handy andy

I am researching changing out my rubber bushings for poly. In removing the control arm, my manual recommends a leaf spring compressor. Is this necessary? Where do I get one? Are there other means to remove the leaf spring?

chevylad

I used two big c-clamps with cardboard on the monospring as not to scratch them. With the back end up on jackstands and the rear control arms hanging down, there is not that much pressure on the monospring. I think about a half inch of backing off the c-clamps and they are loose. I have a 99 with a z51 suspension.

BanditDude

You could also use a floor jack w/ a wood block on the end of the spring.

TGstring

front leaf spring was remarkably simple and easy while exchanging it for a stiffer z06 unit. The instructions we found here did't help much. What we ended up doing:

disconnect end links
disconnect lower ball joints
disconnect leaf brackets and remove spring.

you're done.

no alignment issues or worries at all.

took all but 15mins.

HTH

IRON MAIDEN

You mind if I ask what you changed from to the Z06 springs? I have a 97' with the basic suspension package. I am about to add the C6 Z51 sways and C6 Z06 shocks to the car and have been thinking about adding C5 Z06 springs at the same time. Is the ride rougher with the stiffer springs? My car will be lowered so I was thinking the stiffer spring might help the new shocks with keeping the car from bottoming out.

WKMCD

I've done springs, sway bars, shocks and now coil-overs and not once did I say to myself "I need a spring compressor." I can't even think of when I might have used one.

TGstring

I went from the FE1 (Base) suspension to a Z06 set up and can say it was an ENORMOUS improvement in everything- ride quality, handling, etc.

There were ZERO issues and I could tell the difference right away.
The floaty hwy feeling was gone.
the car is very flat in the turns
the ride quality is excellent even for long drives.

100% recommended- it's virtually impossible for you to be disappointed.

Bill Dearborn

The front Z06 spring is the same as the Z51. The rear Z06 spring is stiffer than the Z51 and the car will ride rougher due to the stiffer rear spring.

Bill

jedblanks

And I think the front sways are the same but the rear Z51 is bigger.

I did C5Z springs, metal endlinks and C6 Z51 Sway bars.

Big difference. Especially when replacing 11 year old parts (1997).

My 97 has the adjustable (F45?) suspension - the one with the tour/sport/perf switch.

Before I did tis mod I could tell no difference in the settings. Afterwards there is a distinct difference between each. Tour is cushy, sport is "just right" and perf is almost un "bear"able on public streets.

Humy

do you guys agree that this is a safe way to push the leaf spring up to put back in OEM lowering bolts after they have been removed?

bumble-z

I've got to agree with you on that!