I'll take that discount now, VBP.......

[corvetjerryd]

I had a "little" accident in my 73 with a drainage culvert and really messed up my rear suspension...Broke the diff.cover,bent spring,mangeled right t-arm,bent shock..etc.:cry ...So now I have the money and I'm thinking about an upgrade to the rear suspension...I am looking at the VBP combo with the dual mount comp. rear spring and the smart strut setup(42000R)....I usually only use the car for crusing and "ocasoinally" barking the tires between gears...Have any you guys used this setup???? Is it overkill for me??? Would I be better off just using a 340# comp. spring and adjustable struts??? Just what is the advantage to "dual" mounts and smart struts???
I don't want it to ride to stiff or sit to high either.... I will call vette brakes and ask them too, but I was wondering if any of you guys had any 1st hand experience????
I know thats A lot of questions ....but you guys are GOOD.. .... Any info. you can give me will be of great help.....

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

i have the same kit on my '77 and love it!! i an sold on its performance and flexibility. you can adjust the ride height and spring rate independantly from eachother. it rides great and handles awesome, you won't be disappointed. Brian.

 

[corvetjerryd]

Thanx alot for your reply Brian......That's just what I was hopin' you would say ,I thought it looked like a pretty good setup and the idea of having dual spring mounts sounded like it wouldn't have as much body roll.....But I was afraid it may be to stiff in the ride dept.......I will always listen to the guy who actually has and uses the exact same setup, experience is everything.;worship ...I will give VBP a call on monday morning......Thanx again Jerry D.

Just how does the smart strut system work????:confused

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

Jerry,
the smart struts work by lowering the mount height of the strut near the differential. this gives them the same angle as the rear half shaft. that keeps the rear camber from changing thru the suspension travel. keeping the tire perpendicular to road keeps more tire on the ground for more traction. the instructions are pretty good, but if you have any questions on the install, feel free to give me a shout.

 

[corvetjerryd]

Good explaination !!!! Now I totally understand....I'm gettin' more excited the more we talk......I can't wait and thanx for the help offer..I will probally take you up on it before I"m done......I'll keep you updated.....Jerry D.

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

sounds good, feel free to email me anytime.

 

[corvetjerryd]

Hey Brian,

Its me again....I started to install my performance+ kit today and I've heard that you need to "lube up" the poly bushings real good to keep them from squeeking...But I can't find any lube in the kit for this....Did you lube yours???What kind did you use??? I am thinking about anti-seize compound or maybe engine assembly lube???
The kit looks pretty fancy...alot of parts in it....they didn't send my smart strut system but I called them and they said they would send it right away...But everything else looks great....Can't wait to get it in and try it out...
I also found the axle bearings on the drivers side in bad shape so I bought 2 rebuilt bearing assemblys to go with it and a new t-arm and new brake lines and new rotors and brake pads ,I already have the o-ring calipers.....hopefully that should take care of the rear for awhile...:eyerole

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

you should have the black poly bushings, they have graphite in them and don't squeek. i used a little graphite engine assembly lube just to get the bushings to slide in place a little easier for assembly. haven't lubed them since, and she hasn't squeeked in four summers. for the softer ride you're looking for, try putting the spring mount on the inner of the four holes for the rear and the second from the inside for the front. it works well for a small block car. if you don't like it, it's way easy to move the mounts farther out to stiffen it up.
CHECK YOUR LOWER A-ARM MOUNT BRACKETS!!! one of mine was cracked and the other fell off in my hand when i took the lower a-arm off. this is a known problem on the C-3's. i just welded mine back on and installed some small angle braces to beef it up. holding good so far. i'm heading out to a remote drill location for the next week, so it may take a bit to get back to you on answering any more questions, no internet on the arctic ocean sucks! hope you get her back together soon, Brian.

 

[corvetjerryd]

Yep,It does have the black bushings and glad to hear theres no worry about the lube.....Thanx for the tip on the a arms, I will definatly check that out...

Wow,Working on a drilling rig in alaska...Thats sounds like a rough job...And then no internet either.....there should be a law against that...:L ....Thanx again for all your help and i'll try to get by without ya' for few days.....Thanx Brian

 

[corvetjerryd]

I got my Discount!!!!

Hey Brian,
I have the rear suspension back together and its back on all 4's again....That new kit was a breeze to set up (even with little or no instructions) :eyerole and it looks great under there.....I only drove it a couple miles to make sure it works..I still have to take it to the frame shop to check out the frame and set the alignments before I drive it too far, thats why I left the mufflers and tire carrier off so they can check it out....But so far it feels really smooth and solid and it sits a lot lower then it did before ,which I like.....Can't wait to give it a good run...Thanx again for your help...

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

Jerry,
your welcome, even though i didn't realy do anything. glad everything went smooth!! hope you enjoy the new ride. i have to put mine away for the year, it started snowing today. oh well, only a month before snowmachine season!! talk with you later, Brian.

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

thanks for the kudos Alan. just doing my best to help fellow Vetters get the most from their cars. your system is great and i really enjoy my car with it.

i've been considdering setting up a shop in Alaska and was curious if you guys offer parts outlet/dealships for your products and if you already had one up here. i know lots of guys running late 60's and 70's Vettes, Chevelles, Cameros and Novas, and they could all benefit from better handling.