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Topic: Rear Spring Replacement

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


Rear Spring Replacement

Posted: 8/4/06 10:01pm Message 1 of 8
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North Hills, CA - USA
Joined: 6/12/2003
Posts: 515
Vette(s): 1972 T-Top

  Ok guys, I'm about to tackle replacing the rear spring on my '72. I bought a stock replacement from Fast Corvette and have KYB shocks.  Would have really liked to get a 'glass spring, but with the amount of road time my car gets (33,000 miles in 19 1/2 years, 20,000 the first two years) and the fact that I am not road racing it, I just couldn't see the expenditure.

      Anyway, any tips on making this job as smooth as I would like it to go? From looking at the car and a few tech articles, it doesn't appear to have a great degree of difficulty. Famous last words!!!!!

                                         Thanks,

                                       Reid  '72 T-top





    Reid    '72 T-top

www.wildbunchcarclub.com

www.vannuyscruisingassociation.com


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Rear Spring Replacement

Posted: 8/5/06 4:33am Message 2 of 8
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BINGHAMTON, NY - USA
Joined: 7/19/2003
Posts: 3808
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Man Reid ,you shoulda gone with glass,the omly thing I can think of is just spray all the bolts good and let them soak for a while,those theaded holes have been known to split on the diff cover,some guys have gotten the bolts out with no problem,and changed the spring,then come time to put the bolts in and torque them back down the bolt holes crack,I would be prepared to buy a diff cover just in case.I assume you bought new A-Arm adjuster bolts,Right?


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Rear Spring Replacement

Posted: 8/5/06 6:16am Message 3 of 8
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Ronda, NC - USA
Joined: 6/7/2006
Posts: 1057
Vette(s): 77 & 71 & 85
I definitely would get all new bolts, its a small price to pay for great insurance. Other than that, it is a straight forward almost normal Corvette Job.  Just take your time. I have the glass spring on the 77.cj5nutz38934.2622222222




Rear Spring Replacement

Posted: 8/5/06 6:17am Message 4 of 8
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HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.

I echo Ron's advice.

Buy yourself a new set of bolts to mount the new spring, and use some anti-sieze compound on them, just in case you have to wind them out again in the future.  Also, doesn't hurt to run a tap through the bolt holes to clean them up before you put the new hardware in there. Finally, check the spring mounting plate for damage - I have seen them severly mis-shaped or cracked...

New spring bolt set? I have a spare set that has less than 100 miles on it - my composite spring came with one also so I took the other set off. If you need them, pay the shipping and they're yours. 

And be careful under there - that spring isn't light!

Good luck and have fun.

Paul




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Rear Spring Replacement

Posted: 8/5/06 1:42pm Message 5 of 8
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North Hills, CA - USA
Joined: 6/12/2003
Posts: 515
Vette(s): 1972 T-Top

  Thanks for your support!!!  The first tool I plan on using is PB Blaster to loosen everything up. I did not buy the mount bolt kit or the plate. Talked to a couple of vette shops, they said it wsn't necessary unless it had been off before and over-torqued and damaged on install or if I wanted a resto look. If it is all in good shape I'll clean it up and paint them. But you never know Paul, I may take you up on the offer....I also have a rear sway bar to install, so this should really make a difference in ride and handling when I'm done. I did the front suspension 4 years ago with a Performance tech suspension G-machine kit. What a difference that made. The rear shocks and sway bar came with that kit but I never have gotten around to installing them. Now that the rear spring is kaput and I have heard the horror stories regarding spring collapse, I think its due for a lttle treat in the rear.

                            thanks again for the tips!

                                             Reid  '72 T-top





    Reid    '72 T-top

www.wildbunchcarclub.com

www.vannuyscruisingassociation.com


Rear Spring Replacement

Posted: 8/5/06 8:15pm Message 6 of 8
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Burke, VT - USA
Joined: 1/23/2002
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Instead of PB Blaster go to a GM dealer and ask for "Rust Penetrant and Inhibitor (Heat Valve Lubricant)" - part #1052627.  Ken swears by it and recommended it to me.  That stuff REALLY works...!!!

Put the car up on jack stands and use the floor jack to relieve the spring tension one side at a time.  When both end down bolts are free then tackle the middle bolts.  Take your time, don't rush, and you'll be fine.

If I can swap a rear spring out anyone can!




Jim Olson 

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Rear Spring Replacement

Posted: 8/5/06 8:30pm Message 7 of 8
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Reid, if you install the rear stabilizer, don't install the brackets on the trailing arm until you have the spring end-bolts in place, and tightened. You can't get them in/out with the bracket in place.
Also, make sure the bolts for the links on the stabilizer are not too close to the brake line, 'cause they will rub a hole in them.


Joel Adams
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Rear Spring Replacement

Posted: 8/6/06 4:54pm Message 8 of 8
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Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
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Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans

[QUOTE=Ron 78]those theaded holes have been known to split on the diff cover,some guys have gotten the bolts out with no problem,and changed the spring,then come time to put the bolts in and torque them back down the bolt holes crack,[/QUOTE]

yep

hes definitely right about the diff cover...

be careful..  they tend to rust and strip out easily

 




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