I was talking with Pacin California this afternoon and got on the subject of suspension. so i went out and took some pics of my car. and what i found wasnt the greatest.

Here's the front gap (215/65 series tire)



compare that to the rear (255/60 series)



so after a few minutes of looking it over, we believe that I'm running 550lb but look for yourself. I cant tell





then i found something nasty.



can you say exploded shock ? :cuss

<edit; i forgot to ask what i could do to get the front end lower and safer without breaking the bank <edit>


[Modified by Corzvette69, 3:50 PM 1/20/2003]

 

Well, I suppose that's one of the easier things to fix that it could be.

 

New shocks are a good start. :)

New bushings are cheap too, kinda a pain to install though. And if you're going that far, might as well spend the $80 for new 550 springs. And ifyou're doing that, you might as well replace those brake lines with stainless steel braided lines to firm things up. And of course some nice street pads like Hawks. And if you're doing that, might as well get a thicker front sway bar.

Been there, done that. :crazy:
-terry

EDIT: Power steering lines are looking kinda worn, maybe some new ps lines. And of course check the steering play. Replaced the "rag joint" recently? Adjusted the steering box? :)



[Modified by terryrudy, 1:08 PM 1/20/2003]

 

:smash: Get some new shocks! problem solved!

 

Replace the shocks, the bushings for the sway bar end link and install some new springs.

You cant tell what those springs are just by looking, other than to say they are old and nasty.

I used the 460's and cut them down to achieve the height that I was looking for. It was all fit / trial / cut / repeat.

 

here's what i changed this summer/fall. upper/lower ball joints, and the idler arm. I have 4 lower a arm bushings i plan to install once i get the springs outta the way. I also want to get new brake/ps lines also. but dont know what springs I'm running.. anyone have an idea?

 

Corzvette69,

That paper tag attached to the spring is the broadcast code. If the numbers and color of the tag still can be read, you can determine what the spring rate is.

 

:(

 

I would not want any one to change fron bushings ita a B**** trust me i am doing it right now on my are ita not fun getting out the onld ones we used a 30,000 ton press and that hardly worked..... :iagree:

 

only thing i could make out on the tag was

HT
3931824

i have a pic I'll upload in a few

 

The 3931824 is the part number of the spring. It corresponds to a 69-71 w/AC (Ex 427,454) car. The standard spring was P/N 331316. The spring used in the F-41 suspension was 3832518.

The spring part number you quoted would be for a SBC with lots of accessories/options, but without the F-41 performance suspension.

The parts fiche doesn't give much detail until the year 1972. In 1972 the 3931824 spring would be used for application with unsprung weight over 702 lbs. (The standard sprung weight was 660-680 lbs - the weight of accessories is listed and the base weight plus accessory weight determines the spring that should be used.)

You might search the recent threads for a link to the parts microfiche. The front springs are in group 7. The specific group is 7.412.

 

so if i have the A/C springs and such, and after yanking the a/c out and gutting the car, the front sits a ton higher because of it?

my next question, what size spring should i get to lower this turd?

 

Corzvette69

PN 331316 was the basic spring (low option SBC). I don't see specific information on 1969 in the parts fiche (file) I have downloaded.

In 1972 the basic sprung weight was 660-680 lbs. The heaver options (spring weight adjustment values) Air Conditioning (C-60) w/ATrans was 33lbs, C-60 w/o ATrans was 39 lbs. M-40 Auto Trans was 28 lbs, N-40 Pwr Steering was 12 lbs.

The strength of the spring and weight of the car, will change the ride height. Softer springs should lower the height. Firm springs with some of the coil cut off would also reduce ride height. I think the archives have some threads on this debate.

Also note the numerous threads from folks that have installed new springs and found their ride heights increased. There is an art and science to these springs and a finding the proper spring some time is difficult.

Before you get the :smash: out, you might read chapter 5 of Richard Newton's book, "How to Restore and Modify Your 1968-82 Corvette". He has an interesting discussion on soft springs and HD sway bars.

You also might try the archives on the NCRS site for suggestions.

I would also look for a vendor that carried a wide range of springs. I think they would be more likely to get you the proper spring than the guy that only carries ONE spring that is "Just exactly what you need".

 

Get set of coil overs! You get to change the ride height and the damping rate, ultimate shocks in my book! And they are well worth the extra dough :steering:

 

This website might help you out
http://www.vettebrakes.com

 

you will drive yourself crazy looking at wheelwell gap. Most ride height measurements are taken from the ground to fender lip. :D

 

to quote a wise man, he once said "it doesnt matter if you run $5 or $500 shocks, its still a 30 year old chevy; wont make a lick of difference"

i plan on going all out with a VB@P kit i just dont know if the 460 or 550 springs would be best :crazy: