hubris140

Hello, I recently had to replace my stock bolts with an aftermarket set (VMS racing bolts ). My stock bolts were completely worn out with the rubber completely worn out and lopsided.

The aftermarket bolts are causing a ton of chatter, popping and shifting while braking and turning. I would like to go back to stock bolts but my mechanic says the bolts are not available for purchase seperately from GM and I’d have to buy the whole “set”. I didn’t really understand what he meant by a set. Is he referring to buying a new set of sway bar end links?

Would anyone have any insight on where to buy brand new stock bolts or if there is any decent aftermarket option available? From what I heard almost all aftermarket bolts have the same issues.

96GS#007

They're not sold separately by GM, you have to buy the entire spring.

Sometimes ZIP Corvette and Corvette Central get ahold of OEM new old stock so you might check with them. Last time this came up, they didn't have any but always worth taking a look.

MTPZ06

Most of the aftermarket "lowering bolts" suck. Best option out there are the OE reproductions from Corvette Central...$30/pair.

http://www.parts123.com/corvettecent...50h&ukey=35347

hubris140

thanks, should I just look for front+rear leaf springs from CC and zip?

hubris140

Oooh these look exactly like the OEM one with thick rubber bushings. Do you have any personal experience with these? The OEMs usually hold up for a really long time ~5years or so. Do you know if quality-wise these are the same?

MTPZ06

Me personally, no....but I've seen many happy customers use them.

HOXXOH

I recently changed all 4 about 2K miles ago and last week helped a friend change 2. The rears are identical to OEM, but the front OEM are a bit smaller diameter. No big deal to change on jackstands, but allow 4-5 hours if you're under 60 and 6-8 hrs if you're in your mid 70's.

Realtor-Bob

Sorry for chiming in on in on an old post but, I searched Corvette Central and ZIP to find these with no luck. I replaced my OEM that were shot 2 years ago with after market ones. They didn’t hold up hardly at all and they weren’t the FleaBay cheapies either. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Bob

MTPZ06

Corvette central doesn't have them in stock...or? https://www.corvettecentral.com/c7-1...d-97-19-575020

68birdls1

I just got mine from corvette central last month. They were on backorder for about 2 months

C5 for life

I just ordered that pair. Do you like them? Lowering mine on Eibach’s lowering bolts was a big mistake. Besides the fact NJ roads are terrible. The car just didn’t like being lower. I wouldn’t recommend anyone to lower that car.

Creatre

For the future, just because the stock ones look worn out doesn’t mean they are. They look ugly but remain very functional. Much better than aftermarket options like you all have figured out. I’m curious about those corvette central ones, but I’d recommend just sticking with OEM.

z06germany

Is there any insider tip to get the bolts removed?

I tried hard, putting oil in the hole and heat the bolt up, no chance.
I will give ice spray a try when I try again.

Keppler

I replaced mine with the Corvette Central reproductions a few weeks ago. All the other ones looked flimsy.

I had the car up on jack stands and then used a hydraulic jack under the leaf spring to take the weight off the lowering bolts. I applied a thread lubricant and they came off easily.

I was able to set the ride height to 1/2" below factory specs. I also applied silicone grease between the lowering bolts and the control arms.

I do not recall if there is enough clearance to remove the bolts by raising the leaf spring because I replaced the lowering bolts while I added monoballs to the control arms. You may have to break the upper control arm ball joint and sway bar to make enough clearance to remove the lowering bolts. (The uppers are much easier than the lowers.)

Corvette_1307

The link in post #9 to corvette central has them in stock