Springs or shock replacement?

Old May 26, 2021 | 09:13 AM
  #1  
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Default Springs or shock replacement?

So I've had my 97 SS convertible for 6 years and when going over dips in the road, the rear will bottom out when I think it shouldn't. I replaced the rear shocks with KYB adjustable and didn't help.
Should I change the springs or maybe get stiffer shocks? Any product suggestion is appreciated. Thanks
 
Old May 26, 2021 | 10:32 AM
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need more info, what tires? do you know what springs are on the car now? what's hitting, bump stops or tires? post pics of car so we can see how low she is
 
Old May 26, 2021 | 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by craby
need more info, what tires? do you know what springs are on the car now? what's hitting, bump stops or tires? post pics of car so we can see how low she is
Tires are standard size, 16". Far as I know the springs are factory. The bu.p stops are hitting and I replaced those 4 years back. Here's a pic of how it sits.

 
Old May 26, 2021 | 05:37 PM
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measure from the ground to the fender well. should be around 27 inches. from the looks of it they are stock and should not be bottoming out unless you are overloading it and it does not look like it. look closely at the springs and see if they look like they been cut or heated up. I would look at the local wrecking yards to see if there are any Camaro convert springs around you could switch with yours to see if its the issue at a min cost.
 
Old May 26, 2021 | 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by craby
measure from the ground to the fender well. should be around 27 inches. from the looks of it they are stock and should not be bottoming out unless you are overloading it and it does not look like it. look closely at the springs and see if they look like they been cut or heated up. I would look at the local wrecking yards to see if there are any Camaro convert springs around you could switch with yours to see if its the issue at a min cost.
Well its 27.5 inches to the fender. I can get new springs from Rock Auto for around $50 unless u guys think they're junk. They appear to be stock. Driver side has the GM tag on it. And it appears they haven't been heated. Only thing in the trunk is the car cover.
 
Old May 27, 2021 | 12:12 AM
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are you sure its bottoming out and not something else that's hitting. for sure it should not be hitting the bump stops. I guess if you already wore out a pair then they must be getting hit, just this is a first on here. stock hight, stock springs,,, check your sway bar make sure the ends where they connect to the body and the diff are good,
 
Old May 27, 2021 | 12:14 AM
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also check exhaust and see if it looks like its getting hit or hitting something
 
Old May 27, 2021 | 07:27 AM
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Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll hold off until I get it on the lift in a couple weeks and can really inspect it
 
Old May 28, 2021 | 05:16 PM
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I have a '99 and mine bottomed out also. I replaced the springs and now it doesn't.
 
Old May 29, 2021 | 02:52 AM
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real hip do you have a convertible too. wondering if its a vert thing, they are heavier at the back so it may be they are harder on the springs.
 

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