C-2 suspension, viable solution or bad idea!
I have the typical problem that many C-2 big blocks owners have, a lower than normal ride height on the front end. As many of you know, this causes the front tires (P-205/75 R-15) to scrape or damage the bottom edge of the fiberglass inner front fender lip when the wheels are turned close to the extreme position. I had planned to remove the front springs and replace them or insert a rubber spacer above the existing spring to gain an additional inch to two inches of ride height. Before doing that, I thought I would get some input on trying to adapt some other device, that might be adjustable, such as an air shock, a coil over or something like that. Is there something that is adjustable that doesn't degrade handling, that could accomplish this task. Any suggestions or opinions?
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Re: C-2 suspension, viable solution or bad idea!
Glenn,
I have same tires on my 65 SB coupe also on 67 convertible also SB. Clear good all around. I suspect your springs have "aged". Assuming the ride height is below spec I suggest new springs. The NASCAR type spacers may get you more lift but risk the falling out. Also the ride will be less than desirable. Your other ideas on air and after market suspension is a bit drastic on a classic. But if it is a resto mod type car then have at it. -
Re: C-2 suspension, viable solution or bad idea!
I had a similar problem on my 67 BB. I installed new NOS springs and this brought the front up..... for awhile. After about 6 months the front was at about the same height as the original springs that I removed. I found some rubber spacers that (according to some) were dealer installed to raise the front end at YEARONE. They were available as Pontiac parts. They go on the ends of the springs and are not visible when installed. I placed a spacer on both ends and the front end now meets right height specs after 4+ years. They were a #@$%
to install as the springs are compressed more. The spacers are considered 1/2" thick.
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Re: C-2 suspension, viable solution or bad idea!
You should measure the front ride height IAW the service manual/AIM to determine what it actually is and how it compares to spec.
Your tire size should not interfere with the fender lips with the OE wheels, but could be a problem if the front has excess positive camber, which you should also measure. It's easy to do with an inclinometer and the car on a level surface.
Once you have the data you're in a better position to determine a solution.
Unless the front bottoms out frequently, I wouldn't worry about a slightly low ride height, and a camber adjustment may be all you need to prevent interference, which would be much easier than installing spring spacers.
DukeComment
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Re: C-2 suspension, viable solution or bad idea!
I have read threads about ride height that suggest that new spring are only a temporary fix, as Stephen suggested. When I do the ride height "Z" spec, per the FSM I'm about 3/4" to 1" lower than the spec. of 2.07". I'm not sure how to measure the "A" spec. with side pipes, but the lower edge of the side pipe cover is only 5.5" from the floor. When measuring from the floor to the wheel opening, the distance it is 24.5" on both sides. This is with almost new P225/75R15 Michelin/Diamondback tires on original Kelsey KO's @ 37lb. Regarding alignment, I had a front & rear alignment done when the tires were replaced, less than 1000 ago. It doesn't bottom out but really comes up on hard acceleration. As much as I hate to R & R the springs, I guess the spacers are the only answer at this point. Thanks for your input.Comment
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Re: C-2 suspension, viable solution or bad idea!
Measuring any point on the body, fender lips, side pipes etc. are influenced by the size of the tires. Example: you got a set of "DUBS" 22's on your vette. Those dimensions will be much larger than with stock wheels and tires. The "Z" dimension isn't influenced by tire size..... It is a differential dimension on the suspension components.Comment
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Re: C-2 suspension, viable solution or bad idea!
I had a similar problem on my 67 BB. I installed new NOS springs and this brought the front up..... for awhile. After about 6 months the front was at about the same height as the original springs that I removed. I found some rubber spacers that (according to some) were dealer installed to raise the front end at YEARONE. They were available as Pontiac parts. They go on the ends of the springs and are not visible when installed. I placed a spacer on both ends and the front end now meets right height specs after 4+ years. They were a #@$% to install as the springs are compressed more. The spacers are considered 1/2" thick.
Steve-----
These spacers are what I recommend to deal with low front ride height problems.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: C-2 suspension, viable solution or bad idea!
If you correctly stated the current tire size, above, then that's your problem. In addition to being about three inches wider than the OE tires they are about two inches taller.
The biggest tire that you can mount on KOs without significant interference is 215/70R-15, which are about the same OD as the OE tires, but about two inches wider.
Saying the car was aligned doesn't mean anything. The only thing that counts are the final alignment settings, which could cover a very wide range.
DukeComment
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Re: C-2 suspension, viable solution or bad idea!
If you correctly stated the current tire size, above, then that's your problem. In addition to being at least a couple of inches wider than the OE tires they are over an inch taller.
The biggest tire that you can mount on KOs without significant interference is 215/70R-15, which are about the same OD as the OE tires, but over an inch wider.
Saying the car was aligned doesn't mean anything. The only thing that count's are the final alignment settings, which could cover a very wide range.
DukeComment
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