Also, the distance between the box and pitman arm on the old box was 1/2" and the new setup is 5/8". The date code is irrelevant unless youre really trying to re-create [Click here to read more], If oil is the lifeblood of your engine, then the oil pump and lubrication system are indeed the heart and circulation system of your big-block Chevy. Turn the wheels (off ground) right and left, lightly contacting the wheel stops. PDF 1955-1964 STEERING LINKAGE IDENTIFIED - Chevy Classics Club 42: Install the rotors and calipers and tighten the wheel bearings as per the instructions in the shop manual. The C3 AIM sheet for tie rod clamping indicates that when you tighten the adjuster tube Many Corvette suppliers offer bearing and clutch pack kits that make an overhaul procedure much easier. Contact us here24 hours a day 7 days a week. Once the bolts have been secured, install the upper control arm bracket. Housing The specialty rebuilders that have seen [Click here to read more], Dash Carrier Assembly Removal Pulley should not wobble with engine running. Once the knuckle has been pushed into the ball joint stud, secure it with a 3/4-inch nut and torque to 45 ft-lbs. Notice how the end of the coil spring rests in the lower control arm. Three bolts fasten the steering box to the left side of the frame. 6 watching. The rear shock absorbers are attached to the trailing arms at the bottom and to the frame at the top. However, cornering speed is greatly increased with bigger units. Keep each set together and mark them for each side along with either front or rear. To check the gear pattern, hold the yoke with one hand and turn the ring gear back and forth with the other hand and a 9/16-inch wench on the ring gear bolt. It is best to sit the differential onto a jack and then install the frame member. Once they are snug go one quarter of a turn more. This bolt has a 13/16- inch head. Main 20, Differential Mount Bracket The bolts that you bagged and tagged when you removed this unit should be the correct size. The parts are then sent to the powdercoating shop to have their surfaces covered and protected. This prevents them from loosening and backing out. This system greatly improved handling and ride and that is why it was installed on all C3 Corvettes. When properly assembled, these power steering systems perform reliably. Get some friends to sit on the frame as you perform the next part. At the top of the box, an adjuster is used to tighten worn gears. He was quickly promoted to [Click here to read more], It was much easier to stockpile Muncie spare parts and cores in the 1970s than it is today. Van Steel uses this square piece of aluminum cut to the proper specification to measure the distance between the two upper control arm brackets. Gather all necessary parts that need to be installed onto the frame. 45: The last thing you will need to do is to check the toe-in of the front suspension. Pinion thrust washers6. (You can also use a large punch or another piece of solid metal.) Do not stand in front of the spring. Original-spec shocks have a service life thats at the lower range of this estimate, while premium aftermarket shocks last at the upper range. If using a differential rebuilding kit, it includes a dye to help determine the gear mesh pattern. New parts have been welded into place by a professional Corvette repair shop. This system works very well when the lines are properly connected and the seals have integrity. 120 IN VEHICLE C2/C3 CORVETTE STEERING GEAR ADJUSTMENT. 65, Spring Link Bolt to Torque Arm.- 20, 3/8" Bolts - Four bolts with 9/16-inch heads fasten both strut rods. Slowly lower the jack to see if the upper and lower control arms securely hold the coil spring in place. Tolerances of .005 or less are the runout target. Install the screw and tighten to specs. Oil All of these components should be evaluated, inspected, and repaired or replaced as necessary. The correct measurement is 26-3/8 inches. Dec . These manuals are a must because they will supply you with removal and installation procedures along with all of the correct torque specifications. Recheck the adjustment after putting 100 miles on the car. Insert a pickle fork between the trailing arm and the bearing support legs. Make sure the spring is properly seated in the control arm so it does not slip. Also do not tighten the trailing arm. This part takes a lot of stress and should be closely inspected to ensure that it is in excellent condition before installation. If it doesnt, adjust the nut until the opening is located. Your objective here is to install fresh bearings, seals, clutch packs, and races to replace any worn parts in the differential. When you service the pump with fluid, keep in mind as fluid gets hot it expands and can overflow out of the pump. Automotive Torque Specifications by Model - TorkSpec - Knowledge for