82Red

I installed long leafspring bolts as I am trying to get a 2" drop. The bolts I got are 12" (I plan to cut the excess).

My problem:
With the nuts loosened to where the spring now closely rubs the inside tire sidewalls, the car now sits 1 1/2" higher than it was before!! (see pictures). Shouldn't the car drop as the leafspring bolts are loosened?:confused:
I would appreciate any insight on what's going on here.
Thanks!




:confused: :confused:

7T9Shark

It's physically impossible for longer spring bolts to raise the car. Roll the car forward or backward a few feet to allow the suspension to "settle" and you'll see the difference.

70 LS1

Push the car back and forth to get the suspension to settle. Then see how it sits.

I see you just beet me to it.


[Modified by 70 LS1, 6:47 PM 4/17/2004]

tshort

Something similar happened to me a few weeks ago. As the others have stated, move the car and it'll drop.

MotorHead

Where did you get those bolts I hope they ara not just threaded stock, those bolts need to specifically made for the suspension. A lot of damage can happen when they break, you could kill yourself or someone else.

82Red

YOU WERE ALL RIGHT.
Rocking the car back and forth did cause the spring to settle. I bought the 1/2" x 12" bolts from a local auto parts supply store (not Home Depot) - they are made by Motormite(.com). I paid only $11:eek: for the pair.

Now my next task - installing the adjustable camber struts.

flynhi

Use ONLY grade 8 bolts for this purpose. Others will fail sooner or later. You do NOT want this to happen to you!
Remember that the tire sidewall will move side to side as you turn. This will result in rubbing and possible sidewall failure. You really need to go to a 17" wheel to eliminate the spring end/tire interference you described.


[Modified by flynhi, 11:21 PM 4/17/2004]

Twin_Turbo

I see a blown tire in your future...look at how scary close the spring end is to the tire..yikes.

As for the grade of bolts, I prefer 7 or 6 in those locations, 8 may be strong for tensile strength but that is tested in a stretch test and not a dynamic load test (fatigue), being more brittle the grade 8 could snap earlier than a 6 or 7.

flynhi

Twin Turbo =
Good point. Where can I learn more about these strength ratings?

norvalwilhelm

Good point. Where can I learn more about these strength ratings?


Tensile strengths are listed in any catalogue but as the number goes up the tensile strength also goes up but the ductility goes down. Higher the number, higher the strength more BRITTLE.
I overcompensate by going grade 8 and a larger size.
I too see that spring as ready to cut the sidewall.
Steel springs are easy to shorten, just cut with any saw and drill a new hole. While the springs have lots of ductility they are not that hard and with slow speed, a sharp drill bit and oil they drill fine.

slaine

I lower the rear tires onto trashbags that are laying on the floor. A coupla trash bags under each tire makes it slippery enough that you can push down on the car to establish the correct alignment, w/o moving the car.
Mike