Topic: Suspension re0build
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Former Member
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Fayetteville, NC - USA
Joined: 2/13/2005
Posts: 244
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette Convertable, 4 spd, 350 SB, Daily Driver
I have a question about rebuilding a suspension on a budget.
Since I bought the car I have wanted to upgrade to one of those max performance suspensions that convert to transverse graphit springs. The system weighs about 100 lbs less than stock, and greatly improves handling with comparable ride comfort. The only problem is they cost around $2300 bucks. Add in a rear wheel bearing overhaul and you spent $3000 smackers. Well my wife just wont go for it.
So, I have decided to rebuild factory components, change to poly bushings and rebuild my bearings. My question is about the springs. I can save some money by keeping the ones I have.
Does anyone know how to tell if they are to worn to continue service?
I guess I will be sending my bearings off for an overhaul, so do I need to send the whole trailing arm or just the bearing? I can seperate thetrailing arm, but since I have no experience with this I am just not sure how much I can do myself.
Thanks,
JR
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with springs.. you mean the front coil springs or the rear leaf spring.. or all of these? :)
the steel leaf on the back you can see more or less if it has flatenend out instead of a nice curve downwards towards the wheels.
but just replacing it with a fiber monospring is't that expensive.. neither putting in 2 new front coilsprings on the front ( got mine from vette brakes & products)
replacing the rear wheelbearings can be a tough job.. pressing the spindle out of the trailingarm can requite some force for sure ( on mine a 15ton press and heating up) , the outher bearing is best to cut (carefully not to cut in spindle) off ... and the installing the new bearings requires the right adjustment to make them not sit too tight or too much play, best done with a bearingsetup tool and micrometer.
Front wheelbearings are a piece of cake though.
art-corvette
Lifetime MemberPoquoson, VA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2004
Posts: 1023
Vette(s): 73 Conv, Blue-Green/White Top - 454, M21 - Dark Saddle Leather, Power Windows, A/C, Tilt/Tele, AM/FM St. (orig. and sounds like it too).#2 -- 2007 Coupe,3 LT package, Z51 option, Victory Red, Ebony Int. Clear Top.
[QUOTE=art-corvette]
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There is plenty of info in the archives on these subjects from people "have been there done that"... just look up trailing arms or rear wheel bearings. My suggestion is go to one of the supporting vendors or someone who will sell you the whole set-up (trailing arm). Cut yours out an put the new ones in. I did that with rotors and all.. not too expensive in my opinion...
replacing the rear wheelbearings can be a tough job.. pressing the spindle out of the trailingarm can requite some force for sure ( on mine a 15ton press and heating up) , the outher bearing is best to cut (carefully not to cut in spindle) off ... and the installing the new bearings requires the right adjustment to make them not sit too tight or too much play, best done with a bearingsetup tool and micrometer.
art-corvette
There is plenty of info in the archives on these subjects from people "have been there done that"... just look up trailing arms or rear wheel bearings. My suggestion is go to one of the supporting vendors or someone who will sell you the whole set-up (trailing arm). Cut yours out an put the new ones in. I did that with rotors and all.. not too expensive in my opinion...
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USN 1966-1970
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USN 1966-1970
WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II
Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"
(click to see a bigger image)
Lifetime MemberModerator
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
To make it easier on the budget, do a little at a time. If you think the rear wheel bearing need work than most certainly do that first. A fiberglass rear spring is lighter and gives a better ride. There are many different spring rates depending on what you are looking for (ride quality or performance). The springs aren't very expensive so that might be your first step with trailing arm rebuild. As get the matching gas shocks which are tuned for the spring frequency. Then rebuild the front suspension with new springs. Again, there are a few different rates depending on what you want. Take your time and do some research so you get what your after. Good Luck
Former Member
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Fayetteville, NC - USA
Joined: 2/13/2005
Posts: 244
Vette(s): 1968 Corvette Convertable, 4 spd, 350 SB, Daily Driver
I think your right. I will do bearings first. Then work on my rear spring. Maybe I can manage to keep it on the road while I do a little at a time.
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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