Use a 13/16-inch socket on the top and a 7/8-inch wrench on the bottom to tighten the bolt. Just be sure to dial them down after you are finished playing or your fillings might fall out. Corvette Central Project Split Mod Part 3: Chassis | CC Tech Then insert the arms into a special jig to verify that they are straight. Does the new picture look ok as far as the shaft sticking thru the nut far enough? They are attached to the frame between the upper control arms with one bolt. 30, Sway Bar Bracket bolts (to Frame) 25 Oil Step 20 20: BALANCING THE CONTROL VALVE: The control valve must be adjusted after being dissembled as outlined in the following procedure: Balancing Instructions 04:Loosen the power steering pump hoses from the control valve and let them drain into a container. Inlet Housing 06: Disconnect the idler arm bracket from the passenger side of the frame and then use the tie rod separator to remove the control valve stud from the Pitman arm. 70, Oil Also install the gas tank at this time. The pitman arm bends away from the box as it goes down to the center link end. in/lbs, Carrier to Frame Ford used this Bendix-design "power-assist" steering design on a wide variety of vehicles ranging from the humble Falcon to the behemoth Lincoln. Find Us. A torque converter system concept of driver, driven and belt member, the opposing halves or sides of each member being unequal in angle. Step 1 01: Here are all of the components that Zip supplied for the front suspension rebuild: Springs, power steering pump, ram, valve, hoses, idler arm, drag link, tie rods, sleeves, control arm bushings, bumpers, stabilizer bar bushings, end kits, shocks, and all of the mounting hardware kits. Anti Roll/Stabilizer Bar To Body. It is important to make sure that this seal is correctly seated into the top of the differential housing. Front Suspension: How To Rebuild Your 1963-1982 Corvette Front Suspension, Source:ZipCorvette Parts8067 Fast Lane | Mechanicsville, VA 23111 | (800) 962-9632, Your email address will not be published. Chevrolet added optional power steering to the Corvette's underpinnings beginning in 1963, encompassing an engine-driven pump, pitman arm control valve, pressure and return hoses, and a power ram to provide assistance in turns. 165, Shock Absorber: Camshaft Sprocket 20 Then unbolt the top of the lower ball joint and drill, cut or grind off the rivets to remove the ball joint. Then, service the pump to "full" on the dipstick at operating temperature and you're good to go. Install a cotter key through the hole and bend the two wires back to prevent the nut from coming loose (as you did on the lower ball joint). This is a good procedure to complete before taking the car to the alignment shop. In our case, we just need it to make the steering effort a little easier. Chevy Muscle Car Tech Tips, Guides, Articles & How-To. Great Prices. Only because there aren't any threads protruding past the nut and the arm is further from the box than it was on my old box. This job is easier if someone is helping. The 19801982 automatics use 12-mm x 1.75 x 10.9 x 35-mm bolts and 19801981 4-speeds use 12-mm x 1.75 x 10.9 x 80-mm bolts. Torque To start, place a pair of locking pliers on one end of the leaf spring. 1963 - 1982 Corvette: Technical Article: In-Vehicle Corvette Steering It is much quicker to exchange your old trailing arm for a refurbished one. Specs. Torque sensitive drives are particularly suited to those applications where immediate response to torque demand is required for down shifting and engine speed is ideally maintained at its peak rpm. $14.75 shipping. Shocks lose their effectiveness slowly, so keep this mileage in mind when you are budgeting for maintenance. These springs were installed on Corvettes built at the new Bowling Green assembly plant. Read more about our performance and installation facility here. Tubular upper and lower aftermarket control arms are available from Corvette suppliers such as Van Steel. Now that the frame has been returned to your work area, reconfirm your factory frame measurements. Be sure to select the correct front spring for your particular model and/or application. in/lbs, Link Bushing Bolts Loosen it one quarter turn and install the cotter key. Mounting Bolts 20: If you want to freshen up the control arms for a new look, thoroughly clean them and spray 2 or 3 light, even coats of Eastwoods Underhood Black. 33: Mount the idler arm to the other end of the drag link. Clutch discs9. You might have to wait until the weight of the engine compresses the springs enough to install the links, or have some friends sit on the frame to help make the connection. Much has happened since our kick-off of the Project. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. 