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In a long string of bad luck with my C6 it would appear that my front leaf spring has cracked or been damaged in some way. Over the course of 3 days my car started lowering itself until it bottomed out (pic for reference). I thought this was due to my leaking shocks so I replaced them but once the suspension settled I was back to square one. I hadn't planned on buying coilovers yet but it was on the books. My question is, if I buy coilovers, will that solve my problem? As in do they replace the leaf springs all together? Or do I still need to replace my cracked spring? I was quoted $300 for one from a friend who works for GM. If I have to buy a new leaf spring either way I'm just gonna do that and save the coilovers for winter.
You sure its cracked (visually confirmed) and its not your ride height bolts spinning in there until it bottoms out? Aftermarket bolts are notorious for that. $300 for a new coil is a sold deal for new. If its just your ride height bolt moving in the mount, install a jam nut and you're done.
If you can get the correct front spring replacement for $300, do it. Coilovers would replace the spring, in most cases, but will drive differently. You might like it, you might hate it, but it is a gamble that cost much more than the leaf spring.
I have visually confirmed that it is damaged but when I replaced the shocks I took a look at the ride height bolts and they seemed fine and threaded about halfway in. I have never touched the bolts since owning the car. I also have friends who have taken theirs out and didn't sit as low as mine but the car is twin turbo and has considerably more weight on the front.
If you can get the correct front spring replacement for $300, do it. Coilovers would replace the spring, in most cases, but will drive differently. You might like it, you might hate it, but it is a gamble that cost much more than the leaf spring.
When you say "differently" what should I expect? I use this car for racing and prioritize handling over comfort.
When you say "differently" what should I expect? I use this car for racing and prioritize handling over comfort.
If prioritize handling over comfort (my personal preference as well) then the only way you won't like coilovers is if you go with a sub par brand or they are set up incorrectly.
Edit: Yes coilovers will rid the car of Model T inspired leaf springs.
Last edited by Dane@LGmotorsports; Jun 18, 2019 at 04:41 PM.
I have Aldan coilovers with street strip springs. They replace the factory springs (my stock spring adjusters broke) and shocks and are stiff but I have more control of the car. The rear end no longer breaks out like it does on stock shocks and springs when hammer the throttle. Again very stiff.
Im switching to Z06 springs and B8 shocks rear with Z06 spring B6 shock front since its my daily driver.
I've had my eye on LG or Aldan for a while just haven't made a final decision. My factory suspension is mag ride and it hasn't worked right since I bought the car so I can only imagine anything else rides better than that.
Update: I finally got under the car to inspect the leaf spring but can't find any obvious sign of damage and the bolts appear fine. What else could cause the ride height to drop so dramatically almost overnight?
It almost looks like the rubber bushings on height adjusting screws have collapsed. Why not just try to adjust them to get ride height correct and see if it stays good. They are easy to adjust.
Coilovers or Leaf Spring
