1982 suspension rebuild advice needed
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 148
Likes: 107
From: Boston
1982 suspension rebuild advice needed
Hey all, I want to replace all rubber suspension pieces, bushings, shocks, etc.
My car does have the Gymkhana suspension.
I'm open to shock suggestions and I'm also considering a fiberglass rear spring.
I'm still pretty new to Corvettes, so any words of wisdom appreciated.
It's would be ideal to purchase a kit with all hardware, nuts bolts, washers, etc. complete.....or be directed to a sales guru who can get all that compiled for me.
Thanks guys!
My car does have the Gymkhana suspension.
I'm open to shock suggestions and I'm also considering a fiberglass rear spring.
I'm still pretty new to Corvettes, so any words of wisdom appreciated.
It's would be ideal to purchase a kit with all hardware, nuts bolts, washers, etc. complete.....or be directed to a sales guru who can get all that compiled for me.
Thanks guys!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,501
Likes: 2,201
From: Loveland
When considering a rear spring. So many people get them, then have the rear all jacked up like a teen age 57 Chevy. Also with the spring installed and proper height suspension, you will have about 2 inches of movement until it hits the snubber. Not much happens with only 2 inches. I question for the $1000,, does any spring do anything except to make it stiffer. If you are racing your car,,,, maybe it would increase stability, but for everyday driving it's just stiff. Good shocks, a good idea. You have the 7 leaf spring? I had a 7 leaf and changed to a 9 leaf, that MIGHT have softened it up a bit but it was hard to tell, I just had to put longer bolts on the ends. Make sure you measure the center, front bolt required depth, or you could destroy your diff cover,,,$$$$$$$$$.
If you want stiff race car feel, replace the rubber with polly, if not, do good rubber.
Ever hear of a rear steel spring break?
If you want stiff race car feel, replace the rubber with polly, if not, do good rubber.
Ever hear of a rear steel spring break?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 148
Likes: 107
From: Boston
I have read about owners complaining about ride height after new spring install. Steel springs don't do this?
I have also recently become aware of the diff cover/bolt potential issue. Thank you for the heads up!
Let's talk shocks. I'd like a nice smooth, compliant ride. Not a track car at all, a daily driver.
Lets also talk suppliers....as in, where is my best bet to purchase these items? I imagine a short conversation about what i have and want will lead to a complete list of what is needed.
I intend to go with rubber, as the factory did, I'm not interested in poly bushings.
It would be great to be able to get it all, bushings, washers, nuts and bolts, even sway bar end links and bushings, ball joints, etc, etc.
I have also recently become aware of the diff cover/bolt potential issue. Thank you for the heads up!
Let's talk shocks. I'd like a nice smooth, compliant ride. Not a track car at all, a daily driver.
Lets also talk suppliers....as in, where is my best bet to purchase these items? I imagine a short conversation about what i have and want will lead to a complete list of what is needed.
I intend to go with rubber, as the factory did, I'm not interested in poly bushings.
It would be great to be able to get it all, bushings, washers, nuts and bolts, even sway bar end links and bushings, ball joints, etc, etc.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 387
Likes: 144
From: Pine Ridge FL
I just finished the restoration of my 82 Gymkhana suspension. Well it's finished when I get it aligned this Thursday! All of the corvette suppliers have sets for front and rear suspension but they never included everything you really need but they are a good start. There's also the "while you're at it" syndrome. For example, had to deal with the bearings, brakes, and exhaust so one stop shopping will be tough until you start tearing things apart. Start with one of the kits and go from there.
For the front the suspension, I recommend the getting one of the Moog rebuild kits.
I kept the steel spring and got mine from Duntov Motors. My ride height is still within spec.
For the front the suspension, I recommend the getting one of the Moog rebuild kits.
I kept the steel spring and got mine from Duntov Motors. My ride height is still within spec.
