Bad Shocks? Lowered??
 

I've only had her not even a week. The PO didn't know jack about it. I'm the fourth owner according to CarFax.

It's in pristine condition, with 82k. 100% stock.

It rides a little rough/bouncy in the rear. I'm not sure what's tolerant of a true Vette ride or what, however, I think bad shocks out back may be the culprit.

Take a look at the pic, judging from other C4's I've seen, it looks like its sitting a tad low....

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6b3e3878.jpg

Passenger side for reference....

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...pscd7f6679.jpg

That looks pretty low to me too!

I would say it's been lowered since both sides are the same height.

Pretty easy to find out.
Crawl under the rear and look at the factory bolts. They should have a cotter pin at the end of the bolt (to keep nut from coming off).
Every aftermarket lowering bolt (really just a longer bolt), does not use a cotter pin.
Instead they use those Nylock nuts that won't back off.

Dumb question....but which bolts am I looking for?

Can I rule out bad shock/shocks as the culprit? The driver side sits lower than the passenger (rear).

Shocks don't determine ride height, they merely dampen spring movement. The car has been lowered.

Nice looking ride BTW :cool:

Thanks Friz...I was afraid of that. I was just hoping that if a shock were busted (compressed), that it would be the reason for the ride height and the bounce... I'm not crazy about the look...

I wish I could drive another C4 for comparison.

Picture of the rear bolt, found in this thread.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...cs-advice.html
The factory (short bolt), and the longer (lowering bolt).
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/chucks88/lower3.jpg

Lowered cars tend to ride rougher. Less suspension travel. Fortunately in the case of a C4, it's easy to put it back to stock.

If a shock is broken or worn, you'll get a lot of bounce and rebound after hitting a bump, but the suspension won't sag (unless springs are worn or damaged). Shocks merely control spring movement. Spring position in relation to the suspension determines ride height.

Thanks for the advice gents. I'll look tomorrow, hopefully it has aftermarket bolts and I can replace them back with stock!

:cheers:

The rear suspension has been lowered for sure, that causes the suspension to hit the bump stops. Yes that is like being kicked by a horse :ack:, get shorter bolts and raise her up and the ride will be smoother. :thumbs:

My vette was lowered close to what you have there and i raised it to the standard height to avoid spinal problems. :thumbs:

I think the spinal problems have set in, just from getting in and out of this b%#*¥! 36 never felt so old!! LOL

You don't need to replace the bolts. Just crank the nuts up until you have the ride height you want. BTW, the rear fender lip height needs to be at least as high as the front lip, per the factory service manual.

The bolts are stock (they have a cotter pin anyways).

Any other ideas on how to determine what's goin on?

:iagree:

I'm thinking about raising Betty Boop 7/16". If she keep riding rough I will buy base Bilsteins.

:iagree:

Broken spring is basically the only other option if the stock bolts are in place and the cotter pins thru the bolt.

IF you have a broken spring the car will be on the bump stop=Rides and handles like CRAP.

Take pics of the back (underside) so we can see. :thumbs:

Handles great (so I think, new Vette owner). I've really stuck it in the corners and the only thing I'm running into is the traction control pushing the accelerator back on to my foot.

It does have a rough, bouncy ride in the rear though.

I'll get some pics tomorrow. Any particular angle or shot that would be more helpful?

:rofl: My grandfather thinks it's funny how I groan and make more noise getting in and out of my C4 than he does!

I wouldn't want it any other way though. I like how it's hard to get in and out of it, because once I'm in I never want to stop driving it and get back out! :thumbs: