Why use lowering wedges?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Texas
Why use lowering wedges?
I installed a '89/'90Z51 spec spring into my GS. The ride height is within the spec identified in the Factory Service Manual, but it's a little higher than I want so I'll probably lower it ~1"
Lots of great info out there by folks that have lowered the fronts of their cars and used the poly wedges from one of the many vendors that sell them.
My question is...."Why use the wedges?" Rather than trimming the rubber mounting cushions flush with the spring, why not just trim an inch off of them, trim the mounting brackets (so they bolt to the crossmember correctly), and then reinstall? With the some of the rubber mounting cushion still in place, the spring will be protected. I would think a person could probably even reinstall the factory metal "caps" that go over each cushion.
Using the poly cushions helps to make sure that one side isn't higher than the other, but that's about the only real benefit I see. What am I missing?
Lots of great info out there by folks that have lowered the fronts of their cars and used the poly wedges from one of the many vendors that sell them.
My question is...."Why use the wedges?" Rather than trimming the rubber mounting cushions flush with the spring, why not just trim an inch off of them, trim the mounting brackets (so they bolt to the crossmember correctly), and then reinstall? With the some of the rubber mounting cushion still in place, the spring will be protected. I would think a person could probably even reinstall the factory metal "caps" that go over each cushion.
Using the poly cushions helps to make sure that one side isn't higher than the other, but that's about the only real benefit I see. What am I missing?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Daytona Beach Florida
"Hawiian punch", on another forum, went at least a few years with no wedges at all with no problems. That vette is low. I'm not recomending it. I would try, however, what you are saying. I will probably just trim my originals down when I do mine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Waukesha WI
St. Jude Donor '15
Having done the lowering wedge trick on my 90 a few weeks ago, I was thinking the same thing. I would think you would have to reinstall the metal caps over the stock rubber, tho - I don't think it would survive very long w/o it.
Keeping everything even would be a real trick. It was a major PITA cutting the rubber off and I was never able to get a straight line for very long. I would still do the wedges if I had to do it over.
Keeping everything even would be a real trick. It was a major PITA cutting the rubber off and I was never able to get a straight line for very long. I would still do the wedges if I had to do it over.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Houston TX
-michael
Le Mans Master
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From: Less Talk, More WOT | Houston TX
Having done the lowering wedge trick on my 90 a few weeks ago, I was thinking the same thing. I would think you would have to reinstall the metal caps over the stock rubber, tho - I don't think it would survive very long w/o it.
Keeping everything even would be a real trick. It was a major PITA cutting the rubber off and I was never able to get a straight line for very long. I would still do the wedges if I had to do it over.
Keeping everything even would be a real trick. It was a major PITA cutting the rubber off and I was never able to get a straight line for very long. I would still do the wedges if I had to do it over.
Have no idea how you would be able to cut that rubber in a straight line...
Thread Starter
Race Director
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From: Texas
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
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From: Texas
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,241
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From: Houston TX
i left mine at 27". i figured it was extra insurance against bottoming. it actually works quite well, but i do have offset bushings so i can get a lot of camber regardless of ride height.
-michael
-michael
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Less Talk, More WOT | Houston TX
I sold my c4 so I can't measure it for you guys but a trick to get it a little lower is to pull off the spring end pads as well. I replaced mine with some cut pieces of a thin rubber desk mat I got off the counter at my Local O'rielly.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Houston TX
i forgot to mention i am measuring ride heights on the oem tire/wheel combo. (mine's not a GS.) i'll measure when i have the 315/35-17 kumhos on today, i think they might be a touch shorter.
-michael
-michael
Le Mans Master
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From: Waukesha WI
St. Jude Donor '15
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Race Director
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From: Texas
I've cut similar rubber pieces before and with a nice sharp blade it didn't smoke. With a dull blade you're correct, it burns its way thru versus cutting.
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