Front leaf spring
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,331
Likes: 2,722
If yes then I'd think the softer/better ride might be found using the '85/'87 HKX, HMP. That or a specialty spring from an after/market source.
You can't use springs from anything newer than '87 in the front of the '84.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 98
From: Ashland PA
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 98
From: Ashland PA
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,331
Likes: 2,722
You first need to determine I'd think what it was built with. If you have a build sheet it will have the "spring codes" that it was built with. That is a much more accurate way of determining what is there than relying on the SPID label and RPO codes, but RPO codes should do pretty well I'd think to determine the "what's there".
If you're dead set on buying new you need to rely on the information supplied by the Vendor, the Vendors actually only approximate the rates of what they sell. Controlling the rate is very difficult when constructing new product. I don't believe the technology has improved/changed for the product being marketed/sold presently for the C4's.
If you were interested in a used then you need to be careful. Even though '88+ front suspension would except the later spring the construction of the outer ends was changed and using the later springs in a '88 - '91 might result in something you don't like. I believe the "pedestal" on the spring ends was added in '92, I must stress the I believe.
If you're dead set on buying new you need to rely on the information supplied by the Vendor, the Vendors actually only approximate the rates of what they sell. Controlling the rate is very difficult when constructing new product. I don't believe the technology has improved/changed for the product being marketed/sold presently for the C4's.
If you were interested in a used then you need to be careful. Even though '88+ front suspension would except the later spring the construction of the outer ends was changed and using the later springs in a '88 - '91 might result in something you don't like. I believe the "pedestal" on the spring ends was added in '92, I must stress the I believe.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,331
Likes: 2,722
If new like I mentioned you need to ask lots of questions of the manufacturer or vendor and don't just rely on the information from a reseller. I have a new VBP spring with a lebel and production information. I was quoted only approximate specifications of that particular "production" run.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 98
From: Ashland PA
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
If new like I mentioned you need to ask lots of questions of the manufacturer or vendor and don't just rely on the information from a reseller. I have a new VBP spring with a lebel and production information. I was quoted only approximate specifications of that particular "production" run.
Did the new spring you used from VBP work OK, on my 90 it just has the flat rubber piece on the ends and does not have the bumper.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,331
Likes: 2,722
I don't know this for a fact but I'd think that VBP is only a reseller and their product is likely constructed to their specifications by someone else. I have never asked but it seems like a possibility and I would ask before I bought if I were a buyer today. Do they use multiple manufacturers?
Do you have a failure of the present spring OR?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,170
Likes: 672
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 98
From: Ashland PA
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
thanks for the chart, it looks like my stock spring is about 531 lbs. I may be better off staying close to stock so I dont go to soft up front and to stiff out back.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,963
Likes: 337
From: Adelaide South Australia
I have put the springs, codes and spring rates here, should help you choose the best spring.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ar-sizing.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ar-sizing.html
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,331
Likes: 2,722
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 98
From: Ashland PA
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
Update: I decided to order the a new spring from Vansteel, I emailed them to see if they still have a discount code for CF members and they sent me one for a 5% discount.
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...=32033&ID=2877
After I receive and install it I will update.
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...=32033&ID=2877
After I receive and install it I will update.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 98
From: Ashland PA
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
OK I just received the correct front spring from van steel, the first one they sent was for 84 to 87 and had VBP sticker on it, they sent me a new one and paid for return shipping on the other one. It is 3 3/4 wide measuring front to back of the vehicle, the stock one is 4 1/2 inches wide. I called van steel and they said that is fine, also the frame mount pads that came width it are the same with as the new spring. I am in the process of removing the old spring know.
Last edited by eutu1984; Apr 15, 2015 at 06:50 PM. Reason: change with to width
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 98
From: Ashland PA
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
I have the OEM front spring out, I am going to degrease and do some corrosion protection and finish up this weekend. The new spring has less of an arch and is thicker.