How to replace front mono leaf spring c4

 

There is probably a video. You need to get car high off the ground. Remove at least one lower control arm. Remove retaining bolts and slide spring out. You may want to cut the rear lower control arm bolt and install new bolt from opposite direction. A good time to install poly bushings if that is something you are planning in the future.

 

this link has a tutorial (intended for fitting lowering rubbers)

http://webpages.charter.net/khasting.../lowering.html

 

Has any cut the front monoleaf to lower a C-4?

 

At one time someone posted some information at removing and cutting down the front monoleaf to reduce it's strength and drop the ride height. Anyone have that info?

 

I don't...but how is cutting the spring going to lower ride height? All it's going to do is reduce the surface area that interfaces with the a-arm...until you cut it too short and it no longer reaches the a-arm.


Or are you talking about shaving the rubber bushings?

 

That ranks right up there with taking a torch to a metal coil spring the lower ride height. That is, it's a bad, bad idea. As Tom notes, you can cut the rubber pads down to reduce ride height. The alternative is to get a spring that is made to be lower, or a VB&P Xtreme front spring that has adjustable ride height like C5-7 cars.

 

Here are some YouTube videos for leaf spring work:

Lowering a C4 rear



R&R front leaf spring


I think corvette central sells an aftermarket replacement for front and rear.

Maybe you could make a video?

 

On later C4's ('88-96) there are some pads at the ends of the spring; you can cut those down (but don't remove them completely - metal on composite = bad).

They also make some drop wedges that replace the mounting pads to help the spring sit higher up in the K-member, thereby lowering the vehicle height. You have to shave down the clamps on the opposite end to accommodate for the springs new position. Pre '88 they used stamped steel pieces aren't easily modified w/o a welder and a can-do attitude.

As stated, it takes a little.


1.) Jack the car up; higher the better (be safe).
2.) Take the wheel and brake off; hang the caliper.
3.) Unseat the lower ball joint. (Disconnecting the tie rod helps a lot too!)
4.) There are QTY 4 bolts holding the spring on w/ the nuts on the underside of the car; use a 15mm IIRC.
5.) Remove the lower control arm. Use an 18mm (IIRC). Crap part about this is getting to the inside of the bolt (for the nut). You can't use a wrench, a short socket won't clear the extra thread, and an extended socket starts ramming you into the spring. Drink some beers, work at it, and eventually you'll get them out.
6.) Slide the spring out (this is where a lot of ground clearance helps!)