front suspension ques
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 40
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From: Baton Rouge louisiana
front suspension ques
how much space should i have between my tire and fender, i think my car sits a little low. and it rides like crap. it is almost tucking the factory size tire. could my spring be fractured or even completly broken.
thanx
thanx
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: front suspension ques (jakelane)
do you have Z51 suspension? Cuz if you do then the crappy ride is normal.
I think i have about 2-3in between the tread and the fender.
Yes the spring can delaminate, but its rare. New Shocks and bushings tend to improve the ride too.
I think i have about 2-3in between the tread and the fender.
Yes the spring can delaminate, but its rare. New Shocks and bushings tend to improve the ride too.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: front suspension ques (jakelane)
A previous owner could have lowered the car. Look for wedge-shaped pieces between the spring and crossmember. This could account for a stiffer ride but like vader86 mentioned, the optional Z51 suspension will be stiffer. Some shocks like the KYB Gas-a-Just can also account for ride stiffness. You should have at least 2" of space between the top of the tire and the wheel well opening.
A delaminated or even broken spring would result in very poor handling.
A delaminated or even broken spring would result in very poor handling.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,634
Likes: 325
From: Greenville SC
Re: front suspension ques (jakelane)
How many miles on your shocks? I bet it is your shocks, rather than the spring. I had the same problem and repalced my front spring and shocks. When removed, the front spring looked fine, but the shocks needed to be rebuilt. With the new shocks it raised my front left from 24.5" to 26". You couldn't see the top of my tire before, now I have 1-1.5 inches, perfect height for me.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 40
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From: Baton Rouge louisiana
Re: front suspension ques (95wht6spd)
the shocks have 130000 mi on them, i know they need to be changed and yes it is the z51, there is about 1/2in clearance between my tire and fender. it isn't really tire clearance i am bothered by but the inch of travel. if it is normal then that is cool if not should i go ahead replace the spring and the shocks while i am in there
p.s. no wedges front or rear
[Modified by jakelane, 1:02 PM 10/7/2002]
p.s. no wedges front or rear
[Modified by jakelane, 1:02 PM 10/7/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 1
From: Las Cruces NM
Re: front suspension ques (jakelane)
130k? those shocks are done. If it's not them that is causing the problem, they need to be replaced anyway. Z51 cars ride very harsh to begin with, but worn out shocks will make the ride seem bouncy but it will be very sharp bounces, since the spring rates are so high. Look for obvious defects on the spring. Look for cracks, seperation, splinters, etc.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,127
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: front suspension ques (jakelane)
Replace the shocks, brand depends on how much performance you want out of them. Bilstein is the best, but are kinda stiff if you want a softer ride.
Get under the car and check out that spring for cracking, although replacing the shocks will raise the car a little if the stockers are totally shot.
Get under the car and check out that spring for cracking, although replacing the shocks will raise the car a little if the stockers are totally shot.
