New Rear Spring Bolts

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Mar 15, 2012 | 09:09 PM

Elrick

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Drifting

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 1,302

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From: colchester CT

New Rear Spring Bolts

I am rebuilding the rear suspension on my 96 and I bought 2 new bolts for the mono spring. i did not get them because I wanted to lower the car but because the originals were a little bit bent and just old and nasty. I could only find the ones for lowering the car so I got them from Ecklers. I later read, in another catalog, that these bolts are not meant for cars with F45 suspension, which I have. It did not say why and I can't see why this would be. I am taking out the original shocks and replacing them with KYB. I measured the height of the original bolts and I plan to put the new ones in at the original height. Does anyone know if this would be a problem? I don't see why but I am curious as to why these are not meant to be used with F45 suspension. any thoughts?

Mar 15, 2012 | 11:09 PM

1986coupe

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 1,079

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From: Niagara Falls ON

If they are the type that will allow the car to be lowered then that might be the reason that they won't work with that suspension.

However, you want to keep it at the same ride height so it wouldn't make a difference. Take the measurements and put the new ones on at the same distance and your car will ride at the correct height...or close enough that you can make adjustments.

Mar 17, 2012 | 12:13 AM

Elrick

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 1,302

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From: colchester CT

yes, they are longer bolts for lowering the car. I just can't see why they would be a problem for the f45 suspension. I will be setting the bolts to the original height so I don't think I will have a problem, just wanted to understand this.

Mar 17, 2012 | 05:56 AM

VetteMed

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Merritt Island, FL

I have never worked on the F45 suspension -- but as I understand it, there's sensors on each corner of the car, to detect movement of the control arms. Perhaps these are not going to read control arm position accurately if the car is lowered?

Mar 17, 2012 | 07:41 AM

rfn026

Safety Car

Joined: May 2004

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From: Naples FL

How in the world did the old bolts get bent? That's just amazing.

Richard Newton
C4 Rear Suspension

Mar 17, 2012 | 07:47 AM

rfn026

Safety Car

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 4,469

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From: Naples FL

While you have everything apart check the condition of the spring cushions.

These are poly from Energy Suspension. They wore out fairly quickly. Stock GM cushions seem to hold up a lot better.

Richard Newton

Mar 17, 2012 | 10:46 PM

Elrick

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 1,302

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From: colchester CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfn026

How in the world did the old bolts get bent? That's just amazing.

Richard Newton
C4 Rear Suspension

Richard, about 5 years ago I bought an 86 c4 and your book. I didn't own a single tool and had never so much as changed oil in a car. anyway, with the help of your book and this forum, I rebuilt that 86 into a really nice car. I sold it this year and moved on to an LT4. You have written a very informative book and it helped me tremendously. Thanks. to answer your question, the bolts are slightly out of true. It's not like they are visibly bent but they are not straight and the new ones seemed cheap and better looking. the old bushings are different than the new ones I got though. The old ones are ribbed, like an accordion so that the sides compress with the weight of the spring. Does anyone know if the LT4 had bushings that were different than other c4's. The ones on there now actually seem fine so I don't know if I should re-use them. I would rather put the new ones on but they are different than the original. I will take a pic. I have not seen these on anyone else's suspension pics. I have searched through tons of suspension threads. Thanks again for the help guys