Topic: removal of suspension
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Hello all my vette friends. I am at the stage now where I can begin removing the suspension on front and rear. Is there a proper order to it, any right or wrong way to do it, any input now would be great before I tie into it, I'm sure some of you have some great time saving tips.
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Well, I'd have to write a novel here on step by step instructions. So, I would recommend picking up a Haynes Manual for '68-'82 Corvettes. That manual is pretty detailed compared to a Chiltons Manual.
If you can't get a Haynes Manual up your way send me a PM and I will ship you one.
Words of advice...keep everything labeled and in order. Especially keep all your alignment shims in order. Take plenty of pics if needed. The oxy acetylene is your friend. So is a Sawzall. The Sawzall will cut through those stubborn trailing arm bolts. Have plenty of extra blades. You'll wreck a few. Be very careful working around springs. Front coil spring can be dangerous when in a compressed state. I like to use the torch to cut the front coils just before they are ready to come out. That relieves a lot of tension. A good penetrating oil like PB Blaster or Kroil comes in handy for frozen nuts and bolts.
If you run into a problem or don't understand a step in the manual, ask us. I don't want to hear you or your hubby got hurt or seriously injured.
Patience is a big factor. Don't rush, thats when bad things happen.
TKO500 5 spd.
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
Lifetime MemberAsh Fork, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/18/2007
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1981 Red Interior White exterior
Sarge is correct: patience is your friend, so is a good penetrating oil! I used PB blaster when I first got the Vette and picked up Kroil recently. Both work extremely well. Take lots of pictures. I was lucky enough to not need a reciprocating saw or torch. I snapped 1 bolt but that was attaching the alternator to the bracket, PO had stripped it.
When I replaced the suspension I got everything from Vette brakes and products out of Florida. That included the DVD video instructions. It was awesome. I had never attempted a project like that and they made it extremely easy. I was like a little kid, watch 10 minutes, run outside and work on the car. Back inside to watch for ten minutes then back outside to work on the car. They did/do sell the DVD separately if you need it. Not sure how different the 75 is from the 81 but if it helps I still have the DVD and can send it to you...but only of you promise to come to the gathering
Dave C..........My mantra: I can not be bought!! Long and short term leases available.
In the words of Zora Arkus-Duntov "Is your seat belt fastened? Alright, Let's go"
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
Lifetime Member #192
dads2vette said: Sarge is correct: patience is your friend, so is a good penetrating oil! I used PB blaster when I first got the Vette and picked up Kroil recently. Both work extremely well. Take lots of pictures. I was lucky enough to not need a reciprocating saw or torch. I snapped 1 bolt but that was attaching the alternator to the bracket, PO had stripped it.
When I replaced the suspension I got everything from Vette brakes and products out of Florida. That included the DVD video instructions. It was awesome. I had never attempted a project like that and they made it extremely easy. I was like a little kid, watch 10 minutes, run outside and work on the car. Back inside to watch for ten minutes then back outside to work on the car. They did/do sell the DVD separately if you need it. Not sure how different the 75 is from the 81 but if it helps I still have the DVD and can send it to you...but only of you promise to come to the gathering
thanks I do have the manual and have been doing a bit of pre-reading. I have also watched a few u tube videos on some of it , I'm kinda like you, research a bit go work on car for a bit. THis is my first go at this as well and I am really having a blast doing it so far. I'm really hoping I can come to the gathering but its too early for me to make that decision yet.
Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2470
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
A little common sense and good judgement goes along way. Use both of them to the highest degree. Don't work alone, Dave will be more than happy to assist you.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20218
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
Since you have the body off, and the engine/trans out of the frame, you need to be EXTRA careful working with the springs, both front and rear. You no longer have the weight of the body/drivetrain on the frame, so jacking anything up will now also be jacking the entire frame up....making it really hard to compress the springs to take fasteners off. Best suggestion is to use safety chains/straps around the suspension components while removing the spring fasteners....and get all of your ...er...."portly" friends to help by sitting on the frame while jacking the suspension up to remove the springs. Just be CAREFUL!!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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