Different thoughts on lowering the front of my 1988GT

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Topic: Different thoughts on lowering the front of my 1988GT

sspeedstreet
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From: Santa Maria, CA
Registered: Dec 2002

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04-08-2010 12:35 PM

I have a spare front 1988 crossmember I'm modifying for Corvette power steering. I noticed the mounts for the LCAs look like something I welded on (in the dark . . . in the rain). One spot was even burned through and then bridged with weld material.

So, I thought as long as I was welding on the crossmember anyway, I'd fab up some new mounts and install them. And if I raise the mounting points an inch or so . . . voila! No need for lowering spindles or taller balljoints to drop the front end.

Or am I missing something here?

Neil

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1988 GT, 5-speed, white, beechwood leather, 3.4 DOHC crate motor 6-speed installation in process. Really. I am working on it.

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TG oreiF 8891
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From: Cleveland, Ohio; USA
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04-08-2010 01:36 PM

Simply raising the mounting location of the LCAs will not lower the car. It will only increase the angle of the LCA at rest. Think of what's holding up the car, the spindle connects to the LCA through the ball joint and the LCA actually holds the car up via the spring mount and on up to the cross members spring seat. In order to lower the car via the mounting of the LCA at the cross member, you'd have to lower this mounting location, but I would not advise doing so. Think of the LCA as a lever. the top of the spring is fixed, thus so is the bottom of the spring where it meets the LCA (in a static situation, anyhow). So just like a teeter totter, in order to raise one side (at the wheel) you need to lower the other side. Again, I DO NOT recommend this. Despite the visual aspects of the mounts, they were welded on in a jig that kept the tolerances within reason. Also, having your control arm mounts as the lowest thing under the car is probably not good for longevity. Anything that sticks up on the road or any curbs, etc. may strike those new mounts and cause disastrous effects on your alignment.

Good luck with the power steering install and 6-speed. I've got Rickady's power steering in my car and a 6-speed manual just waiting to go in. I plan to do the swap either when I get the time and money or when my 2.8L finally gives up the ghost... whichever comes first.

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1988 Fiero GT
Custom Corvette / MR2 electro-hydraulic power steering
17" rims covering up 11.25" rotors with Cadillac Calipers & drop spindles
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[This message has been edited by TG oreiF 8891 (edited 04-08-2010).]

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Rodney
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From: Caledonia, WI USA
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04-08-2010 05:55 PM

If you move the LCA mounts up you will actually raise the front end some.

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