Smoothing my ride out

[Ricks98]

I posted this in the general forum but remembered this was the right place to ask this question
I have a 81 vette. I am definitely not an expert on shocks and suspension. My ride feels pretty harsh and would like to smooth it out. What are your thoughts on what type of shocks I should put on and should I do anything about the actual supension?
Thanks for any thoughts

 

[bill81vette]

I don't really know if there is anything you can do to these particular vettes.
Unfortunately,the C-3's are what they are....
when the C-4's came out they started a smoother ride.
I don't know if anybody has tried to find a smoother ride for the C-3's

 

[Ricks98]

Your probably right. I am going to change the shocks as they are old and tired. The new tires really helped and I changed out one of the front sway bar links as it was broken. The c3 may ride a bit rough but it sure turns heads.
Thanks
Rick

 

[GerryLP]

Rick,

Are the shocks original, and do you know if you have the heavy duty suspension (rear anti-roll bar, 8-leaf 2.50" [metal leaves], special shocks)?

GerryLP:cool

 

[Ricks98]

Rick,

Are the shocks original, and do you know if you have the heavy duty suspension (rear anti-roll bar, 8-leaf 2.50" [metal leaves], special shocks)?

GerryLP:cool

Hey Gerry,
Yes the shocks are original. I just ordered some replacements yesterday. Doesn't look like I have the heavy duty suspension. I'm planning on changing the shocks next week. Since I put the new tires on it actually rides pretty good until 60 or so. Looks like the back left shock was leaking. Front springs look ok. I also changed out one of the sway bar links as it was broken. Slowly but surely shes driving much better. After this I get to work on a small transmission leak which looks like its coming from the front seal. At least my wife is happy since this vette keeps me occupied.
Rick

 

[smithjw]

When I first got my 81 I thought the ride was a bit rough as well. Here is what I did. Bought new touring springs for the front and matched them with Bilstein shocks. The rear had a big heavy and squeeky metal spring. I replaced the metal spring with a TRW fiberglass spring, and that was matched with KYB gas shocks that were supposedly valved to be used with fiberglass springs. This was about 10 years ago and I have not seen these shocks recently in any of the parts catalogs. Anyway, the car rides very smooth with the exception of hitting potholes. I think I may need new ball joints.

 

[Ricks98]

Thanks for the info. The new shocks just arrived so I'll get them on right away. I'll then work on the other things you've mentioned.
Rick