Front-end Dropping
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 53
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From: Jacksonville FL
Front-end Dropping
The front end body on my 86 is getting close to the tires. I've not noticed it until recently when it seems I can't even go over a speed bump without scraping the air dam. It almost seems as though the front end has a lowering kit on it but, I know that it doesn't. I'm a pretty mechanically inclined guy but, I don't know much about suspensions. I'm told this is the cause of old spring protector rubber cushions wearing out. I'm more inclined to believe that the front spring is getting tired, $$$$. :sad:
What do you all think??? How do I tell if the spring is getting weak? Is there a measurement that I can take or test I can perform before shelling out the bucks? I've got two new spring protectors, but they don't come with the rubber inserts and they are hard to find. Discontinued by GM too. :rolleyes:
Any advice on this would be great guys!
Thanks,
Scott
What do you all think??? How do I tell if the spring is getting weak? Is there a measurement that I can take or test I can perform before shelling out the bucks? I've got two new spring protectors, but they don't come with the rubber inserts and they are hard to find. Discontinued by GM too. :rolleyes:
Any advice on this would be great guys!
Thanks,
Scott
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Joined: Aug 2000
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Re: Front-end Dropping (Scott's 86)
I'll tell you what I've learned about Corvette springs. I too have a 86 with Z51. I followed many threads about lowering and compaired pictures that people posted with my car and couldn't see the difference, couldn't figure it out.
In the meantime I got fed up with the rough ride of the Z51 here in New England and ordered new springs from VetteBrakes. After I installed everything my car was sitting a good inch and a quarter or so higher, it looked like a 4x4 to me now. So I made my own lowering kit and it now sits about 1/4 of an inch lower than it did before I started the project.
My conclusion after reading everything that I could about these springs and the numerous threads on the forum here is that these springs will sag after time (17 years for us) in spite of GM saying that they essentially have unlimited life. BTW the Vette Spec Book says that it's 27 inches from front fender lip to the ground and 27.4 at the rear.
In the meantime I got fed up with the rough ride of the Z51 here in New England and ordered new springs from VetteBrakes. After I installed everything my car was sitting a good inch and a quarter or so higher, it looked like a 4x4 to me now. So I made my own lowering kit and it now sits about 1/4 of an inch lower than it did before I started the project.
My conclusion after reading everything that I could about these springs and the numerous threads on the forum here is that these springs will sag after time (17 years for us) in spite of GM saying that they essentially have unlimited life. BTW the Vette Spec Book says that it's 27 inches from front fender lip to the ground and 27.4 at the rear.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 53
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From: Jacksonville FL
Re: Front-end Dropping (boxerdog)
Thanks boxerdog,
I'll check this out. I suppose by the amount of responses that I've gotten, not a lot of people have had this problem.
Thanks again,
Scott :cheers:
I'll check this out. I suppose by the amount of responses that I've gotten, not a lot of people have had this problem.
Thanks again,
Scott :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: Front-end Dropping (Scott's 86)
Actually, this problem is quite common. Most don't bother fixing it though.
Also, it's important to note that the Z51 cars rode higher from the factory.
Also, it's important to note that the Z51 cars rode higher from the factory.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,625
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From: Zagreb, Croatia
Re: Front-end Dropping (boxerdog)
. So I made my own lowering kit and it now sits about 1/4 of an inch lower than it did before I started the project.
Do you have some pics?
