leaf spring compressor
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Joined: Jan 2007
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leaf spring compressor
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?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 654
Likes: 1
From: chandler az
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.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 32
From: cruising between USA and Canada... SAVE THE WAVE!
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
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
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 8
From: Sacramento California
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
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
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 32
From: cruising between USA and Canada... SAVE THE WAVE!
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.
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.
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,526
Likes: 18
From: Santa Fe TX
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.
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.
Last edited by jedblanks; Jan 28, 2010 at 01:19 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 11,028
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From: Chicago (Naperville) IL
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
I've got to agree with you on that! 
