The REAL way to lower the rear end on a C4

[urtoslo]

I don' t think those spacers will do a whole lot. You'll still need longer end bolts (with the correct bushings for the ends) on the end of the spring.... [;)]

[Black396]

Won't know for sure until its back together but right now I'm thinking that by moving all of the spacers to the bottom that I'll see about a 1.5" - 2" drop in the cars ride height.

All of the spacers and insulators together measured just over 1.5" so the back should drop that much at least.

[Black396]

Having the rear end of my '96 jacked up and looking like a dragster has been bothering me so today I decided to fix it.

After talking to Ralph, I decided that the 'spacer bolts' that Ecklers and Mid America sell are just a work around and only partially do the job.

The correct way to do it is with the spring spacers and insulators. The insulators are similar to thin masonite (1.72mm) and the spacers come in a number of sizes (part #s 14044572, 14048950, 14084056, 14093185). Which part and whether they are located above or below the spring depends on the year and suspension of the car.

Someone before I got my car raised it by moving all of the spacers to the top of the spring. Correct for my car is one above and two below. My plan is to move them all below the spring and see how much it is dropped.

Started at 12:30, two hours later I have the car in the air, and the spring out. The correct tools would make this job much easier. I decided not to rent a spring compressor (J 33432-A) and do it with jacks and jack stands (mistake #1)

Now with everything apart I find out that the insulators have a tendency to compress and stick together. The spacers are aluminum and have sleeves that the insulators fit over. Unfortunately the sleeves also crush and distort.

So its off to Pallone Chevy for parts. (mistake #2) The parts are out of stock and will take 3-5 working days to arrive to the tune of ~$95.00.

Right now the car is really 'slammed' and awaiting parts. I'll provide more info when she's back together.

[LilRedCorvette]

I read through that whole thing and the only thought that popped into my head was:

Man, that really sucks!

Hope things come out OK...

[joe1968]

I don't think moving the spacer plates are going to do much for you but it can't hurt to give it a try... What I think you really need is the longer bolts that set the ride hight at the end of the spring. Good luck I hope it works out. Maybe you found another way???

[urtoslo]

I don't think moving the spacer plates are going to do much for you but it can't hurt to give it a try... What I think you really need is the longer bolts that set the ride hight at the end of the spring. Good luck I hope it works out. Maybe you found another way???


What a diplomat! [:D] [B-)] [=D>]

[Black396]

What a diplomat! [:D] [B-)] [=D>]


Yeah, he is a pretty [B-)] guy isn't he?

Well I've already ordered the parts so I'll give it a try and see what happens.

Mathmatically it would seem that for every 1mm moved from above to below the spring, the rear of the car would be lowered the same distance.

Waiting on parts sucks...

[Woods977]

Mike, the spacers will not do anything. I'm not a diplomat, but I do know a few things about the C4. The aluminum spacers for the rear need to stay where they are. The height adjustment is done on the end of the rear spring, you need longer bolts.

[Black396]

Hey, I was hoping to hear something outa you. [:D]

Speaking about knowing about C4s....

do you have any of the alignment tools, camber gauge, toe-in rod?

[Woods977]

No sorry, I will when the house gets built.

[ConeKLR]

mike , read yor other threads on high adjustments and wheel alignment.

[Black396]

mike , read yor other threads on high adjustments and wheel alignment.


Thanks, saw it [B-)]