Suspension refresh/upgrade kits
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 80
Likes: 22
Suspension refresh/upgrade kits
Hi all,
Looking to replace worn bushings, shocks, etc. in my suspension, and while I'm at it upgrade the system for a tighter feel on my 1976 C3 L82 4-speed. I've found this replacement bushing kit:
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...p=1866&ID=2997
And these two suspension upgrade kits:
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...p=1915&ID=2438
https://www.zip-corvette.com/63-77-p...r-springs.html
I know there are some redundancies in the bushings and the suspension kit, and I've already called Van Steel and they will remove any redundant parts from the bushings package and adjust the price accordingly.
Do you all have any experience with / thoughts on the ZIP vs. Van Steel suspension kits, paired with the bushings from Van Steel? Which one should I go with, or are there other kits I should be looking into? Pertinent info: I will never track this car, it will never be raced, it is for cruising with my son and also to use as a daily driver if I can get it reliable and comfortable enough to do so.
Thanks.
Looking to replace worn bushings, shocks, etc. in my suspension, and while I'm at it upgrade the system for a tighter feel on my 1976 C3 L82 4-speed. I've found this replacement bushing kit:
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...p=1866&ID=2997
And these two suspension upgrade kits:
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...p=1915&ID=2438
https://www.zip-corvette.com/63-77-p...r-springs.html
I know there are some redundancies in the bushings and the suspension kit, and I've already called Van Steel and they will remove any redundant parts from the bushings package and adjust the price accordingly.
Do you all have any experience with / thoughts on the ZIP vs. Van Steel suspension kits, paired with the bushings from Van Steel? Which one should I go with, or are there other kits I should be looking into? Pertinent info: I will never track this car, it will never be raced, it is for cruising with my son and also to use as a daily driver if I can get it reliable and comfortable enough to do so.
Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 755
From: Laporte, IN
Always found Bair's parts were of a good quality.
http://www.bairscorvette.com/c3suspe...buildkits.html
http://www.bairscorvette.com/c3suspe...buildkits.html
Pro
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 648
Likes: 353
From: Portland, Oregon
Between the Zip and Vansteel kits I like the Vansteel kit better; especially the shock selection with adjustability at the front. I have been very happy with the mostly Vansteel suspension parts on my cars. With as comprehensive of a suspension redo you guys are doing, consider wheels and tires as well. Lots of wheel and tire posts on this forum; especially for 18” rims with lower profile tires.
Charlie
Charlie
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 414
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I went with van steel on all of my ongoing rear suspension bushing refresh.
There’s a couple “while you’re there” parts to consider. Replacing half shaft U joints, replacing differential fluid. Definitely easier while the entire rear is disassembled.
differential bushings might also need replacing.
its 50 year old rubber after all.
There’s a couple “while you’re there” parts to consider. Replacing half shaft U joints, replacing differential fluid. Definitely easier while the entire rear is disassembled.
differential bushings might also need replacing.
its 50 year old rubber after all.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,750
Likes: 1,642
From: Fairfax Virginia
After buying my first Corvette I did one of the "complete rebuild kits" for my suspension but used a Poly-urethane material versus the rubber. I should have stayed with the rubber parts... The early polyurethane bushing were known to squeak a little but it bordered on the ridiculous. I lubricate them with a dry graphite spray and that calms them down for a while.
I also found that I did better when I chose the individual components versus buying a kit and getting compromises on various parts. I ended up using other parts to make the job done right. Some of the important parts were less expensive versions of the components available.
Thirty years has passed and the bushings are in better shape than the original ones were at this time. Some of the parts are starting to show signs of aging and I will watch them and replace them with RUBBER next time. The one thing that HAS changed is the price, Inflation seems to have hit the parts bins hard!
I also found that I did better when I chose the individual components versus buying a kit and getting compromises on various parts. I ended up using other parts to make the job done right. Some of the important parts were less expensive versions of the components available.
Thirty years has passed and the bushings are in better shape than the original ones were at this time. Some of the parts are starting to show signs of aging and I will watch them and replace them with RUBBER next time. The one thing that HAS changed is the price, Inflation seems to have hit the parts bins hard!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 1,173
From: CLEVELAND STUCK IN OHIO
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
After buying my first Corvette I did one of the "complete rebuild kits" for my suspension but used a Poly-urethane material versus the rubber. I should have stayed with the rubber parts... The early polyurethane bushing were known to squeak a little but it bordered on the ridiculous. I lubricate them with a dry graphite spray and that calms them down for a while.
I also found that I did better when I chose the individual components versus buying a kit and getting compromises on various parts. I ended up using other parts to make the job done right. Some of the important parts were less expensive versions of the components available.
Thirty years has passed and the bushings are in better shape than the original ones were at this time. Some of the parts are starting to show signs of aging and I will watch them and replace them with RUBBER next time. The one thing that HAS changed is the price, Inflation seems to have hit the parts bins hard!
I also found that I did better when I chose the individual components versus buying a kit and getting compromises on various parts. I ended up using other parts to make the job done right. Some of the important parts were less expensive versions of the components available.
Thirty years has passed and the bushings are in better shape than the original ones were at this time. Some of the parts are starting to show signs of aging and I will watch them and replace them with RUBBER next time. The one thing that HAS changed is the price, Inflation seems to have hit the parts bins hard!
100%,,,,, For your stated use, for your C3, your better off skipping the "KITS" and individually choose superior parts..
And, also, look into 18" wheels as a nice upgrade for ,our fun cruzer.....
