C5 Lowering Instructions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 0
From: Andover MA
Cruise-In I Veteran
C5 Lowering Instructions
I know that these must have been posted before, but I'd appreciate it if someone would please direct me to instructions for lowering my '98 coupe. Would it be alright to lower the rear about 1/2" and leave the front alone? I don't want to rub going over every bump and curb.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,386
Likes: 0
From: Portland Oregon
Re: C5 Lowering Instructions (mshipon)
Here you go! http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=311973
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 25,331
Likes: 221
From: Frisco, TX
Re: C5 Lowering Instructions (Dale RED 98)
Here you go! http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=311973
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,013
Likes: 79
From: Manitoba/San Jose del Cabo
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
Re: C5 Lowering Instructions (Dale RED 98)
You might like this Powerpoint presentation. http://www.members.shaw.ca/superchargedvette/Tips.htm
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
From: Wildwood MO
Re: C5 Lowering Instructions (Monster231)
Z51 doesn't matter, although it might not drop as much due to the stiffer Z51 suspension. If its not low enough, you will have to put longer bolts in the rear and cut a bushing or two in the front.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 266
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From: ny
Re: C5 Lowering Instructions (mshipon)
Would it be alright to lower the rear about 1/2" and leave the front alone.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
From: Wildwood MO
Re: C5 Lowering Instructions (racer44)
You might like this Powerpoint presentation. http://www.members.shaw.ca/superchargedvette/Tips.htm
You don't even need to remove anything to cut the front bushings either. There is plenty of room between the spring and lower control arm to slide a course hacksaw blade in there and cut the bushings in about 5 minutes per side.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,174
Likes: 2
From: Parker Colorado
Re: C5 Lowering Instructions (MTWallet)
You don't even need to remove anything to cut the front bushings either. There is plenty of room between the spring and lower control arm to slide a course hacksaw blade in there and cut the bushings in about 5 minutes per side.
I tried for about 3 hours to get the freaking A-Arm to drop and you are saying
that I do not need to!!!!!!!!!! :cuss :mad :cuss :mad
What size blade fits in there?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 52,277
Likes: 3
CI 3-4-5-6-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'06-'08-'09-'10
Re: C5 Lowering Instructions (Leadfoot77)
I would also lower the front too...I've heard from some people that it is unsafe to travel at high speeds if the front is higher than the back due to aerodynamics issues...Just lower both ends...you'll get used to the air dam scraping over bumps. Also, you should plan on getting the AndA rocker rails and frame savers for xtra protection. :yesnod:
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 1
From: Defending the US Constitution in Northern CA
Re: C5 Lowering Instructions (RUGBY)
Yep, Emptywallet is right. It was a beautiful presentation, but makes a 1/2 hour job into a 1/2 day job.
A little penetrating oil on the threads of the front adjusting bolt and some silicone lube shot between the rubber bushing of the adjusting bolt and lower control arm can make the job even easier. I've never experienced any additional problems lowering a Z51. Actually the F45 shocks get a bit in the way for reaching the adjusting bolts. If you haven't gotten a wheel alignment in the past 10k miles, I would recommend that you get one after you finish lowering your car. I also have rocker savers, spoiler skirt stiffeners and radiator support skid plates on my car as some speed bumps and driveways can really reach up and bite the underside of your car.
Now get out there and get after it. It isn't that hard and you will love the looks of the car when you are done.
A little penetrating oil on the threads of the front adjusting bolt and some silicone lube shot between the rubber bushing of the adjusting bolt and lower control arm can make the job even easier. I've never experienced any additional problems lowering a Z51. Actually the F45 shocks get a bit in the way for reaching the adjusting bolts. If you haven't gotten a wheel alignment in the past 10k miles, I would recommend that you get one after you finish lowering your car. I also have rocker savers, spoiler skirt stiffeners and radiator support skid plates on my car as some speed bumps and driveways can really reach up and bite the underside of your car.
Now get out there and get after it. It isn't that hard and you will love the looks of the car when you are done.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
From: Wildwood MO
Re: C5 Lowering Instructions (RUGBY)
You don't even need to remove anything to cut the front bushings either. There is plenty of room between the spring and lower control arm to slide a course hacksaw blade in there and cut the bushings in about 5 minutes per side.
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
I tried for about 3 hours to get the freaking A-Arm to drop and you are saying
that I do not need to!!!!!!!!!! :cuss :mad :cuss :mad
What size blade fits in there?
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
I tried for about 3 hours to get the freaking A-Arm to drop and you are saying
that I do not need to!!!!!!!!!! :cuss :mad :cuss :mad
What size blade fits in there?
[Modified by MTWallet, 10:40 PM 4/5/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,331
Likes: 32
From: USA
Re: C5 Lowering Instructions (MTWallet)
It would seem that the bushing would not be flat if you cut the bushing without removing the bolt. Flat as it was stock. I would prefer that the bushing rest as much rubber on the spring as possible.
I cut my front bushings and then filed/grinded them as smooth as I could get them. Hard to cut them straight even off the car.
I could be wrong here. Let me know.
Dave
I cut my front bushings and then filed/grinded them as smooth as I could get them. Hard to cut them straight even off the car.
I could be wrong here. Let me know.
Dave
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,174
Likes: 2
From: Parker Colorado
Re: C5 Lowering Instructions (MTWallet)
Matt, you can get to the bushings through the big cutout area in the lower A-arm. (see picture below) You need to get under the car to get in there, but works great! Just be sure to use a small jack to slightly raise the spring to take the pressure off of the bushing.
Thanks! :cheers:
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 18,666
Likes: 395
From: Tampa FL
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12'-'13-'14-'15
Re: C5 Lowering Instructions (VolFan615)
Just dropped mine this weekend. Here is the link.
http://hometown.aol.com/ccajun4real/CORVETTE.html
http://hometown.aol.com/ccajun4real/CORVETTE.html
