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Old Jan 14, 2007 | 08:40 PM
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Default Lowering problem

Well yesterday I attempted to lower my Z06. I started with the rear and lowered it with 3 threads remaining.

I then moved to the front and had a problem getting the front bolt to turn. I sprayed it with wd-40 and then tried again. The stupid bolt started to strip. Why did this happen? Everyone talks about how easy it is to lower a C5.

Now instead of jacking the whole front and putting it on jack stands, I did one wheel at a time jacking it up using the jacking pucks. Does this make a difference? Once the bolts are adjusted, how long before the car settles?

Mike G.
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Old Jan 14, 2007 | 08:43 PM
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I believe you're supposed to jack it up on the spring in the front, to take the pressure off
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Old Jan 14, 2007 | 08:51 PM
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Do a search in both Tech and General under the title "lowering". There have been many discussions and pictures of exactly how to lower with the Front Trim Height Bolts.

Do you have any C5 Manuals ??? If so, look for Trim Height Adjustment.

Basically the pressure on the front bolt rubber foot against the lower "A" Frame / Control Arm needs to be eleviated.

Good Luck,
c5firstimer
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Old Jan 14, 2007 | 10:10 PM
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You need to relieve the pressure on the front spring in order to move the adjusters.

Get a small bottle jack and place under the spring by the "A" arm to relieve the pressure. Count the number of turns you make to keep things in balance and then do the other side.


Drop the car down and drive it around for a while untileverything settles.

If you like the adjustment you made, then take to an alignment shop to have the car re-aligned.
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Old Jan 14, 2007 | 10:37 PM
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I had this problem wit mine, ended up having to take the torsion bar right out of the car and then use a monkey wrench to grab the bushing and turn it. Once I broke it free and worked it in it was fine. Good Lcuk!! Dan
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Old Jan 15, 2007 | 12:14 AM
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You need to carefully ease the tension from the front spring using a jack with a block of wood so not to damage the spring.

http://www.z06vette.com/diy_lower.php
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Old Jan 15, 2007 | 12:21 AM
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Originally Posted by ajg1915
You need to relieve the pressure on the front spring in order to move the adjusters.

Get a small bottle jack and place under the spring by the "A" arm to relieve the pressure. Count the number of turns you make to keep things in balance and then do the other side.


Drop the car down and drive it around for a while untileverything settles.

If you like the adjustment you made, then take to an alignment shop to have the car re-aligned.
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Old Jan 15, 2007 | 12:45 PM
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Thanks for the tips guys! I'll try round 2 later today.

Mike G.
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Old Jan 15, 2007 | 02:21 PM
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FYI, if you are planning on removing the front bolts you do need to take the spring out. The bolts do not come out from the top. There is a big flange on the other side of the bolt, and when this flange bottoms out on the spring, it will feel like the bolt is seized.
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Old Jan 16, 2007 | 01:22 AM
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Ok, I jacked up the front usiing the jacking pucks and then took another jack and jacked up the leaf springs to eleviate the pressure and it worked like a charm. I'll just have to fine tune it.

Thanks again for the tips!

Mike G.
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Old Jan 16, 2007 | 08:31 AM
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Originally Posted by ricoZg
Ok, I jacked up the front usiing the jacking pucks and then took another jack and jacked up the leaf springs to eleviate the pressure and it worked like a charm. I'll just have to fine tune it.

Thanks again for the tips!

Mike G.
Glad you got it worked out.
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