Trouble finding new front leaf spring bushings.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
Trouble finding new front leaf spring bushings.
While I have the cradle out of my '02, I am replacing some bushings. The most rotten ones are the ones around the front leaf springs.
I have been shopping around and can't seem to find them anywhere.
Any one know who sells these?
Thanks.
I have been shopping around and can't seem to find them anywhere.
Any one know who sells these?
Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
There is an aftermarket bolt with a poly plastic type bushing on it but the bushing doesn't last. I now have pieces of rubber conveyor belting between my bolts and the arms to stop the squeeking.
The only other part that comes close would be a universal bump stop of some sort, but most seem to be imperial thread so you will have a hard time finding one that will screw into the spring.
The only other part that comes close would be a universal bump stop of some sort, but most seem to be imperial thread so you will have a hard time finding one that will screw into the spring.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
Is this what you need, found them at Vette Brakes & Products. I have worked with them in the past and they were pretty good.
VB&P Spring Bushings
VB&P Spring Bushings
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,938
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From: Fords, NJ
Is this what you need, found them at Vette Brakes & Products. I have worked with them in the past and they were pretty good.
VB&P Spring Bushings
VB&P Spring Bushings
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
^ That's correct, though I'm rebuilding the front end and don't want any more rotting bushings. I thought about going with a Z06 spring.
I am aware of the difference in the C5-C6 rear springs (it's plain to see), but I am getting some conflicting information on weather or not the front spring is interchangeable. Even when I cross reference GM part #'s, There are springs from both generations that have the same P/N.
Are you all sure the front spring is not interchangeable? C6 Z06/Z51 etc... used springs in good condition seem to be more abundant than C5.
And thanks for all the help.
I am aware of the difference in the C5-C6 rear springs (it's plain to see), but I am getting some conflicting information on weather or not the front spring is interchangeable. Even when I cross reference GM part #'s, There are springs from both generations that have the same P/N.
Are you all sure the front spring is not interchangeable? C6 Z06/Z51 etc... used springs in good condition seem to be more abundant than C5.
And thanks for all the help.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
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From: Atlantic Beach FL.
GM P/N 25962573 (Z06 spring) fits 1997-2013 in this descriptionhttp://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oe-gm/25962573. Look at the drop menu.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
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From: Atlantic Beach FL.
I'm just trying to be sure because I need to make a decision and pull the trigger soon.
I guess I'm going to find out. I don't know if the Handling will bee too stiff but I dont hear too many Z06 people complaining.
I guess I'm going to find out. I don't know if the Handling will bee too stiff but I dont hear too many Z06 people complaining.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2010
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From: Bell Buckle, TN
St. Jude Donor '11
We should have the C6 Z06 front spring in stock. We also will have a C5 Z06 leaf spring late this week when the car arrives. We just moved into our new location and the springs are at the old shop, i will take a look and see what i have.
Marc
Marc
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
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From: Atlantic Beach FL.
I have already ordered a leaf spring but thanks for the 411. I will keep you in mind on my next purchase.
By the way I'm showing the same part number for C5 and C6 z06.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 6,819
Likes: 235
From: Bell Buckle, TN
St. Jude Donor '11
Same part # for the front spring?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
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From: Atlantic Beach FL.
I have C5Z06 springs (both front and rear) in my 04 vert. I selected the C5Z06 because of the spring rates. When I added the maggie to my car the additional 120lbs plus directly over the front axel cause the car to sage noticeably in the front. The spring rate for the C5Z06 springs are substantially more stout than the FE1 spring the car was born with. I also have C6Z06 sway bars in the car. At the time I was researching springs I was lead to understand that neither C6 front or rear springs would fit into a C5. Your infp above seems to indicate the C6 fronts might be the same as C6 fronts. The rear spring is totally different in the C6 than the C5 and I feel certain that cannot be made to work without the C6 rear cradle
I do have a less forgiving ride in my car but the 30 series tires probably add to that as well.
Here is a link to the C5 spring rate info I used back in 2010 when I swapped to the C5Z06 springs:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1574267563-post6.html
For what it is worth I would change both front and rear springs to a known working combination and not just one axle. JMHO.
I do have a less forgiving ride in my car but the 30 series tires probably add to that as well.
Here is a link to the C5 spring rate info I used back in 2010 when I swapped to the C5Z06 springs:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1574267563-post6.html
For what it is worth I would change both front and rear springs to a known working combination and not just one axle. JMHO.
You answered some of my concerns about ride quality. Did you use poly bushings by chance? I have some and I am on the fence with the thought of an "unforgiving ride" vs soft handling. I wont be doing much racing and my roads are mostly flat.
I am also concerned about the targa top squeaking. Would you recommend a thicker tunnel plate in this case, (while I have it apart).
Thanks for all your help.
Last edited by Rob 02; Apr 13, 2016 at 05:10 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
Is this what you need, found them at Vette Brakes & Products. I have worked with them in the past and they were pretty good.
VB&P Spring Bushings
VB&P Spring Bushings
Thanks for the help, I wish I could find OEM lowering bolts as well. It seems to be the first thing in the suspension to rot.