[Z06] problem lowering car
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 664
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From: Arlington TX
problem lowering car
Hello fellow CF members. I dont know if im the only one but im having a hard time trying to get my passenger bolt to turn. My dad tried to turn it but he didnt want to apply to much force as he didnt want to strip it. Has anyone else had this problem and if so how did/do you solve it. Thanks
Jake
ps i have already done the back just need to get the front
Jake
ps i have already done the back just need to get the front
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 17,640
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From: Lenoir City TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
In addition to taking pressure off the bushings with a jack...use PB BLASTER and a flat metal SPACKLE knife. Spray the rubber bushings liberally and work the blade under the rubber bushings. If the bolts are not seized/rusted inside the spring, once the bushings are free from the control arm, you should be able to adjust them by hand. Apply white lithium grease to the bottom of the bushings so future adjustments will be easier.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
Did you use a spring spreading tool or separate the upper or lower ball joint to replace the bolt??
Last edited by briann510; Dec 9, 2007 at 12:52 PM.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Winchester TN
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
In addition to taking pressure off the bushings with a jack...use PB BLASTER and a flat metal SPACKLE knife. Spray the rubber bushings liberally and work the blade under the rubber bushings. If the bolts are not seized/rusted inside the spring, once the bushings are free from the control arm, you should be able to adjust them by hand. Apply white lithium grease to the bottom of the bushings so future adjustments will be easier.
That is exactly what you need to do.
I also use a six point craftsman 10mm combo wrench.
best regards
mqqn
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,398
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Seems most do the upper ball joint for whatever reason. I havn't looked in there yet to see what the advantage/disadvantages differences are in separating top or bottom. I would think doing the bottom one would be easier and then wouldn't have to let the whole hub assy drop down then.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 664
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From: Arlington TX
i jacked up the leaf spring to lessen the pressure and it still didnt work. Ill try what hotwheels said to do. just got back from the casino and the last thing i want to do is work on my car. wasnt a good day at the blackjack tables for me. Ill get it done tomorrow.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,683
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
Seems most do the upper ball joint for whatever reason. I havn't looked in there yet to see what the advantage/disadvantages differences are in separating top or bottom. I would think doing the bottom one would be easier and then wouldn't have to let the whole hub assy drop down then.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
As long as you lay a thin piece of rubber insulation in there otherwise its gonna squeek like a mother...
But using the C6 bolts (they don't have rubber bushings on them at all) in place of the C5 bolts will be just as good and still allow for some adjustment if needed some day in the future.
But using the C6 bolts (they don't have rubber bushings on them at all) in place of the C5 bolts will be just as good and still allow for some adjustment if needed some day in the future.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,683
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
You can remove the fronts ones, NOT the rear ones! That'll slam it for sure. Well, unless your car is like mine...cut the front bushings and rear bushings and it only sits as low as most guys who lower on the bolts w/o cutting. Your results may vary.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,398
Likes: 2
Just remember if you lower it at all on stock bolts or no bolts you cannot use the stock shocks as they will bottom out. Lots of people still use stock shocks, but the ride will be like crap most of the time and handle crazy when they bottom out.
Pro
Joined: May 2006
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From: Orlando FL
What shocks do you recommend?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
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I do still have my stock shocks with it lowered and it seems to handle just fine even at xxx mph and through twisties high speeds, but I can tell they do bottom out even on very small bumps so I just ordered Bilstein sports as they work just fine with lowered C5's. $300 for 4 shipped. Some guys go with Konis also. Some guys are going with full coilovers and getting rid of the stock springs for a little under under 2 grand. I was tempted to go with those but am gonna do a cam/header upgrade instead for that money.
Last edited by briann510; Dec 11, 2007 at 08:01 PM.