Suspension Settling After Lowering
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
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Suspension Settling After Lowering
I'm in the process of dropping my C6 on the stock adjusters and I'm just curious if anyone else found that right after coming off the jack stands the ride height is actually increased. As I made the adjustments I was also jacking up the leaf spring a bit to take pressure off of the bolt. My question is, is it normal for the suspension to initially, before driven, be higher than before? I made sure I was turning the bolts counterclockwise. Any thoughts? Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,566
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From: Goleta CA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Yes, it's normal. When I lift mine and set it down, it will be a couple inches higher. The bushings slide across the control arms a little bit as the suspension moves. When you set the car down, there's too much friction for it to slide all the way back to it's normal position.
You turn them all the same way.
You turn them all the same way.
Last edited by mlongo99; Jan 22, 2008 at 01:55 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 188
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From: Louisiana
did mine this morning. just jack up the front, make adjustments (counter clockwise for lower, clock wise for higher. turning from the top of the leaf spring). Driving it around the block, hit the brakes, swerve a little. then go back and measure. Repeat for the rear. simple as that.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Southern California
did mine this morning. just jack up the front, make adjustments (counter clockwise for lower, clock wise for higher. turning from the top of the leaf spring). Driving it around the block, hit the brakes, swerve a little. then go back and measure. Repeat for the rear. simple as that.
Melting Slicks
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From: merritt island fl
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CF Senior Member
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From: Tucson Arizona
I didn't specifically lower my car but an experienced C6 racer helped me setup (level) my car for the track using his home lift. IMO you can't reliably just start turning bolts an equal number of turns as your car's setup/trim may be off from the factory (mine was).
It wasn't difficult to setup but it was a somewhat involved process to properly level the car. Besides first checking tire pressures and having the car on a dead level lift, there were many measurements taken before, during and after the adjusting process. An adjustment to the LF bolt affects the RR and vice versa. At least twice during the measuring and adjusting process I got my car off the lift and drove it a while simply to settle the suspension. Even physically 'bouncing' the car front and rear in between adjustments will help.
It wasn't difficult to setup but it was a somewhat involved process to properly level the car. Besides first checking tire pressures and having the car on a dead level lift, there were many measurements taken before, during and after the adjusting process. An adjustment to the LF bolt affects the RR and vice versa. At least twice during the measuring and adjusting process I got my car off the lift and drove it a while simply to settle the suspension. Even physically 'bouncing' the car front and rear in between adjustments will help.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,307
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From: Tucson AZ
The proper way to set it is with four scales. Check with the circle track guys in your area and you will find one that will loan or rent you a set of scales. Wayne is right, you must do it on a perfectly level surface or a chassis jig.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 188
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From: Louisiana
that pic there is with stock bolts and about 1/4 left to lower. I put bolts in from west coast corvette and got it lower. havent taken pics yet though. The front I have, driver side 2 turn out from all the way low, passenger 1 turn out from all the way low. Rear driver 2 turns out from all the way low and passenger 1.5 turns. its sits level alll the way around. Had the 4 wheel alignment done after.
front from ground up through middle of wheel to fender 25.75 in. rear 27 in.
front from ground up through middle of wheel to fender 25.75 in. rear 27 in.
Last edited by yfzmotox21; Jan 22, 2008 at 09:46 PM. Reason: add info
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
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From: Austin Texas
Thats the proper way for a Corner Balance for better handling. BUT; Most of the posters here seem to be worried about APPEARANCE, not handling.
Due to production tolerances and setups the cars will nto be perfectly corner balanced OR measure exactly the same on both front or rear corners. The factory setup is a balance of appearance and handling.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
Thats the proper way for a Corner Balance for better handling. BUT; Most of the posters here seem to be worried about APPEARANCE, not handling.
Due to production tolerances and setups the cars will nto be perfectly corner balanced OR measure exactly the same on both front or rear corners. The factory setup is a balance of appearance and handling.
