Ground clearance after fiberglass rear spring install

[jims427400]

I've replaced my old 7 leaf spring w/ a 330# fiberglass spring,and installed a new set of monroe shocks to handle some excessive bouncing. My car now appears to be approximately 3 inches higher. has anyone experienced this and have any suggestions. These were installed on a 67 427,400 coupe.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Old springs sag and new springs are different than old ones.

You need to adjust the spring bolt length to get the proper ride height that you desire. Long bolts lower the body, short bolts raise it. The important thing is that the body sits level when driven.

 

[6 Shooter]

Sorry I can't answer your question . . . but I'd like to say . . .

Welcome to the

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[IH2LOSE]

Do you have a before and after photo? have you driven the car yet to unload the torsion of the tire sitting funny after lowering the car off of jack.

I had a trw sping on my 66 (front and rear )when I purchased it (not sure of the spring rate but it did have extra long bolts on it) and the car was real squat in the front and rear,Almost looked like it was lowered.
I removed all this from the car to bring it back to factory correct
It handeled like a dream.

Welcome and good luck

 

[jims427400]

Sorry,no before and after shots but can tell you I havent really driven car yet after install because I disscovered a broken bracket above rear suspension crossmember on drivers side so have to wait that to be rewelded.Thanks for your help.I'll look for longer bolts..

 

[IH2LOSE]

if you even roll it back and forth it may settle the car in.

Good luck and welcome.

Again I did removed an entire system on my car including aluminum a arms in the front to bring mne back to factory correct and what a difference I had when going back to stock it was like night and day, your in for a treat

 

[Viet Nam Vett]

I've replaced my old 7 leaf spring w/ a 330# fiberglass spring,and installed a new set of monroe shocks to handle some excessive bouncing. My car now appears to be approximately 3 inches higher. has anyone experienced this and have any suggestions. These were installed on a 67 427,400 coupe.

Heh Jim ....Welcome to the Forum.

I would also make one suggestion Pick up The "AIM" for your year Corvette.
AIM stands for "Assembly Instruction Manual" This shows how the car is put together and nut and bolt torque as well as the placement of all parts in your Corvette during assembly at the factory. It will also show how to adjust most of the systems on your car and give spec's on alingment and riding hight and where to measure for it etc.

Most Corvette parts Catalog suppliers will sell this manual as well as the Shop Service manual. You should have both.

Also The Forum has a search function where you can search my forum area and topic. Most questions you might have about your car have most likely been asked ....and answered.. So I would check the search first. Try searching the C1 C2 area it it is relavent to just those Vettes.

Good luck with your car and don't be afraid to ask questions..were all here to help one another...

 

[paul67]

This subject has been discussed ad nauseum over at the CorvetteForum. Do a search over there. If you go to 8" bolts watch rim clearance.

 

[Delph]

I had the same problem with mine. I had longer bolts and bounced and drove the car around to help it settle down. Everything settled in nicely and I dont have any issues now. You may have an exagerated ride height because of the other issue too.


Tim

 

[jims427400]

Tim,
Thank you for your comments on 8in. bolts.I;m hoping things will settle out after my frame is welded. I'm also a new member and have gotten a wealth of info in just my 1st day. thanks everyone..

 

[jims427400]

Thanks for your help, I've read alot of your threads,and they're all great,I appreciate the help. talk again soon. Jim

 

[JOE BYRNE]

Drive 100 or so miles...mine came back down to the normal height

 

[jims427400]

Thanks Joe, sounds like I'm going to have to take a road trip. DAMN !!!!!!!

 

[youwish2bme]

With most of the composite rear springs you will have to upgrade/change to the 8" bolts or it will sit higher.. I don't know why the manufactures don't provide them with the spring.. On the other place the Shark guys have had quite a few discussions on TRW and VBP springs... I can't remember which manufacture has been shown to have a massive increase in rear height so as a lot of guys have sent them back.. I have a TRW 330 lb spring in mine that was there and installed by the previous owner... I had to put the 8" bolts in mine to get it to the height to where I wanted it and even have thought about 10" bolts as a lot of Shark guys have done...Here are a few pics to show that I have the 8" bolts run almost all the way down... Dave...