80 The upper and lower control arms secure the coil spring. A C3 Corvettes differential is the centerpiece of the cars rear suspension. THE RUGGED 40 SERIES TORQUE CONVERTER is composed of heavy gauge stamped steel to withstand the extreme rigors of rough applications. When they have separated, remove the ball joint nut and pull the control arm out of the spindle. The ideal contact pattern (centered on the teeth) is the drawing in the middle. 70, Lower Control Arm Shaft Bolts: . Lay out the critical components of your front suspension assembly as shown. Manifold Farm tractors were even fitted with it. Sometimes the pitman shaft can be twisted inside the gear box. The other side connects to the bearing support leg and the shock mount is pushed through the legs and the strut rod. Do not torque the end cap bolts on the shafts yet. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. lower the weight of the car on it, roll the car, go back and torque the spring & arm bolts with the suspension loaded to the specified AIM torque rating. Four bolts in the middle secure it. Connect the anti-roll bar to the lower control arm via an end link on each side of the front suspension. Plug Many Corvette part suppliers sell complete suspension components that have been refurbished. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 23: Place the control arm in the press and install one bushing using a 1 5/16 socket to press the bushing into place. C3 Chevrolet Corvette Suspension Control Arm | Top Flight Aftermarket suppliers offer a wide range of C3 Corvette shock absorbers. It is much easier to do it this way. It is much easier to install the strut rod with the trailing arm in this position. Do not overtighten. The front steering system connects to the spindle on each side of the car to provide steering to the front wheels. 14: Loosen and remove the lower control arm retaining bolts and remove the lower control arm and spindle. Push the inner seal onto the spindle assembly. Place the limited slip unit in the differential housing. Use two 11/1616 x 7/8-inch bolts to attach the front caliper bracket and dust shield to the knuckle. After you have installed the first bushing, install the cross shaft into the arm. Place the frame on four safety stands that are sturdy and protected with pieces of cardboard. 65, Auto You will find the fit, finish and function will work superbly for your restoration. Dont be afraid to hit the heads forcibly because they are designed for this procedure. (888) 581-3838. They lock the clutches and provide power to both wheels. With the center of the spring secure, install the spring end links. Add the right rear bearing support to the unit. Cross tighten them as you do to secure a tire using the star method. Excessive steering effort was relatively negated during the first 10 years of Corvette production. The springs push against the clutches with more force as the cars speed increases. 20, Joint to Upper Arm Remove the parking brake hardware (reverse the procedure that starts in Step 3). C2/C3 Corvette Power Steering Replacement - MotorTrend Be sure the cotter key hole lines up. (outer) 45 Place a long fl at bar onto the head of each bolt and hit the bar with enough force to push the head flush against the frame. Insert the lower ball joint stud into the opening on the steering knuckle. If you have someone stand on the upper control arm during this procedure, installing the steering knuckle is easier because the suspension is being compressed from above and below. Repeat this step on the opposite side. It should not bind after installation. Front Cover Leave it alone. Install the rear brake rotor over the hub and check it for runout to verify that the rotor and bearings are within factory tolerances. Zora was exactly what Corvette neededhe was very European, a trained engineer, and passionate about sports cars. Tighten the nut when the rubber has been slightly compressed on the shock shaft. 80, Mount Bolts Spark The second way is to do it in the car but you must remove the pitman arm and take torque measurements by placing a torque wrench on the steering wheel hub and measuring steering gear torque through the steering column. 30 Why tighten more?? Install the outer bearing and follow that with a fl at washer. This car received a new steering knuckle, wheel bearings, and brake rotor. There's the 1963-'74 "long-neck" Saginaw pump, which is clearly different than the "canned-ham" 1975-'82 Saginaw pumps to follow. The kits include all of the necessary parts. Remove the wheel, caliper and rotor. 