Well the hot topic of springs continue. Before install, the rear is close to perfect, but old, at 28" driver, 28.5 pass. After install with poly bush, 6" bolt, driver 30 3/8" pass 31". WAY TOO HIGH! I went through the whole process of making sure the center bolts were snug not tight, jack each end up to almost straight position, let full body weight of the car on, then tighten center bolts to spec.

Changed to 8" bolts today. Now: both fronts are 28 1/2" (good), driver rear 28 7/8", pass rear 29 1/2". She dropped 1 1/2". Not where I want her but at least it is not vibrating like it was at the higher height.

Question: On the 8" bolt, there was no hole and cotter pin. There is only the plastic ring inside the nut. Is this sufficient to hold it on?


[Modified by Dk Met Grn 80 L82, 12:07 AM 12/27/2003]

 

definitely get a longer bolt. The 4$ u spend on a 10 onch grade 8 bolt will be worth it!

 

The "plastic ring" serves as a locking device. While not as fool proof as having a pin through the bolt, I'm sure it will stay put.

(my same old rant... re-hashed)...
As mentioned before, the replacement springs (composite and or steel) available to us are built on a "one load height fits none" basis. Possibly this is due to a conservative approach to manufacturing. . . "better too much arch than too little" eh!?!??
I'm sure that some customers actually receive a spring that is fairly close to having the proper load height due to random variances in the manufacturing process.
Different taste in overall stance plays a role too. Some people may like a slightly taller stance. I prefer a lower stance. Something a bit closer to the minimum curb target height specs. One opinion is not necessarily better than the other, just different.
Based on the GM height specifications for my '80 Vette, http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/miker//ride_height.jpg
My ride height in the rear is currently:
104% of MIN, 97% of TARGET, and 90% of MAX.
My ride height in the rear prior to installing longer bolts was:
115% of MIN, 106% of TARGET, and 100% of MAX.
GM allowed a surprisingly large span (~2.3") between MIN and MAX. To me it's the difference between that 4x4 look and that "just right stance".
And yet another problem I had while riding at 100% of MAX ride height spec was the poor geometry of my sway bar end links. You can see the difference in this picture:


I certainly don't claim to be an expert on springs but like most anyone, I can tell when parts aren't made correctly. We've all seen plenty of this one size fits none crap with Corvette re-pop parts.
(re-hashed RANT OFF...)

Spring related information/definitions found at: Eaton Springs tech info site http://www.eatonsprings.com/tech%20infro.htm#FREE ARCH
Load Height = how much arch is in a leaf spring when there is a normal load on the spring.

 

By the spec sheet you posted mine would have to come down 3 more inches. Now that I have had a ride or two with the new spring the height is actually not too bad. Driver side is fine, pass still needs to drop another 5/8". The new spring actually seems a little more pogo ish than my original. Hopefully that will settle in with time.

 

I rebuilt my front and rear suspension and rear leaf spring. With the body back on the frame the ride hieght is WAY off. Would the doors, hood, rear deck, and interior weigh the car down another 4 inches??

I have heard that after releasing tension on the leaf spring, you have to ride around a bit and retorque a few times to get the spring level again. Any truth to this?

 

Which value are you referencing? The "Curb Target" MIN, MID, or MAX? If the "Curb Target MID" value is your reference, your Vette would still be ~2 inches above the "Curb Target MAXIMUM" ride height specified by General Motors.
That's too tall for my taste but if you like the way it looks, and rides, you are DONE! Congratulations! Time for the next project.
:thumbs:

 

Mike, no I'm not happy with the ride height as is. It is still high with the 8" bolts and I'm not going longer on the bolts. This spring also feels more like a pogo stick and harsh bouncy. This spring will come off. Currently deciding on a replacement. Eaton steel spring, composite, or put back my old one. :smash:

 

where did you get the spring and what rate is it?