 

[Delph]

With most of the composite rear springs you will have to upgrade/change to the 8" bolts or it will sit higher.. I don't know why the manufactures don't provide them with the spring.. On the other place the Shark guys have had quite a few discussions on TRW and VBP springs... I can't remember which manufacture has been shown to have a massive increase in rear height so as a lot of guys have sent them back.. I have a TRW 330 lb spring in mine that was there and installed by the previous owner... I had to put the 8" bolts in mine to get it to the height to where I wanted it and even have thought about 10" bolts as a lot of Shark guys have done...Here are a few pics to show that I have the 8" bolts run almost all the way down... Dave...

Dave,

your car keeps getting better looking every time I see it. How did you get that frame and undercarriage looking so nice without taking the body off?

Tim

 

[youwish2bme]

Rattle Can......:L :L




Thanks for the compliment man.. I after all the hours spent laying on my back with a 4" dewalt angle grinder with a knotted wire wheel.. Plus it helps when you take all that stuff apart back there and rebuild it.. The rearend has been completely redone, trailing arms redone,new tank, new rear harness... Pretty much everything back there is new...

I was up around Richmond a few weeks ago when I went to the Lars Tuning for Beer Touring that was in Herndon.. I was coming around 295 and couldn't find your number... I need to change my contact info here but due to some unfortunate issues at work I have a new email..... davehitchens66@earthlink.net... Dave...

 

[Delph]

Rattle Can......:L :L




Thanks for the compliment man.. I after all the hours spent laying on my back with a 4" dewalt angle grinder with a knotted wire wheel.. Plus it helps when you take all that stuff apart back there and rebuild it.. The rearend has been completely redone, trailing arms redone,new tank, new rear harness... Pretty much everything back there is new...

I was up around Richmond a few weeks ago when I went to the Lars Tuning for Beer Touring that was in Herndon.. I was coming around 295 and couldn't find your number... I need to change my contact info here but due to some unfortunate issues at work I have a new email..... davehitchens66@earthlink.net... Dave...

I have replaced just about everything underneath too. Unfortunatley I didnt paint and clean everything as nice as you. I have seen paint advertised in Eastwoods that looks like a single process paint. It has the rust protection, primer and black paint all in one. Have you used any of this?

My Corvette has been back in paint for about 2 months now. I hope to get it back before the end of summer. The guy that does my paint work is just like the Soup Nazi on Seinfield. Crazy but has good soup/paint.

Tim

 

[BarryK]

My Corvette has been back in paint for about 2 months now. I hope to get it back before the end of summer. The guy that does my paint work is just like the Soup Nazi on Seinfield. Crazy but has good soup/paint.

Tim

my car is due out of the paint shop sometime soon (i hope) after being there almost 10 months.
He is a little like your painter. I've leaned it doesn't matter when I want my car back, i'll get it back when HE is happy with the way she looks. He's a perfectionist and been doing this for over 30 years (specializing in older vettes since he started) and there is no rushing him!
He will serve no Vette before it's time

 

[Delph]

my car is due out of the paint shop sometime soon (i hope) after being there almost 10 months.
He is a little like your painter. I've leaned it doesn't matter when I want my car back, i'll get it back when HE is happy with the way she looks. He's a perfectionist and been doing this for over 30 years (specializing in older vettes since he started) and there is no rushing him!
He will serve no Vette before it's time

When he actually painted it about a year ago, he kept it for about 10-months...frame on. I sent it off to do the susspension and put the new motor in and it got a chip on it. I also had a few little alignment issues with the doors so he is going to keep it for a while. so in the past 2 years I have driven it about 100 miles. Its like paying child support. I show up at the various shops write a check, say hi/bye and give it a kiss...till next month.

Tim

 

[67HEAVEN]

Delph,

It's good to see you here at .

I had no stance problems, but that's based on using the complete VB&P Performance Plus kit front and rear.

I'm sure you'll get the height issue sorted out.