Lowering front A-arm spring pockets
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,014
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From: Ft Wayne IN
Lowering front A-arm spring pockets
I have only ever scene one C4 done this way. Why arn't more guys lowering there fronts this way? It does require some fabrication and quality welding but it would seem like you wouldn't have any of the geometry issues. I guess it would be similar in concept as a lowered spindle? I am considering this but wanted to see if anyone has had any experience with this and any feedback would be great.
Team Owner
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Does this means you are going to cut and extend the shock tower?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,329
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From: woodbury new jersey
no i know what hes talking about. i forget which members car had it done, but they cut the section of the lower a-arm that the spring ends rest on, and rewelded it lowered down so the car sits lower without changing anything about the spring. my guess for why people dont do it is because theres much easier ways to lower these cars. it would require finding someone to do quality welding jobs on aluminum a-arms
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 7
From: Ft Wayne IN
no i know what hes talking about. i forget which members car had it done, but they cut the section of the lower a-arm that the spring ends rest on, and rewelded it lowered down so the car sits lower without changing anything about the spring. my guess for why people dont do it is because theres much easier ways to lower these cars. it would require finding someone to do quality welding jobs on aluminum a-arms
One of my questions is does a 1in. drop at the pocket equal a 1in. drop in the ride height?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
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From: Seattle Area WA
I think height changes at the spring ends is about 1:1, I know changes such as lowering wedges are a ratio dependent on spring rate (there is a thread around here somewhere).
I believe that picture floating around is from a Corvette Challenge race car.
I believe that picture floating around is from a Corvette Challenge race car.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,253
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From: East Wenatchee (2hours from n e where) WA
I think Kubs or one of his threads had the pic. One was a Challenge car pic. The spring pocket is between the ball joint and the A arm pivot. If you lower the pocket 1" you should get a little more than 1" lower ride ht. It would be nice to know what alloy we are dealing with, it is apparently weldable because we have seen pics. I was thinking a good plan would be to cut and weld a joint in a upper arm then bend it as well as a unwelded span in a press. Compare performance. The joint I had in mind would be simple, cut the floor if the pocket out, offset then fillet weld. It should get about 1/2 inch.
Last edited by Crepitus; May 22, 2012 at 03:47 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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Here is my thread on lowering the car with out welding anything:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...he-ground.html
I made a few changes since then. I can get some new pictures this weekend and update the thread.
I think it is Aardwolf who has the challenge car picture. I thought it was in my thread too but I didn't see it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...he-ground.html
I made a few changes since then. I can get some new pictures this weekend and update the thread.
I think it is Aardwolf who has the challenge car picture. I thought it was in my thread too but I didn't see it.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,014
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From: Ft Wayne IN
I like it! Thinking out of the box! I wouldn't be affraid to try this on the track I just don't want to try this on the street. Not sayin it wouldn't work. Are the spring ends and bolts inside the tire diameter? I would worry about hitting them on a pot hole or somthing when under full compression on the streets?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Akron Ohio
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Yes for a street car it may be a little low. The spring and bolt are almost completely inside the wheel. Ill get more pictures this weekend.
