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c5 front spring, shipped bad part?

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Old Apr 30, 2011 | 02:52 PM
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Default c5 front spring, shipped bad part?

I'm having difficulty installing the new spring. The bushings for the mounts are different than the original i.e. the thick bushing is on the bottom of the old part, but mounted on top of the new part. Did I get shipped a bad part?

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Old Apr 30, 2011 | 06:35 PM
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Default C5 Spring HELP

More pictures, Either something changed or this part was MFG wrong.






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Old Apr 30, 2011 | 06:49 PM
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Just went out to the garage and checked my '98 -thick one is on top.
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Old Apr 30, 2011 | 07:48 PM
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You can see from the picture the thicker bushing is almost twice as thick. Same part number is stamped in the end but with the thick bushing being on top it's not wanting to go into place.
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Old Apr 30, 2011 | 11:16 PM
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Its an 03 z06
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Old May 1, 2011 | 01:06 AM
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Originally Posted by BBz06Fan
Its an 03 z06
I too have an 03 Z
That thick rubber side of the mounting pads goes to the bottom & the thinner part is on top. Looks as though (on mine) that they are (black)glued/caulked in place.
You can see the black sealant to the outside of the rubber mount pads & to the spring.
Did you buy that spring from GM?
On the driver's side bottom of the spring there is a circle with the numbers 22171750 stamped into the spring.
Who ever manufactured the spring, put the rubber mount pads to the wrong sides.
Good luck.
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Old Nov 22, 2013 | 04:03 AM
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So did you have to return the spring and report a manufacturing error? I'm thinking I will have to change my front spring as well. The rubber pad is wore out and the adjustment bolt is locked frozen.
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Old Nov 22, 2013 | 10:13 AM
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2-1/2 year old thread...
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Old Nov 22, 2013 | 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by c5vetteguy
2-1/2 year old thread...
Yeah...I knew the thread was old but since I might be changing my spring...I was hoping you were still around and on the forum.
My spring rubber pad is smashed bad and the adjustment bolt won't budge, rust and just locked up! Thinking of replacing the whole spring. My car has 98K on it so suspension is getting a face lift.

Thanks,
Pinto
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Old Nov 22, 2013 | 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Pintoblades
Yeah...I knew the thread was old but since I might be changing my spring...I was hoping you were still around and on the forum.
My spring rubber pad is smashed bad and the adjustment bolt won't budge, rust and just locked up! Thinking of replacing the whole spring. My car has 98K on it so suspension is getting a face lift.

Thanks,
Pinto
I wouldn't change out the spring, because of a frozen ajusters.

I would pull the spring out.

Then apply plenty of PB Blaster to both sides of the spring, where the adjusters come through the spring.

I'd do this several times a day for several days.

Set the spring in a vise, add a small amount of heat
(to the threaded end of the adjuster) & apply a pipe wrench or very large channel locks...to the rubber end of the adjuster.

If it moves a bit & then stops, repeat the process again.
Hopefully this procedure will get the old adjusters out.

Make sure to have two replacement adjusters on hand, to re install.

Good luck.
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Old Nov 22, 2013 | 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by bumble-z
I wouldn't change out the spring, because of a frozen ajusters.

I would pull the spring out.

Then apply plenty of PB Blaster to both sides of the spring, where the adjusters come through the spring.

I'd do this several times a day for several days.

Set the spring in a vise, add a small amount of heat
(to the threaded end of the adjuster) & apply a pipe wrench or very large channel locks...to the rubber end of the adjuster.

If it moves a bit & then stops, repeat the process again.
Hopefully this procedure will get the old adjusters out.

Make sure to have two replacement adjusters on hand, to re install.

Good luck.
Thank you! I"ll definitely do that. I tried some heat while it was still on the car and took a pipe wrench to the top of the bolt but she didn't budge. As you said...once I have the spring out, I can wrench on the bottom metal plate and get a little more torque in a vise. I'll do the lube thing to as you suggested. I assume they sell these rubber pads as replacement parts? Sure would save a few bucks! Do you know who sells them? Figured GM would probably want to sell me a whole new spring.
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Old Nov 22, 2013 | 02:03 PM
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might also look for a used Z06 spring for sale.. guys doing coil overs remove the stock springs... Upgrade and replace at the same time. I would assume the spring, bushings and all are sold only with a new spring.

S
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Old Nov 22, 2013 | 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by RedZMonte
might also look for a used Z06 spring for sale.. guys doing coil overs remove the stock springs... Upgrade and replace at the same time. I would assume the spring, bushings and all are sold only with a new spring.

S
Your assumption is correct on getting just the spring bushing, but there are after markets available I was just told in a pm. Funny you mention the availability of Z06 springs being offered by other members....one was kind enough to let me know he had some available in fantastic condition if I end up needing some. I love this forum..everyone is so helpful and there is much to learn.
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