button down the suspension yet because everything is off of the car, body, motor, etc. I never measured the ride height prior the tearing the car down, I will be happy as long as the I have the correct height after I'm done.
