Topic: Front end alignment
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Hey I plan on doing my font end and Ive just about convince my self that can do this. I have two concerns one is after I am done do I take it to a suspension shop and have them do the alignment? The second from watching the Van Steel DVD how do I compress the front springs to get every thing together? They kept saying that a 454 spring is much easier to do which they had.

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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
You can probably get the settings close but to save the tires I would take it in and have it checked. That's what I did. Mine was close but still need some fine tuning. As far as a spring compressor. When I installed the 460 lb spring I did it with out a spring compressor. Slip the spring into the pocket, slip a floor jack under the lower A arm spring pocket and jacked it into position. Just be very careful! Before jacking adjust the bottom end of the spring so it is not blocking the drain hole in the lower A arm. As you jack be sure to stay off to the side just in case the spring does not like its new home. Don't want you to get hurt
Suncountry is right. I used the 330 lb springs, but did it the same way without the compressor. You will hear a hard bang that is the upper spring end seating in the pocket. Do your best to align the end of the spring with it's place in the seat and check after you just start to add the jack and before you have any real pressure applied. This will help a great deal.
Stay off to the side is correct.
Before you drive it, measure from tread to tread across the front tires and the same tread to tread (just pick one and be consistent) on the back as well. If they are the same or within 1/8" or so, you can drive to the alignment shop. If you hear growling when you start out, then bring it back and remeasure and adjust as necessary.
Be sure to find a shop that specializes in corvettes. The guy that we use around here does it the old fashioned way with the metal sticks and rods. Does a great job in about 2 to 3 hours.
While you have it in, have them check the back end alignment as well.
YOU CAN DO THIS!
Stay off to the side is correct.
Before you drive it, measure from tread to tread across the front tires and the same tread to tread (just pick one and be consistent) on the back as well. If they are the same or within 1/8" or so, you can drive to the alignment shop. If you hear growling when you start out, then bring it back and remeasure and adjust as necessary.
Be sure to find a shop that specializes in corvettes. The guy that we use around here does it the old fashioned way with the metal sticks and rods. Does a great job in about 2 to 3 hours.
While you have it in, have them check the back end alignment as well.
YOU CAN DO THIS!
What do mean measure the tread form tire to tire is that before and then measure after I do it to see if they are close? And what do I adjust?
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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