Classic Engine Tech 1967 - 1981 Engine Related

lowering a 1980 Z28

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Old Sep 20, 2002 | 02:18 AM
  #1  
1980Z28's Avatar
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Question lowering a 1980 Z28

has anyone lowered this body style, and if so what have you used for the rear leafs, do they make a lowering leaf or do I need to get a custom leaf pack made. I have everything for the front but want the back a little lower to keep the look.
I am going to be running 245-40-18's and 235-40-18's on AR torque thrust II
the total lowering wil be about 3/4 of an inch.
objective is to tighten up the car and improve the look and
handling.
Old Sep 20, 2002 | 02:23 AM
  #2  
70 Cam Guy's Avatar
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You can get different shackles (i think thats the name) for your rear leafs. I don't believe you actually have to get different leafs. You should get some good shocks and that will help. If you're tightening up handling, poly bushings in the back may be a good idea. They also last a long time
Old Sep 20, 2002 | 02:27 AM
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Thanks for the reply but shackles would only change the appearance they wouldn't aid in the better handling,
I was thinking a new leaf pack would be good but I need to know if anyone sells one or if I need it custom made.
And I will be swtiching to poly bushings too.
Old Sep 20, 2002 | 05:50 AM
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Both Global West and Hotchkis make lowering springs for the rear.
Old Sep 20, 2002 | 10:05 AM
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It will be hard to find a kit that will only lower it 3/4 like you want it. Hotchkis will lower you about 2- 2.5.
Old Sep 23, 2002 | 04:13 PM
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ya get the Hotchkis if ur going to lower an 1980... but i warn you if u are running a 350. hey shorty headers... cuz u WILL bottom out.
Old Sep 26, 2002 | 10:08 AM
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Lightbulb leaf springs

are your leafs ran over the top of the axle or underneath?
if over try running them under
Old Sep 26, 2002 | 09:31 PM
  #8  
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Hey I'm doing the same thing and the only company that makes lowering leaf springs is hotchkins they run about $359 and claim to lower it about an inch and a half. Did you cut the front coils or did you buy lowering springs if you bought the springs which brand did you buy? I don't know if I should go with hotchkins or eibachs there isn't much price difference so I don't know which ones to go with if any one has feed back on this please let me know. Also if you are having trouble with the camber adjustment Global west sells an offset upper control arm shaft that increases camber if you want I'll post the NPD part #. What back spacing are you runing on the wheels I need to know cause it should be the same on an 1977 and it is on a 1980. I want to run 275's on the back and 245's on the front. Go to Hotchkins and check out their F-71 camaro that is bad A$$. Hope this helps and maybe you can help me out some too.
Old Sep 27, 2002 | 03:24 AM
  #9  
1980Z28's Avatar
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anybdoy know what hotchkis website address is I cant seem to find it maybe I am just spelling it wrong but if you have the link please post it up, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Old Sep 27, 2002 | 01:06 PM
  #10  
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1980Z28: hey its says ur from vancouver! same with me.. well north van... where bouts are ya?
Old Sep 28, 2002 | 01:34 AM
  #11  
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I am from richmond.
Old Sep 28, 2002 | 07:31 AM
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are your leafs ran over the top of the axle or underneath?
if over try running them under
All F-bodies with leaf spring suspension have the axle on top of the leaf.....

Last edited by Ls1smlblck; Oct 2, 2002 at 10:28 AM.
Old Sep 28, 2002 | 06:00 PM
  #13  
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If you only want to go an inch or so, why not use some regular lowering blocks? Simple....
Old Sep 30, 2002 | 11:43 AM
  #14  
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From: beardstown, il usa
leafs

i know the way that cars were supposed to come but some owners modify them to look better and i was just wondering if they changed the leaf positions! It is very common
Old Sep 30, 2002 | 05:05 PM
  #15  
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From: I been everywhere, man
If they changed the axle from over to under the springs you would definitely be able to tell.
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