Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

[Joe L.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

You haven’t worked on an LS engine then, have you?

It’s rare that you CAN reuse a fastener on those engines.

Patrick------

No, I have not and have no intention of doing so. However, I was, of course, referring to Corvettes of the genre most discussed on this board.

Most modern engines, LS-series and otherwise, now utilize "one-time-only" head bolts.

Personally, I consider that most fasteners in high strength and safety-related applications should be replaced whenever they are removed. In addition, any such fastener of unknown history (and, every such fastener on a car that one has not owned and exclusively self-serviced since new) falls into this category. In addition, I'm extremely leery of re-plated fasteners used in such applications.

[James W.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

William,

is this the article you found in the archives? Instructions could be used as long as you have a helper.

James

Just searched archives and found lots of info on changing cushions. Like Duke's technique of changing with wheels on and car on ground. Don't get part about a c clamp around spring to keep jack from sliding. Suppose c clamp keeps spring leaves from moving and pushing down on jack once spring is raised? any need to use new bolts as some have suggested? Think I also see answer to question of how many "cup washers " per side- 2 washers and 2 pressed in retainers per side.

[William F.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

No that's not the one. I don't really like the pry bar idea.

[Anthony C.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Can you tell me the GM website I would like to purchase them as well thanks

[James W.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Type in GM #3831586 in Goggle. The GM parts dealer will show up or go to Ebay, there are several for sale on there. I will send you PM with a fellow NCRS member who also has a few for sale.

James

Can you tell me the GM website I would like to purchase them as well thanks

[Thomas B.]

[James W.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Here are the pictures of the rear spring with the NOS GM spring cushions installed. The rear spring is the restored original and the ride height is great. A little higher by about an inch. This is before I have the toe-in and camber have been set to Duke's spec's for radial tires. I have not installed the cotter pins yet because I plan to make any final ride height adjustments after the alignment is completed. No complaints at all.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!


James

[Thomas B.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

On a related note, what is considered to be the factory correct spring end mount bolt length for a C2?

[Joe L.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

On a related note, what is considered to be the factory correct spring end mount bolt length for a C2?

Thomas------

6-5/16" (not including the head, of course).

[Thomas B.]

[Anthony C.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

[QUOTE=Anthony Cammaroto (69061);941259]

[Leif A.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

Anthony,
As long as the hardware is in good repair, there is no reason not to reuse it. You might consider re-phosphating the bolt and nut and re-zinc the washers. But, if they're not deteriorated, reuse as is. Don't forget the smoothed edge of the big washer goes toward the new rubber bushing.

[Joe L.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

[QUOTE=Anthony Cammaroto (69061);941260]

I am going to replace my original cushions spring bolt in my 75 . I was considering re- installing original bolts, retainers cup washers and castle nut, or should I install new hardware . I want to keep her original as possible but I’m concerned about safety as well. Also if I installed new hardware would that be a big point deduction in my next judging event. Thanks

Anthony-------

GM advised in the factory service manual that the spring end bolts should be replaced whenever they are removed from the car. Is it absolutely necessary? I don't know but they're the only bolts I know of for the 1963-82 period that GM specified should be replaced whenever removed.

[Gary B.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

[QUOTE=Anthony Cammaroto (69061);941260]Anthony,

Although the GM end bolts for the rear spring have been discontinued, you can still find NOS examples for sale on eBay. The last GM bolt sold as a service replacement was GM 458982. Not cheap on eBay. But available if you really want GM bolts.

Gary

[James W.]

Re: Rear Spring/Trailing Arm Rubber Cushions... GM or Aftermarket???

I re-plated all of my original rear spring parts shown in my pictures, except for the rear spring cups which I bought from Gary Beaupre that he reproduces.

James