66 BB ride height problem
The ride height on my 66 BB non air coupe is causing the front tires to drag on the fiberglass at the top of the wheel well when the wheels are turned in either direction as I enter my slightly upwardly sloped driveway. I have checked the 66 AIM height "Z dimension" (pg F152) and find that I am at least one inch less than the 2.25" spec. I have read a lot of the older posts on this problem and have gathered that many C2 BB owners have not been able to cure this height problem by simply replacing the springs. Or if they did, the new springs would soon droop to an unacceptable height. On the other hand, using spring spacers seems not to be a recommended solution. When I purchase my 64 SB air car it had a set of die cast accessory type spacers under the front springs. I removed the spacers when I replaced the springs during a front suspension rebuild years ago. Some posts mention a Dr Rebuild type of NOS GM part to use in conjunction with either new springs or the existing old springs. Has anyone had success with spacers? My springs appear to be an original set of standard suspension 12 coil with 15 mm diameter coils, as measured with an open end wrench. I have not yet removed the springs so I don't know their height. I would like some suggestions on the best way to cure this ride height problem. My tires are a set of Diamondback Michelin X 205/75-R-15 they are similar in diameter with slightly more tread width than the original 775-15 tires. If springs or spacers are recommended, I'm hoping to get some at the Kissimmee Fl. NCRS event next week. Thanks in advance.
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Re: 66 BB ride height problem
Glen------
Some early 1966 Corvettes with 427 may have been built using the GM #3851100 coil spring. This is the spring used for most 1964-67 Corvette small blocks as well as 1965 L-78. The 3851100 springs will cause a somewhat low ride height with big blocks. Of course, you may have the GM #3888250 spring, first used for 1966 big blocks without C-60, which now have somewhat "sagged". The latter condition is VERY likely if these springs have suffered from any pitting-induced corrosion.
I have never used the stock-type, hard rubber spacers. However, GM did use these in cases of C2 era customer complaints of low ride height/tire rubbing conditions. It's also possible that some were installed in PRODUCTION. Dr. Rebuild does sell this type of spacer.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: 66 BB ride height problem
Part of your problem in addition to ride height is the additional tire width.
I rebuilt the front of my 67BB with NOS springs. They eventually had some droop to them so I found some GM rubber spacers at Year One. They were listed under Pontiac as 1/2". I installed a set on both top and bottom which brought the front well within spec. They were somewhat of a bear to install but worked great. I'm running 775X15 tires and haven't a problem.Comment
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Re: 66 BB ride height problem
Joe, Thanks for the spring information, I hadn't heard of the early vs late BB front springs. It's something to consider. This Vette was produced during the latter part of the 65 model year, I don't know if that would be early enough to have the early springs you mentioned. The springs have been painted black at some point, but there is no sign of heavy rust or green part number tags. Do you know if the coil diameter is the same for both early and late springs? That would be a check that I could do while they are still in the car. Since posting I checked the DR Rebuild site and noticed several spacers of different thickness. I need to get at least an inch higher.Comment
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Re: 66 BB ride height problem
Stephen, Thanks for your input. I was looking for a success story before venturing out on my own. I found the 1/2" spacers you mentioned at Year One, also Mr Gasket, Jegs, Amazon etc has similar split 1" rubber spacers with 6" OD" 4" ID. These thicker spacers might be easier to install and still get the same amount of lift with two spacers instead of four. And, under 25$ vs over 100$, A good deal if they're the same quality. Thanks again.Comment
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Re: 66 BB ride height problem
Glen-----
I suspect yours would be too late for the early springs, but it's still possible. The OD of the springs was the same. The wire diameter of the 385511 is 0.60". The wire diameter I have for the 3888250 is 0.58" but I'm not sure it's accurate.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 66 BB ride height problem
Joe, The closest measurement I could get, using the open end wrench method, with the spring still installed is 9/16" to small, 5/8"to big, 15 mm (.58-.60") just right. Thanks again.Comment
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Re: 66 BB ride height problem
The rubber spacers of varying thicknesses can be bought at most high end auto supply stores.Last edited by Michael G.; January 20, 2013, 09:50 AM.Comment
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Re: 66 BB ride height problem
Joe:
I got access to the Chevrolet prints back in the 70s when I was having trouble figuring out the 3851100 3888250 thing. They are both made from 0.600 wire. They both have the same spring rate, 195-295 lb/in. (That means they both have the same number of coils.) The free length on the 385100 is 16.88 and the drawing has 327 as the application. The free length on the 3888250 is 17.35 and the drawing has 427 as the application.
BillComment
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Re: 66 BB ride height problem
You are correct, I bought two of the universal 1" lift sets at Auto Zone yesterday for $5.99 each. They are designed to squeeze in between the coils or with some reforming, go above or below the removed spring. I plan on installing them above the spring. This should give me the lift I need.Comment
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