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I'm installing a VBP Glass spring into a 1975 convertible. I got it 'as new, never used, and I don't have any spacers for it. From many posts and online pictures, it appears to me that aluminum is widely used, along with a small " rubber" shim just above and below the spring where it lands on diff cover and shim or shims. Also seems that the size and length of shims varies widely.
I can make a aluminum shim block, , , Whats correct length for shim, longer,, shorter,, or same length as that cast support on diff?
. It appears to me 7 1/4" length. would be sufficient. The width of my spring is 2 1/4".
. All thoughts and experiences welcome,,thanks,,teddy
You might want to try it with just a thin rubber shim first. I’ve read about others that installed a composite spring and it raised the rear end up. Adding a shim between the case and the spring would make it higher still.
Just a thought, I don’t have any first-hand experience.
If I were to make an aluminum shim, I would match the length and width of the spring perch on the case.
I would try to duplicate what Chevy did on the 81.5>82 with the composite spring.
which dispite actually having a different part number is identical to the top spacer. appx 1/4" thick.
Then be sure to keep any exhaust heat off of the composite.
The 82 has an alum heat shield in the center appx 12" x 12"
Do not let the Alum touch the fiberglas. from top to bottom was cast alum spacer, rubber 'waffle' shock spacer, spring, waffle, phenolic tan spacer, alum spacer composite spring spacers 82 CE, cast aluminum identical top and bottom.
cheers Unkahal
Thanks L-46man. Those shims/plates look very much like what I was going to make.
I need minimum of two inches from Diff cover mounting pad so the bottom heavy duty VBP mounting plate clears the two lowest diff bolts, so I believe I'll need 7/8 to 1" filler block to correctly attach the spring,, if I'm thinking right.
I have thin rubber pad material for lineing the mount surfaces,, good idea.
I have a VBP spring in my '74. I bought it new from VBP and installed it with the rubber pieces they provided. Never used a metal spacer. I wanted some replacement rubber in case I needed to uninstall and reinstall the spring. As I recall I got them from Van Steel although they don't list them as a catalog part. They also provided me installation instructions.
I have a VBP spring in my '74. I bought it new from VBP and installed it with the rubber pieces they provided. Never used a metal spacer..
so,,,, did your VBP bottom plate clear the two bottom bolts on the diff cover? When i do a mock-up, mines seems to be hitting them unless it is 2" below spring pad,,, The bolts i received have a 1 7/8 shoulder so my thoughts were i need spacer. I'll do more mock-up, and try to get correct instructions ,,, thanks 😊
60 Shark....the phenolic (fiberglass composite) spacer in the 82 CE is identical in shape to the alum. spacers. I seem to recall that it was .5" thick.
Just make VERY SURE that the bolts do not bottom out into the differential holes.!
Yes, thank you, , for sure im giving attention to those two 'blind' holes. Especially haveing a Muskegon Break HD cover. Its thicker in some areas compared to stock GM part.
So,, seems two .5" spacer will give me the bolt clearance i need.
I believe I will have two different grade 8 bolt sizes for this application.
Last edited by 60 SHARK; Sep 23, 2021 at 01:20 PM.
I got it back together. This seems to be the only way I could make it work clearing the bottom two diff bolts. Looking at others posts and pictures, it doesn't seem unusual, but I found so many different configurations for 1968-1977 with composition leaf, im still not sure it makes any difference. .
.
. This worked for me,, thanks 😊
With only about 10mi. on it, 6" bolts at the lowest setting ya can go, im almost 2" higher than it was befor. I'm going to re-set camber and put some miles on to see if it settles any. If not ,I have some 8" bolts to try, but hope I don't have to. I was at 27.25" befor, thats my goal again. 😊
Yeah I really do not think it'll settle. That's an old wives tail, especially regarding composite springs.
Sounds like 8" bolts are in your future.
And mine too I guess, I have almost the exact same spring.
Just make sure it does not get too close to the tire sidewall.
And keep us posted.
I would try to duplicate what Chevy did on the 81.5>82 with the composite spring.
which dispite actually having a different part number is identical to the top spacer. appx 1/4" thick.
Then be sure to keep any exhaust heat off of the composite.
The 82 has an alum heat shield in the center appx 12" x 12"
Do not let the Alum touch the fiberglas. from top to bottom was cast alum spacer, rubber 'waffle' shock spacer, spring, waffle, phenolic tan spacer, alum spacer composite spring spacers 82 CE, cast aluminum identical top and bottom.
cheers Unkahal
When I dissasembled my 1982, the two aluminum spacers were both above the spring. Are you saying the ones you pictured are one above and one below the spring? I'm about to reassemble and want to make sure of correct asembly. If you can help I'd appreciate it. I cannot find any picture or assembly diagram for a 1982 composite rear corvette leaf spring.
?? Spacers for Composite Rear Spring ??
It appears to me 7 1/4" length. would be sufficient. The width of my spring is 2 1/4".
