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Topic: Boy, that was a mistake...

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


Boy, that was a mistake...

Posted: 2/5/07 5:56pm Message 1 of 28
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Gloucester, VA - USA
Joined: 1/29/2005
Posts: 1453
Vette(s): 1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition
 I replaced the rear spring since I had already done the front.  Now my car look like it's going down hill, even after adjusting the bolts all the way out.
 
 Yes, I have the 8 inch bolts...
 
 Any ideas?  I may switch back to the original spring and sell the fiberglass if I can't make this work.



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Boy, that was a mistake...

Posted: 2/5/07 6:27pm Message 2 of 28
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SHELBYVILLE, TN - USA
Joined: 7/5/2002
Posts: 3942
Vette(s): 1976 L48 auto

1978 L82 4speed

1994 LT1 6speed
Hey JimG... is it a heavier spring rate?...seems i recall many moons ago after installing a fiberglass rear spring on the '76 and it did kinda raise up the rear some..however, it didnt stay installed for very long..as the spring started to crack(the laminated layers started to seperate)...besides, a buddy of ours that restored vettes told us that he preferred the metal springs for reliability and for weight. 
I dont recall the spring weight, it was not the 'heaviest', like around 425 lbs i think was the heaviest, but may have been 380 lbs, or 360... been a while for me to remember.. 
say? is there a block that sits on top of the spring at the rear end housing? it is on the top side right?? ;) 
 
only other thing,  get some 10 inch bolts...?
stingrayjim2007-02-07 22:42:35


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Boy, that was a mistake...

Posted: 2/5/07 6:42pm Message 3 of 28
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Jim...don't give up on the mono spring just yet.  Did you get the 330# spring? If it rides to high give VanSteel a call and explain to them what the problem is. I would think on a 79 SB the 330 would be just right. Be careful with the 10" bolts because they may rub the tire and tear the sidewall.


Boy, that was a mistake...

Posted: 2/5/07 6:42pm Message 4 of 28
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Dang, Jim...you may have to put some Monster Mudders on that thang!!!

As Stingray Jim says, if it is a higher rated spring than "normal" this will happen. I've said it before, I'll say it again...the "ratings" these aftermarket springs have are all a joke. I don't think I've ever seen one that would test out at the spec it is rated for. They always seem to be WAY stouter than they're supposed to be.
This is true for front or rear springs, 'glass ones included.
I would recommend that anyone that is planning on replacing a spring on their 'Vette go with one that is rated 2-3 times lower than what they think they need. Even if the manufacturer states that it is a "direct replacement"...don't believe it!

It really sux that you have to go thru the hassle of swapping them out, just to find it ain't right. I would go back with the original, and then maybe do a little searching to find something a little(lot) closer to what you were looking for.

The correct 'glass spring in the rear is great. They ride better, and they will actually last longer.(depending on who made it) Then again, if you go thru the original steel spring, and rebuild it with new liners, it will ride much better, too.

SJ..I don't think there's enough room back there to put 10" bolts, without hitting the tires/rims? Or dragging the ground?!


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Boy, that was a mistake...

Posted: 2/5/07 7:23pm Message 5 of 28
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Gloucester, VA - USA
Joined: 1/29/2005
Posts: 1453
Vette(s): 1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition
[QUOTE=Silver69]Jim...don't give up on the mono spring just yet.  Did you get the 330# spring? If it rides to high give VanSteel a call and explain to them what the problem is. I would think on a 79 SB the 330 would be just right. Be careful with the 10" bolts because they may rub the tire and tear the sidewall. [/QUOTE]
 
Got the 340 spring...me being the short stout type that I am, thought I could use it LOL...with the new engine, I also figured it would help with the torque.



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The Money Pit.... and my niece

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Boy, that was a mistake...

Posted: 2/5/07 7:24pm Message 6 of 28
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Gloucester, VA - USA
Joined: 1/29/2005
Posts: 1453
Vette(s): 1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]Dang, Jim...you may have to put some Monster Mudders on that thang!!!

As Stingray Jim says, if it is a higher rated spring than "normal" this will happen. I've said it before, I'll say it again...the "ratings" these aftermarket springs have are all a joke. I don't think I've ever seen one that would test out at the spec it is rated for. They always seem to be WAY stouter than they're supposed to be.
This is true for front or rear springs, 'glass ones included.
I would recommend that anyone that is planning on replacing a spring on their 'Vette go with one that is rated 2-3 times lower than what they think they need. Even if the manufacturer states that it is a "direct replacement"...don't believe it!

It really sux that you have to go thru the hassle of swapping them out, just to find it ain't right. I would go back with the original, and then maybe do a little searching to find something a little(lot) closer to what you were looking for.

The correct 'glass spring in the rear is great. They ride better, and they will actually last longer.(depending on who made it) Then again, if you go thru the original steel spring, and rebuild it with new liners, it will ride much better, too.

SJ..I don't think there's enough room back there to put 10" bolts, without hitting the tires/rims? Or dragging the ground?![/QUOTE]
 
I finally got the dang front end down and now this....talk about frustrated...
 
I'll take a picture or two and post them before I decide what I'm gonna do. Look for the pics this weekend after I get home.
JimG2007-02-05 19:25:11


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The Money Pit.... and my niece

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Boy, that was a mistake...

Posted: 2/5/07 7:35pm Message 7 of 28
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Pennsville, NJ - USA
Joined: 3/13/2002
Posts: 532
Vette(s): 1977 EX-L48
What manufacturer did you get your spring from?  I've read before that the TRW springs tend to push the rear up higher.  I installed a 360# VBP spring and it sat perfect for me.  I was able to drop my rear about an inch, using the bolts that came with the spring.  Maybe trying a different spring would work for you.... I definitely think the composite springs are better than the steel, so good luck finding the right one! 


1977 Corvette EX-L48
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's

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Boy, that was a mistake...

Posted: 2/5/07 8:15pm Message 8 of 28
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Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
I have the TRW spring with a rating of 315 lbs and 8" bolts which seems to have a good ride height.


Boy, that was a mistake...

Posted: 2/6/07 7:01am Message 9 of 28
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Gloucester, VA - USA
Joined: 1/29/2005
Posts: 1453
Vette(s): 1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition
[QUOTE=VTHokie77Vette]What manufacturer did you get your spring from?    [/QUOTE]

 Bought it from Mid America, not sure who made it....



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The Money Pit.... and my niece

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Boy, that was a mistake...

Posted: 2/6/07 12:02pm Message 10 of 28
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DUNEDIN, FL - USA
Joined: 10/22/2004
Posts: 833
Vette(s): 1969 COUPE CORTEZ SILVER, BRIGHT BLUE INTERIOR 383 cu. in. 512 HP. Hooker headers w/ side pipes PS PS AC AM FM STEREO. 68,000.MILES C5 5oth Anniversary Coupe , auto.350hp
Jim , give  it some time and miles. I put A 330# on Mine .too spongy. so I changed it to a 360#. Get the 10 inch bolts to adjust height better. and it will definately settle down after you drive it awhile.


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