C2 front suspension upgrades

[John P.]

Not sure exactly how to ask this question, but...

My 1965 convertible 327 factory A/C vehicle appears to have all original suspension. I am in the process of replacing front tires and shocks. I am not totally satisfied with how the front end handles. It has been aligned.

What would be the best "bang for the buck" front suspension parts replacements? I have no real experience in that area or special tools. Should I be looking at replacing rubber parts with newer improved materials? Replace the sway bar with a new one? Have my local shop replace ball joints?

I would hope some simple procedures and parts could give real improvements.

All input appreciated.

[Leif A.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

Not sure exactly how to ask this question, but...

My 1965 convertible 327 factory A/C vehicle appears to have all original suspension. I am in the process of replacing front tires and shocks. I am not totally satisfied with how the front end handles. It has been aligned.

What would be the best "bang for the buck" front suspension parts replacements? I have no real experience in that area or special tools. Should I be looking at replacing rubber parts with newer improved materials? Replace the sway bar with a new one? Have my local shop replace ball joints?

I would hope some simple procedures and parts could give real improvements.

All input appreciated.

John,
If you could be a bit more specific. There are any number of components in the front end that, if original, could easily have deteriorated over the years. Does the car "float", not handle crisply, wander on the road, constant steering corrections needed while driving, etc? What exactly are you looking for?

[Ed S.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

Are you, have you, put radials on your C2? If yes, have you ignored the factory recommended alignment specs and applied specs that work with radials? If you haven't your car will wander all over the place at speeds above 35 - 40 mph. It makes a HUGE difference.

[Keith B.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

Replace all bushings with new OEM rubber ones, good tires are big help and have your steering box rebuilt/restored.

[John P.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

The front end feels a bit "looser" than in the past. Not sudden, gradual. doesnt float all over, just a bit of change from years past.

Currently has new 205-70R15 . A74D56BE-73D2-4B6E-9E88-EA85959177AA.jpeg to the left is current front end alignment

[Jim L.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

The front end feels a bit "looser" than in the past. Not sudden, gradual. doesnt float all over, just a bit of change from years past.

Currently has new 205-70R15 . [ATTACH=CONFIG]101279[/ATTACH] to the left is current front end alignment

In my not always humble opinion, the shop that did the "alignment" didn't do much for you.

At the front, the only thing they changed was the toe.

At the rear, it's not clear they did anything.

If the rubber bushings are in good shape and if the alignment is proper, you won't need to "upgrade" the suspension (whatever that means). You'll be very happy with the feel of the stock suspension.

My compleately unscientific recommendation is to find a new shop and have them set the camber at all four wheels to be no more positive than zero degrees. Negative 1/2 degree would be my choice. Get as much positive caster in the front as can be achieved. Make L&R camber equal as well as L&R caster.

I have no specific toe recommendations other than to make it the same L&R.

[John P.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

i noticed that nothing more than toe was adjusted. i did not push that further. i was told they did not have capability to do the rear.

[Dan A.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

Did they tell you that before or after?

[Jim L.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

i noticed that nothing more than toe was adjusted. i did not push that further. i was told they did not have capability to do the rear.

Find a better shop.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

i noticed that nothing more than toe was adjusted. i did not push that further. i was told they did not have capability to do the rear.

John-------


Not too many alignment shops will do the rear on a 1963-82 Corvette and many of the ones that will only do it by the hour not a fixed price by the job. If you have the original style "2 hole" trailing arm shims, the job will require much time and cost. All this applies to the toe-in setting. The camber setting any shop should be able to do unless they have a firm policy of no 63-82 rear alignment. For a complete rear alignment (toe and camber) you will need to find a shop that specializes in the alignment of 63-82 Corvettes. That means a shop that does these on a regular basis and NOT one that "thinks they can do it".

I would not use any "modern" elastomeric components in any suspension rebuild. OEM rubber type is the only type I would even consider. Any worn suspension parts should only be replaced with OEM or OEM equivalent parts.

[John P.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

after of course

[Dan A.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

after of course

............and you were charged something less for their inability to complete the job.

[John P.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

actually 1/2 list price just more of a disappointment

[Dan A.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

It appears you still have a need to address the front and rear alignment. I would speak with anyone that has done a full chassis restoration in your area. Find out their experience with respect to the alignment to complete their restoration. Failing that contact the nearest NCRS Chapter and seek direction from experienced members who may be able to direst you to a shop that has experience and understands 4 wheel independent suspension.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

It appears you still have a need to address the front and rear alignment. I would speak with anyone that has done a full chassis restoration in your area. Find out their experience with respect to the alignment to complete their restoration. Failing that contact the nearest NCRS Chapter and seek direction from experienced members who may be able to direst you to a shop that has experience and understands 4 wheel independent suspension.

Dan------


There are many shops that can do wheel alignments for 4 wheel independent suspension vehicles. If they could not they would likely be out of business as MANY vehicles for many years now have 4 wheel independent suspensions. However, what most of these shops can't do is 1963-82 Corvette 4 wheel independent suspensions.

Know what I think the problem is? I think the lack of shops that can do the 1963-82 Corvette alignment is because this suspension is so obsolete at this point that the ability to work with it has disappeared from the automotive technician workforce. In addition, many of the few shops that might be able to do it are "gun shy" because of the time and difficulty that can be involved in the rear toe setting.