02: Jack the front of the Corvette up and let the front suspension hang. The Eaton system uses four coil springs, while the Dana utilizes a conical Belleview spring to preload the clutch pack. Insert it through the control arm steel shaft from the top. Filed Under: C3 Corvette Restoration Guide, Chevy Tech Tips, The 700-R4 transmission first came into production in the early 1980s. in/lbs, Drive Spindle Nut 100 (+ to Align Cotter Pin) Crankcase Reliable sources to validate information regarding serial and casting numbers will get scarcer as time passes. With the C3 rear suspension design, the differential is mounted to the center of the frame and two halfshafts connect to the rear wheels. Power Torque Transmission Mount - A2327. For autocross or track day events, set the shocks on the firmest setting as this provides the best handling. The differential is solidly mounted to the frame and is connected to the engine with a driveshaft. speaking of torque specs in the AIM, mine seems to show 40-60 lb-in for the upper ball joint castle nut. Install the washer. the power steering fluid whenever you change the transmission and rear axle lubrication, which should be roughly every 30,000 miles. 50 Install ball stud shaft into pitman arm. Your completed front suspension should look like this unit, which is installed on a 1980 Corvette. It connects the upper and lower control arms via two ball joints. Whether you're maintaining your Shark Corvette or completing a full restoration, our selection of C3 Corvette Power Steering parts is unsurpassed. Big-block cars use a different attaching method than small-blocks. On used gears it is 15 to 17 inch-pounds. 1963-1982 Corvette Front Suspension Rebuild The steering knuckle spindle plays a crucial role in front suspension dynamics. Torque Converters (CVT's) Comet has been manufacturing torque converters for recreational vehicles for over 60 years.Our torque converters are designed and built to withstand the extreme rigors of rough applications. to Pinion Flange Ball Joint Torque Specs - DigitalCorvettes.com Corvette Forums 65, Sway Bar Link Brackets: Raise the differential and cross frame with the floor jack until you can secure it to the frame with two 5/8-inch bolts. 50, Upper Copyright 2023, Zip Products Inc All rights reserved. Everything is back in the truck awaiting torque. 60 in/lbs, Lower The shaft is fitted with rubber bushings. 12 Now torque to specs. You need to have properly functioning brakes with no thumping or pulsating from out-of-spec rotors. You are now ready to remove the dash assembly. 36: With the new steering linkage assembled, measure the length of one side of the old tie rod assembly. A 9/16x18x2532-inch bolt secures the rear lower control arm to the frame. As with the top control arm, the lower ball joint is bolted to the steering knuckle with one nut. Ensure proper installation with the diagram below. If your backlash is too large or too small you can shift the shims from one side to the other. Cam Bolt 11: Loosen the upper control arm mounting bolts and carefully remove the shims. Now tighten all of the nuts. Tighten the nuts evenly on both sides. Snug but do not torque them at this time. Pinion gears5. I call it a refresh. Transfer this measurement to the corresponding new tie rod assembly. A professional can put the correct suspension settings back into your car. Corvette, 1963 thru 1982 View More. Outlet PDF Revised: 28JL2009 STEERING WHEEL & STEERING SYSTEM CENTERING PROCEDURE 13: With the jack securely in place under the lower control arm, slowly lower the lower control arm. L-82 Add or remove shims to adjust the toe-in or toe-out of the rear suspension. The block is attached to the Pitman arm gear that turns the steering system when it moves back and forth. This bracket is attached to the lower control arm on each side of the front suspension. Filter Rear Suspension Strut Rods and Shock Absorbers. Count on Zip Corvette for the best quality Corvette Parts available for your 1968-1982 Corvette. Cautiously tap the side shims into the case to avoid damaging the cast-iron shims. Torque these bolts to 70 ft-lbs with a 5/8-inch socket. In addition, Zip stands behind all of our Corvette parts with our "No-Hassle Guarantee" - That\'s customer service the Zip way! Driveshaft This is how the steering knuckle looks when it is properly secured to the upper and lower control arms. Add or remove shims that were installed in step 8 on page 105, depending on how far the measurement is from the desired specification. Universal The transverse leaf spring bolts to the differential and is connected to the rear suspension trailing arms. (The front trailing arm bushings have already been installed here.). 