Topic: She's a Leanin' to the Left
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Former Member
Send PM
Leavenworth, KS - USA
Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426
Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14
I was admiring penny in the driveway the other evening while working on Mama's ride (Penny was sitting on a slope so I could get a good view of the front). Looked like she was leaning to the left, so I took some quick measurements (to the spoiler / front clip). Sure enough, the difference, left to right, was almost 2 inches!!!! Guess my old eyes haven't lost the calibration.

So where am I now? I'll check tire pressure (they look OK) then take measurements under the car (to frame, suspension) before the verdict comes back. But I suspect something amiss in the suspension (shocks, springs, etc.).
Anyone had a similar experience? What should I be looking for? I kinda have plans to replace / upgrade the front suspension, but that was aways down on my Wish List. I may have to move it up on the list.
Thanking the experts ahead of time!
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Higher on left or right? (Lets call left the drivers side for clarity)
It might be a spring going soft. If it was a shock, the spring should hold it up unless they are sagging. (I hate it when that happens)
Re-doin' the front end is fairly easy, especially if you have access to a lift or at least solid concrete and jack stands.
There are all sorts of combinations for the front end. Shocks, springs, Urethane vs Rubber, stiffer/smaller sway bar, etc.
If you push down on top of the fender and let go, does it go back into place, stay down or bounce? Is it the same on both sides?
dnv 2007-04-25 08:11:03
It might be a spring going soft. If it was a shock, the spring should hold it up unless they are sagging. (I hate it when that happens)
Re-doin' the front end is fairly easy, especially if you have access to a lift or at least solid concrete and jack stands.
There are all sorts of combinations for the front end. Shocks, springs, Urethane vs Rubber, stiffer/smaller sway bar, etc.
If you push down on top of the fender and let go, does it go back into place, stay down or bounce? Is it the same on both sides?
Former Member
Send PM
Spotsylvania, VA - USA
Joined: 1/20/2007
Posts: 293
Vette(s): 1977 Silver Coupe
Add a little weight to the right?
Seriously,
Sounds like a spring to me.
Former Member
Send PM
Leavenworth, KS - USA
Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426
Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14
Dennis -- Left to me is driver's side (from the corkpit). Shocks seem to be OK -- very stiff and hard to push down, little bounce. Funny thing
is that ground-to-bumper measurements seem about the same left to right. Maybe it is only the front clip? I'll know more Monday after I take some chassis measurements.

I like David's idea (add more weight on the right). Nice simple solution. Of course that means I might have to take mama with me wherever I go (bu-dum!).
Sure glad she doesn't read this. . . .


If it turns out that I have to replace a spring, I'm going to look into lowering the front end. Thanks for the input so far.
I put new springs in mine and, even though they were stronger, they were much shorter. The spring technology has changed since the Sharks came out. Just changing out the springs will lower it a bit without having to modify the spring.

Moderator
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
Never measure ride height from the body...too many variables, such as body mounts, damage, etc. Check the ride height from the ground to the chassis...on level ground. Check out THIS spec sheet for where/how to measure.
Check your chassis measurements, and see what the difference is side-to-side...
Check your chassis measurements, and see what the difference is side-to-side...

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)