1986 C4 Ride height adjustment/adjuster
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
There is no "adjuster" for the front. Lowering the car in front requires a lowering "kit" that replaces the mounting pads on the front spring. The front spring has to come out to install the kit.
The rear can be lowered by changing the rear spring bolts at the ends of the spring. Again, you can get a "kit" that consists of longer bolts and Nyloc nuts. Adjustment is made by setting the position of the nut.
The rear can be lowered by changing the rear spring bolts at the ends of the spring. Again, you can get a "kit" that consists of longer bolts and Nyloc nuts. Adjustment is made by setting the position of the nut.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Don't want to lower it, I need to raise it a couple of inches so it doesn't drag on every thing, thought about coil overs, then I read some corvettes have a ride height adjustment, which would mean free
Does any one know if I go the shock route would I need an alignment?
Does any one know if I go the shock route would I need an alignment?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Do you know if the car has already been lowered by a previous owner? My '87 doesn't scrape on anything. Neither did my old '92.
Because of the narrow width of the front upper shock mount, there is no bolt-in coilover system on the market for 84-87 cars. You would have to cut out the existing shock mount and re-weld in a wider one. This has been done by forum member LD85 and I think one or two others.
The only factory "ride height adjustment" is on the C5 and C6.
Anytime you change the ride height, a 4-way wheel alignment is necessary.
Because of the narrow width of the front upper shock mount, there is no bolt-in coilover system on the market for 84-87 cars. You would have to cut out the existing shock mount and re-weld in a wider one. This has been done by forum member LD85 and I think one or two others.
The only factory "ride height adjustment" is on the C5 and C6.
Anytime you change the ride height, a 4-way wheel alignment is necessary.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
KYB is the brand name of a shock absorber. Their top line is the "Gas-A-Just" and is really a decent shock. I had installed a set on a '78 some years ago and that car had the optional FE7 suspension. The shocks did raise the car about 3/4". From what I had read, these particular gas shocks have higher pressures in them compared to other shocks.
But with the extra pressure, expect a slightly harsher ride.
But with the extra pressure, expect a slightly harsher ride.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 15
From: Wallingford Vermont
Realistically, where are you driving that you think you need two more inches of ground clearance? Is you exhaust hanging too low? 'Running the stock size tire? Do you have the standard suspension or Z51 option? Check your ride height at each corner to see if you have a spring issue.
I don't believe KYB shocks are really going to raise your Vette up any or at all. Last I knew the KYB were a low pressure gas design (but it was a long time ago that I played with any), I think the factory Bilsteins used a higher gas pressure.
Last edited by DanZ51; Jan 15, 2013 at 10:57 AM.
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
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There was a time when this was a popular answer. 
Lately it seems there are a lot of soft butts out there that expect an 80's Vette to drive and ride like a modern Honda or something.
Not picking on the OP mind you but these are SPORTS CARS!
And a harsh ride from KYB's?!?
Next to Monroes, these are the lamest or tamest shock available for the C4.
Wheres that shock dyno I asked Santa for?
Lately it seems there are a lot of soft butts out there that expect an 80's Vette to drive and ride like a modern Honda or something.
Not picking on the OP mind you but these are SPORTS CARS!
And a harsh ride from KYB's?!?
Next to Monroes, these are the lamest or tamest shock available for the C4.
Wheres that shock dyno I asked Santa for?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Squease me
Vansteel have an 85-87 coil over kit using QA1 coil; overs, note the front shockers mount upside down so you do not have to pry the towers apart it appears.
Even so i have put koni coil overs on my vette more than 10 years ago and pried the towers a little for clearance without problems (without heat of course), however i have made a 1/4 inch steel bottom mounts to the aluminum plate that the shock absorber and sway bar mounts on as that is pretty flimsy.
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&SubGroup=1972
The wheel alignment is necessary with any ride height change as the camber and toe in changes
Vansteel have an 85-87 coil over kit using QA1 coil; overs, note the front shockers mount upside down so you do not have to pry the towers apart it appears.
Even so i have put koni coil overs on my vette more than 10 years ago and pried the towers a little for clearance without problems (without heat of course), however i have made a 1/4 inch steel bottom mounts to the aluminum plate that the shock absorber and sway bar mounts on as that is pretty flimsy.
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&SubGroup=1972
The wheel alignment is necessary with any ride height change as the camber and toe in changes