Front Spring Question
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,915
Likes: 61
From: Miami Beach FL
Front Spring Question
A preface:
'98 vert. New shocks and sways were installed a little over a week ago and lowering on stock bolts was attempted. The rear went well but the front (drivers side) was beyond obstinate.
Went for round two this afternoon and its become abundantly clear that the bolt is not going to turn. I am now going to purchase a new front spring, lower the bolts and install it.
My question:
Would putting an upgraded spring (Z 51 or Z06) on the front have any adverse effect since the rear would be stock?
Looking foward to the imput!
'98 vert. New shocks and sways were installed a little over a week ago and lowering on stock bolts was attempted. The rear went well but the front (drivers side) was beyond obstinate.
Went for round two this afternoon and its become abundantly clear that the bolt is not going to turn. I am now going to purchase a new front spring, lower the bolts and install it.
My question:
Would putting an upgraded spring (Z 51 or Z06) on the front have any adverse effect since the rear would be stock?
Looking foward to the imput!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
A preface:
'98 vert. New shocks and sways were installed a little over a week ago and lowering on stock bolts was attempted. The rear went well but the front (drivers side) was beyond obstinate.
Went for round two this afternoon and its become abundantly clear that the bolt is not going to turn. I am now going to purchase a new front spring, lower the bolts and install it.
My question:
Would putting an upgraded spring (Z 51 or Z06) on the front have any adverse effect since the rear would be stock?
Looking foward to the imput!
'98 vert. New shocks and sways were installed a little over a week ago and lowering on stock bolts was attempted. The rear went well but the front (drivers side) was beyond obstinate.
Went for round two this afternoon and its become abundantly clear that the bolt is not going to turn. I am now going to purchase a new front spring, lower the bolts and install it.
My question:
Would putting an upgraded spring (Z 51 or Z06) on the front have any adverse effect since the rear would be stock?
Looking foward to the imput!
Also are you taking the load off the spring?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
You could try a little heat on the bolt then a bolt extractor socket. Sears sells a set that works very well.
If you can get it out you can use C6 bolts that will let you go a little lower.
If all fails I'd drop the spring then have another go at getting it out. With the spring removed you'll have more room to work.
May save you from buying a new spring.
Good Luck
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,915
Likes: 61
From: Miami Beach FL
It''s truly in there (not gonna' move) and purchasing doesn't bother me. Do you know if the Z 51 or Z06 mounted up front would have any ill effects with the stock rear in place? Thanks again
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,457
Likes: 0
From: bolckow missouri
just had the same situation today this explains what i did
oak
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2009683
oak
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2009683
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Mark the 2 cradle bolts on the lower control arm. Put the jack under the spring holding it off the a-arm and pull those bolts out. Then, pull the suspension out and up until you get the lower arm up and over the end of the spring. Try lowering the spring again once you have the a-arm free from the cradle.
Once you are there, you should be able to use a pipe wrench or channel locks on the large end of the bolt to work it free. The bushing end is larger and should give you a better chance of getting it to turn.
You put the lower bolts back in and line them up with the marks you made (you can also likely see the dirt/corrosion spots where they were) so you don't screw up the alignment too badly.
If you can't get the bolt free then you can put the jack under then end of the spring again, remove the 4 bolts under the cradle and lower the jack to pull the spring out.
Peter
Once you are there, you should be able to use a pipe wrench or channel locks on the large end of the bolt to work it free. The bushing end is larger and should give you a better chance of getting it to turn.
You put the lower bolts back in and line them up with the marks you made (you can also likely see the dirt/corrosion spots where they were) so you don't screw up the alignment too badly.
If you can't get the bolt free then you can put the jack under then end of the spring again, remove the 4 bolts under the cradle and lower the jack to pull the spring out.
Peter
