76 front suspension drop
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu HI
76 front suspension drop
I just recently bought my first Vette. A '76 in decent shape but with room to do a lot of the work myself. I need to drop the front end and inch or two. Not sure why it is sitting high, but it is and i need to get it back down where it belongs. It just doesn't look right. Are there any aftermarket places I should look into for parts to do the drop? Is it something I can do myself. I am pretty mechanically inclined so turning a wrench is easy and fun for me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Re: 76 front suspension drop (hogger67)
Welcome aboard!
This is a common thing. Been there done that.
Most fix it one of a couple of ways. Depends on how you drive the car and the ride you are looking for.
Some, like myself, swap out the stock springs and install 460lb springs (cost about $80). This lowered my car over an inch and the ride is still comfortible.
Others have gone with the 550lb springs. This brings it down further but I believe to be a firmer ride.
Others have just cut a coil or coil and a half off of either the stock or 460lb springs to get it where they want it.
I'd say go with the 460's and try it. They are not that hard to change (docs available and see http://www.corvettefaq.com). If you cut the 460's and it's too low, you then have to replace the springs.
Also, check everything else while under there - ball joints, tie rods, control arms and bushings, brakes and brake lines, steering). When all done, have it realigned (4 wheel).
Enjoy!
:auto:
This is a common thing. Been there done that.
Most fix it one of a couple of ways. Depends on how you drive the car and the ride you are looking for.
Some, like myself, swap out the stock springs and install 460lb springs (cost about $80). This lowered my car over an inch and the ride is still comfortible.
Others have gone with the 550lb springs. This brings it down further but I believe to be a firmer ride.
Others have just cut a coil or coil and a half off of either the stock or 460lb springs to get it where they want it.
I'd say go with the 460's and try it. They are not that hard to change (docs available and see http://www.corvettefaq.com). If you cut the 460's and it's too low, you then have to replace the springs.
Also, check everything else while under there - ball joints, tie rods, control arms and bushings, brakes and brake lines, steering). When all done, have it realigned (4 wheel).
Enjoy!
:auto:
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Re: 76 front suspension drop (hogger67)
A lot of people tend to tighten the side bolts of the a-arms before they put the a-arms in the car. Loosen the bolts a little leaving a couple of threads in the shaft. Back the car up and the front end should drop down. Than go back and tighten your bolts. When you tighten the bolts before you put it the car it can make the car sit high and it also puts extra strain on the bushings causing them to wear quicker. It could also be your springs as perviously stated
