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Lowered... just do it.

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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 11:04 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by dads01dream
Is the alignment needed even with such a small amount of lowering? Just curious.... I love enthusiastic posts like this!!! Congrats.
I have read several posts on this forum regarding the shady alignment tolerances from the factory. Therefore, probably not a bad idea even without the lowering. If you are tracking the car, I would say it is an absolute must. (Maybe even add in a little extra camber.) If you are not, then it is just a matter of feel driving a straight line and tire wear. If neither of these are an issue, then no need to spend the extra $60.
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 11:18 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by raidersfan
Thanks guys, but I did all of the above! The bolts will not turn at all, they are frozen and will not budge. Any ideas why this may be and what I can do to make them turn? (and before any one makes a smart *** comment, I am not some skinny *** kid without any strength)
Thanks in advance.
Since your car is older, the bolts may have corroded/siezed, your's is not the first complaint about this.

The spring is fiberglass, but the threads are actually a steel insert pressed into the spring. If you apply too much force, it is possible to break the threaded insert loose and have it just spin in the spring, which is a worst-case scenario, so don't force it too much.

My suggestion would be to spray some WD-40 or other penetrating oil at the bolts, once a day or so for a few days or a week, then try it again.
And to repeat, make sure you relieve as much spring tension as you can by jacking up on the end of the (black) spring when you try. A common mistake is some people jack on the lower control arm, which only adds to the pressure...not sure if this applies to you or not, just want to make sure you're doing it right.

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Old Nov 21, 2004 | 01:00 AM
  #23  
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Been there, done that!
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Old Nov 21, 2004 | 04:29 AM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by Eddyd
Granbichus not to hi-jack a thread, but what is a sleepy eyed conversion in your sig & how do you do it. I like it.
here...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=941773
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 05:41 PM
  #25  
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What??? lift up on the leaf spring?? I have been lifting up on the lower control arm! Man if this is all it takes I am going to feel like a real tool! But a very happy tool. I will try this weekend. If it does not work I will need to see a shrink because I may loose my mind for good. Thank for the 411.
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 05:51 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by raidersfan
What??? lift up on the leaf spring?? I have been lifting up on the lower control arm!
Well, look at the dynamics of how everything works...

With weight on the car, the control arm wants to pivot upwards. The spring is pressing down onto the lower control arm..
If you jack on the control arm, you're only adding that much more tension to the spring, and the bolt you're trying to turn..
By jacking up on the spring itself, you relieve much of that pressure. When you have the car on jackstands, use your jack, and something soft like a thin pc of wood or a heavy towel, jack up on just the spring until just the point the car starts to lift off the jackstands. Then go loosen the bolt...I suspect you'll find it much easier.

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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 07:00 PM
  #27  
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 07:29 PM
  #28  
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I put longer bolts in the rear and cut the front bushings. Now I drive this[IMG][/IMG]
Down this[IMG][/IMG]
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Old Nov 22, 2004 | 08:00 PM
  #29  
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GranBichus, where did you get those headlights? They're a really nice touch and makes our headlights look updated.
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Old Nov 24, 2004 | 10:12 AM
  #30  
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raidersfan,
I was in the same situation. I believe I was a tool lifting on the LCA as well. I will try on the spring this weekend, hopefully it is the solution because as of now I have my rears lowered to the max and the fronts are at stock height. It looks bad!!

Thanks for all the input guys.
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Old Nov 24, 2004 | 12:22 PM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by chanderson
GranBichus, where did you get those headlights? They're a really nice touch and makes our headlights look updated.
I didn't get them from anywhere, they were scratch built in my garage.
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Old Dec 6, 2004 | 10:55 PM
  #32  
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Oh do tell about those bad *** headlamps! Are you taking orders?
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Old Dec 6, 2004 | 10:59 PM
  #33  
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raidersfan...did you get the front down yet or what?

Just wondering...

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Old Dec 7, 2004 | 03:42 AM
  #34  
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now align it .
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 02:15 AM
  #35  
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From: Biloxi MS Theres something happenin' here, What it is ain't exactly clear.....
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bigger tires/stock bolts
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 03:05 AM
  #36  
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when you lower the car, is there any noticible change in spring tension or ride harshness? my F55 car could use to be sprung a little tighter
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 03:45 AM
  #37  
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Slamed is the way to go!
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 09:13 AM
  #38  
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I love the new lowered look...Just enough to get rid of the 4x4 appearance.
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 09:32 AM
  #39  
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love the lowered look...
One of the first things I did to the car
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Old Dec 8, 2004 | 10:15 AM
  #40  
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From: Biloxi MS Theres something happenin' here, What it is ain't exactly clear.....
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yes, ride is a bit harsher but handling improved.
Im sure going with the low profile tires didn't help the situation.
(Have 275/30/19 in the front and 285/30/20 in the rear)
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