Rear springs replaced

[nchase007]

Hey guys, I took my car into to have the alignment fixed shortly after buying it and the man at the shop to me that he only could fix the alignment a little because it won't be perfect until I replace my rear springs. I asked what it would cost and he said in the ball park of $2000. Has anyone gone through this?

At speeds of 60 and higher, I hit a little dip in the road and the car almost pulls off the road, which make freeway driving interesting... Is this also because of my need for new rear springs?

I'm still wating to hear back from 'Overhaulin' after I signed myself up, but until then do you guys have any suggestions or know more about this?

THANKS,
Nate

 

[The73vetteman]

Rear springs?
Unless your C3 is very different to mine you only have 1 rear spring. You might like to take a look to check that it has some arch or curvature to it. The ends should be lower than the center.

Alignment problems can be caused by a number of things but I would have put spring fatigue fairly low down on the list. Worn bushings would be the first thing to look for.
John

 

[nchase007]

Maybe he said 'spring' now I cant' remember. I'm still learning, never was a car guy till my vette. Thanks John!

 

[steelblue75]

The stock steel spring assy. only costs about $150.00, a fiberglass spring about double that. They are not to dificult to install, you could do it yourself.

 

[rsmlap]

Mine car was acting similar. Relaced the rear control arm bushings, and all other rear suspension bushings along with the rear spring. Drives and rides like a dream. Had already rebuilt the front suspension.

 

[GTR1999]

Sounds like this guy doesn't know what he's talking about or is just trying to rip you off.
First, there's only one rear spring in your car. If it's sagging and the strut rod bushings are shot, add in worn out differential side yokes then he won't be able to align it unless he bends the strut rods- I would check this ASAP to see if they're bent.
You need to get the rear suspension checked by an experienced vette mechanic. Many very good car mechanics are not good C2 and C3 mechanics.
If you only need a rear spring then they cost $120 for aftermarket crappy steel or $300 for aftermarket crappy fiberglass. Yeah, I used them and don't like any of them, but you don't have much choice if you need one.
You'll find they lift the rear of the car 2" unless you use 8" long spring bolts, which work ok with stock ralley wheels. If you use aftermarket wheels/tires you may have to check to see if the bolt extends down past the rim in case of a blow out or if side wall flexing with hit the tire and blow it out.
If you can find a real GM NOS spring buy it!

Gary

 

[JohnGrawcock]

Mine car was acting similar. Relaced the rear control arm bushings, and all other rear suspension bushings along with the rear spring. Drives and rides like a dream. Had already rebuilt the front suspension.

Did your ride height come out right? If so, what brand of spring did you use?

 

[Jack]

Sounds like this guy doesn't know what he's talking about or is just trying to rip you off.
First, there's only one rear spring in your car. If it's sagging and the strut rod bushings are shot, add in worn out differential side yokes then he won't be able to align it unless he bends the strut rods- I would check this ASAP to see if they're bent.
You need to get the rear suspension checked by an experienced vette mechanic. Many very good car mechanics are not good C2 and C3 mechanics.Gary

Agreed ... and ... it probably ain't got much to do with the spring.
JACK:gap

 

[ChuckG]

First, there's only one rear spring in your car. If it's sagging and the strut rod bushings are shot, add in worn out differential side yokes then he won't be able to align it unless he bends the strut rods- I would check this ASAP to see if they're bent.

If you only need a rear spring then they cost $120 for aftermarket crappy steel or $300 for aftermarket crappy fiberglass. Yeah, I used them and don't like any of them, but you don't have much choice if you need one.

You'll find they lift the rear of the car 2" unless you use 8" long spring bolts, which work ok with stock ralley wheels. If you use aftermarket wheels/tires you may have to check to see if the bolt extends down past the rim in case of a blow out or if side wall flexing with hit the tire and blow it out.
If you can find a real GM NOS spring buy it!

Gary

Eaton Spring makes a dead on reproduction spring that is built to original specs and sits right. Cost is $159.00 plus shipping. Chuck

 

[Bob Chadwick]

You can also have the original spring rebuilt. I think JohnZ has posted this information and you should be able to find it with a search.

I doubt that a bad rear spring has anything to do with the alignment.

 

[JOE BYRNE]

It's not a fun job.....but if he wants $2,000 I would guess he is charging you about$500.00 per hour!!!!!!!!

 

[rsmlap]

I purchased a 9 leaf spring from VBP. I think it is still a liitle higher in the rear than stock. It measures 29 1/2 inches from the ground to the bottom of the wheel well.

 

[JOE BYRNE]

Mine is at 29. 29 1/2 when I put the spring in last winter.....was riding at about 27 just before the old sring cracked in half as I was pulling in the garage!!!!!!!