Lowering Bolts...size?

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Mar 11, 2003 | 11:32 PM

finnjeff

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From: Ashburn Va

Lowering Bolts...size?

I have seen this post before. What are the right size bolts to buy to lower my Z06. I dont want to pay top dollar for a kit I can make up from nutz&boltz

Jeff

Mar 12, 2003 | 12:05 AM

corvette dave

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Re: Lowering Bolts...size? (finnjeff)

The correct diameter bolt for the rear is 9/16". Some people are using 1/2" but I would not use those unless you could not find the 9/16".
A 7" bolt is usually used for the rear to lower beyond stock but a 6 1/2" bolt will work if you do not want to lower more than 2" beyond the stock ride height. The stock bolt is 6" but only has threads on 5 1/2" of it.
I think grade 8 is what you need. Get some washers and locking nuts and you are set.
Dave

[Modified by corvette dave, 11:08 PM 3/11/2003]

Mar 12, 2003 | 01:26 AM

Racer

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From: Manitoba/San Jose del Cabo

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St. Jude Donor '11

Re: Lowering Bolts...size? (corvette dave)

Quote:

The correct diameter bolt for the rear is 9/16". Some people are using 1/2" but I would not use those unless you could not find the 9/16".

9/16" is the ideal size, but I am going to disagree with Corvette Dave about not using the 1/2" bolts. There are hundreds, who knows maybe even thousands of Corvettes :D using 1/2" bolts with absolutely no problem. I have mine up on my 4 post lift all the time and I regularly check under my car. My 1/2" bolts and bushings look perfect, no wierd wear or damage etc. My last three C5's all were lowered this way with no problems. If you road race your car every weekend, then maybe I would think twice about the 1/2", but then again maybe I would still use them. Who knows! :cheers:

Mar 12, 2003 | 08:34 AM

jawski

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Re: Lowering Bolts...size? (finnjeff)

6-1/2" will give you more than enough adjustment.
I tried 7" and the leaf spring was barely pre-loaded, rough ride.

Mar 12, 2003 | 05:18 PM

corvette dave

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Re: Lowering Bolts...size? (jawski)

Racer,
I did say only use the 1/2" bolts if you could not find the 9/16'. No need to disagree. You said the same thing. ;)
I would search high and low before I would put 1/2" bolts in mine. That's me.

Jawski,
I think we have down this road before. If the 7" bolts are too long aren't there enough threads to just tighten the bolts and get some preload?
The reason I say this is that I only lowered mine 1" with 7" bolts. Did I get a set of bolts with more threads than normal? :)
Just curious.
Dave

Mar 12, 2003 | 05:46 PM

Racer

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Re: Lowering Bolts...size? (corvette dave)

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:cheers: Just wanted to make sure he knew that if he did go with 1/2" he would be OK. :thumbs: :cheers:

Mar 12, 2003 | 08:36 PM

finnjeff

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From: Ashburn Va

Re: Lowering Bolts...size? (racer44)

Racer44,

Your Z06 looks great. I want to lower my Z06 but was told that I can't lower the front anymore than 1/2" on 02-03 Z06's. Is this true? Did you have to cut bushings on your front?

Thanks,
Jeff