18, Door Hinge Bolts in/lbs, Carrier Front Support to "X" Member 70 120 37: Mount the entire steering linkage assembly to the steering arms and Pitman arm. Remember the coil spring will be pushing down on the control arm with tension. If the threads engage the entire nut and you torqued to spec, you're good to go. Corvette engine front accessory drive packages were revised over time as vehicle design changed. Do this to both assemblies. Make sure the guide pin on the spring aligns with the guide hole in the differential. The bump stop protects a severe bump or hole in the road. 60 http://www.chevelles.com/forums/album.php?albumid=2153&pictureid=21505, http://www.chevelles.com/forums/album.php?albumid=695&pictureid=6156, http://www.chevelles.com/forums/album.php?albumid=428&pictureid=4468, http://www.chevelles.com/forums/album.php?albumid=826&pictureid=7810, http://www.chevelles.com/forums/album.php?albumid=834&pictureid=7834. Five of these discs have tabs. Pressure Plate Change the power steering fluid whenever you change the transmission and rear axle lubrication, which should be roughly every 30,000 miles. Lonestar Caliper power steering pumps are not equipped with drive pulleys, which means you will need to use your existing pulley or order the right one for your application. Count on Zip Corvette for the best quality Corvette Parts available for your 1968-1982 Corvette. Axle Our Corvette Parts & Accessories Catalogs have guided thousands of customers through detailed restorations, enhancements and performance modifications. One Good Turn: Rebuilding C2 and C3 Steering Boxes - MotorTrend Once they are snug, go one-quarter turn more with a wrench. 1953-1954-1955-1956-1957-1958-1959-1960-1961-1962 : Alternative Views: Corvette Parts Worldwide Price Guarantee We will meet or beat any advertised price on internet! Toll Free Order Line. Start by using a tie rod separator to separate the outer tie rods from the spindle arm. Come join the discussion about restorations, builds, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Bolts Torque the two front bolts to 70 ft-lbs with a 5/8-inch socket. After the clutches and side gears are installed, insert a thrust washer on each side of the unit. Invert the control arm and repeat the process on the other bushing. Spark Placing it on a large piece of non-shag gray (or any light color) carpet makes it easier to locate dropped parts. Make sure to keep the jack in place securely under the lower control arm. Farmers Branch, TX 75234. Need Pitman and Idler torque specs | Diesel Place Yellow or white dye (or marking compound) is usually found in a differential kit. Now mount the stabilizer bar and brackets to the frame. Original-equipment spring rates usually give the best ride if your only intent is cruising with your restored Corvette. It also has the front and rear suspension and the differential. It is critical to catch any imperfections on the workbench and not on the car. Cars equipped with a big-block require a firmer spring as does the F-41 sports suspension option. 05: Remove the power steering ram retaining nut from the mounting bracket. This puts the trailing arm in the correct ride height position and makes putting the half-shafts and strut rods into the car much easier. If you are not replacing the caliper, you can make a hook out of mechanical wire (or a coat hanger) and let the caliper and hose hang from the frame. Torque the bolts to 70 ft-lbs. I don't think it's upside down. This can be corrected with proper adjustment at the control valve via an adjustment screw with the engine running and both front tires off the ground. Cover Bolts Third-generation Corvettes use a series of rods attached to the steering box and the suspension steering knuckles to turn the wheels. You will notice that there are both right and left hand threads on the tie rods. When all of the pressure is off the spring, pull the control arm down as far as it will go and remove the coil spring. This is a good preventive maintenance procedure to makes sure the parts are not dry. 30, Leaf Spring Anchor Plate When the ball joint stud threads are exposed, install and tighten the nut. Cylinder Bolts Oil This won't happen if you pay strict attention to how the lines and hoses are routed and installed before taking the system apart. Once the bolt is attached with the nut and washer, slowly lower the jack. Power-assisted versions feature a hydraulic pump that is driven off the engine, and it pushes fluid into a ram that greatly reduces the steering effort. You are looking for a clearance measurement of .005 to .010 inch. The difference in pumps is more about pump reservoir shape, fittings and shaft type than anything else. Verify that each bolt has been properly installed and torqued to specifications by marking them with White-Out. The movable face angle of all Comet asymmetric system drivers and drivens is 18 degrees, their "stationary" (opposing) face is 2-1/2 degrees and the Comet asymmetric belt angles likewise correspond. Our inventory selection includes new pitman arms and slotted hex nuts, along with pitman arm to steering box nuts with washers to fulfill your Corvette restoration needs. 150 in/lbs, Stabilizer Bar Link nuts At the time, emissions standards were tightening and General Motors was hard-pressed to increase fuel economy across the board for their production vehicles.