soften the ride on rear of my '85 w/no options
05-02-2018, 04:01 PM
#1
Navigator
Thread Starter
soften the ride on rear of my '85 w/no options
wife won't ride in it as is. i'm on the third wife. something's gotta give. heard of softer spring and shock from other years.
05-02-2018, 04:30 PM
#2
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
Those things help...for sure. But since it's free, start by lowering your tire pressure. Try mid-low 20's and see how that works for you.
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rat-vette nirvana (05-02-2018)
05-03-2018, 06:37 AM
#7
Safety Car
One or two more things to think on. 85-87 had a different wheel offset than later models, I don't know if that affects spring width or not (mounting holes etc).
Most people (including myself) are not educated enough to know based on numbers only what one spring will ride vs. another. I'd suggest seeing if you can ride with someone with another year of car and see if it's to your liking or not prior to going to far. Once you find something you can live with then start researching interchangability.
Something else to think on, typically things like springs, shocks and swaybars are designed to work as a unit. You don't necessarily want to change only 1 part on one end without considering the effect on handling based on the unchanged parts. You could end up with something that wants to swap ends on you.
One other consideration but this is outside of my expertise. Some have gone to coilovers. There can be a lot of additional adjustments and changes available this way. Companies like QA1 make kits but know this is not just a bolt-in, it takes modifying the car to make it work from what I've read.
Good luck whatever you do.
Most people (including myself) are not educated enough to know based on numbers only what one spring will ride vs. another. I'd suggest seeing if you can ride with someone with another year of car and see if it's to your liking or not prior to going to far. Once you find something you can live with then start researching interchangability.
Something else to think on, typically things like springs, shocks and swaybars are designed to work as a unit. You don't necessarily want to change only 1 part on one end without considering the effect on handling based on the unchanged parts. You could end up with something that wants to swap ends on you.
One other consideration but this is outside of my expertise. Some have gone to coilovers. There can be a lot of additional adjustments and changes available this way. Companies like QA1 make kits but know this is not just a bolt-in, it takes modifying the car to make it work from what I've read.
Good luck whatever you do.
05-03-2018, 07:25 AM
#8
Complaining while I am trying to enjoying myself sucks.....I don't watch her soaps either.....She does that w/o me!
Last edited by 856SPEED; 05-03-2018 at 09:15 AM.
05-03-2018, 08:38 AM
#9
Le Mans Master
..... Are you saying that 2 women left you because your 'vette rides like a 'vette and not like a Kia ? ... Let her drive it once ... if that doesn't work then just let her have your nuts ! .....
05-03-2018, 03:24 PM
#11
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
While you're thinking....try lowering your tire pressure. 
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rat-vette nirvana (05-03-2018)
05-03-2018, 04:26 PM
#12
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Best bet is to plan to switch to a softer spring in the rear. All C4 rear springs are the same, its the front that changed in 88 when they changed the track width.
You can try an 87 base spring in front if you like but the rear affects ride quality more. You may also be due for new shocks.
You can try an 87 base spring in front if you like but the rear affects ride quality more. You may also be due for new shocks.
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rat-vette nirvana (05-03-2018)
05-03-2018, 05:44 PM
#13
Race Director
Would you consider changing the third wife and keeping the springs?
05-03-2018, 08:59 PM
#14
Navigator
Thread Starter
don't get me thinking about it 383vett.
vader86; that was the plan I hoped to get info for (and my mind at ease). leaving the front alone. most of the bucking feels like from the rear. It's just my toy and somewhat of a beater but it's fun to see others (especially children) getting a kick out of the look. what I like also is the launch thru second. SHUT. UP. I re-padded the passenger's seat and want improve the ride slightly for the little woman (who has had her fill of old and interesting cars when we were young). nowadays they have to be comfortable.
vader86; that was the plan I hoped to get info for (and my mind at ease). leaving the front alone. most of the bucking feels like from the rear. It's just my toy and somewhat of a beater but it's fun to see others (especially children) getting a kick out of the look. what I like also is the launch thru second. SHUT. UP. I re-padded the passenger's seat and want improve the ride slightly for the little woman (who has had her fill of old and interesting cars when we were young). nowadays they have to be comfortable.
Last edited by rat-vette nirvana; 05-03-2018 at 09:01 PM.
05-06-2018, 06:03 AM
#15
Melting Slicks
the stock 85 spring is 228 lbs, and Im not sure there is anything softer, I have seen a softer RHZ code spring listed - but good luck finding one.
Have you considered softer rear shocks e.g. single adjustable and set them soft,
or a woman with more sidewall on her butt, or maybe let the tires down a bit !
Have you considered softer rear shocks e.g. single adjustable and set them soft,
or a woman with more sidewall on her butt, or maybe let the tires down a bit !
06-01-2018, 03:53 PM
#16
Navigator
Thread Starter
the stock 85 spring is 228 lbs, and Im not sure there is anything softer, I have seen a softer RHZ code spring listed - but good luck finding one.
Have you considered softer rear shocks e.g. single adjustable and set them soft,
or a woman with more sidewall on her butt, or maybe let the tires down a bit
!
Have you considered softer rear shocks e.g. single adjustable and set them soft,
or a woman with more sidewall on her butt, or maybe let the tires down a bit
!
Last edited by rat-vette nirvana; 06-01-2018 at 03:56 PM. Reason: want to emphasize 'solution'
06-02-2018, 07:37 AM
#17
SOLUTION: I solved the problem with Bilstiens on the rear, and for economy, KYBs on the front. MUCH improved ride over the new OEM types I had. Drives better in the front and no more bucking in the rear. I'm tickled. Next I insulated the A/C pipes under the hood and installed the VOV and get 48 degree air at 98 Degrees. Isolated the accumulator box from the exhaust with a piece of welding (fiberglass) cloth draped over that side. Boy she's happy now, and the wife too.
06-03-2018, 02:59 AM
#18
Melting Slicks
SOLUTION: I solved the problem with Bilstiens on the rear, and for economy, KYBs on the front. MUCH improved ride over the new OEM types I had. Drives better in the front and no more bucking in the rear. I'm tickled. Next I insulated the A/C pipes under the hood and installed the VOV and get 48 degree air at 98 Degrees. Isolated the accumulator box from the exhaust with a piece of welding (fiberglass) cloth draped over that side. Boy she's happy now, and the wife too.