Front leaf spring cracked! Need some advice.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 109
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From: Mary Esther Florida
Front leaf spring cracked! Need some advice.
All - Today I noticed that my front leaf spring was cracked in the middle and now in definite need of replacement. I plan on replacing it ASAP, and not drive it until I do since I'm concerned about it breaking even more. I'm new to corvettes, but I've read that I can upgrade my spring to the Z06/Z51 part number. Is that something I should consider doing? How will it affect the ride/handling? My car has a base suspension and original shocks. It doesn't appear that it's too hard to swap out for a do it yourself project. Has anyone changed theirs before? Any tips? I have a new set of Edelbrock IAS shocks I may consider changing out as well. I lowered it on stock bolts (did NOT cut bushings) a few months ago. Do you think the leaf spring cracked because of lowering it and a stiffer ride?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Changing to a stiffer spring will be just fine.
Lowering on stock bolts, didn't crack the spring.
However, placement of blocking, hydralic jack,hyd floor jack , jack stands & improper placement of any of those devices could cause the spring to crack.
Removal & Replacement of spring is not a very hard job.
Lowering on stock bolts, didn't crack the spring.
However, placement of blocking, hydralic jack,hyd floor jack , jack stands & improper placement of any of those devices could cause the spring to crack.
Removal & Replacement of spring is not a very hard job.
Last edited by bumble-z; May 1, 2011 at 09:28 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 109
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From: Mary Esther Florida
I was VERY careful not to place a jack directly on the front spring when I lowered it. I placed a block of wood between the spring and the floor jack. Believe me, I read many many posts before I lowered it. I was just concerned that lowering it put extra stress on the spring, since the shocks don't absorb as much pounding due to shorter travel.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
I was VERY careful not to place a jack directly on the front spring when I lowered it. I placed a block of wood between the spring and the floor jack. Believe me, I read many many posts before I lowered it. I was just concerned that lowering it put extra stress on the spring, since the shocks don't absorb as much pounding due to shorter travel.
Are you the only one that has ever worked on your car?
Did you buy it new or used?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Mary Esther Florida
I bought the car used last August. It was bone stock and it great shape. I guess it was just time for the front spring to "wear out". I've been pricing new front springs from the forum vendors web sites tonight. Not cheap, but I'm leery of buying a used one. I guess I'll be making some phone calls tomorrow. It doesn't sound like it's a good idea to mix the springs I.E. upgrade the front to Z06, and leave the rear stock. Sounds like I should either upgrade both at the same time or just stay with the original base front spring replacement. I don't want to buy both springs right now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
I wouldn't be leery of purchasing a used spring/springs, as long as they are of low milage or compreble to your 2002 milage.
There are members switching out to coil overs frequently & are putting their used springs up for sale.
There have been several springs for sale front & rear here on the forum, in the last day or so.
Good luck.
There are members switching out to coil overs frequently & are putting their used springs up for sale.
There have been several springs for sale front & rear here on the forum, in the last day or so.
Good luck.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Mary Esther Florida
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Mary Esther Florida
I finally got my front spring replaced and installed new Edelbrock IAS shocks. Rides good and more importantly, I'm back on the road! Thanks to everyone for their responses.
