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Sharpen Up Your Corvette's Steering And Handling

From , former About.com Guide

5 of 5

Now Repeat On The Other Side
Corvette Steering Tie Rod Ends

If you're refreshing your steering and suspension, be sure to install new tie rod ends, even if the old ones look OK.

Photo by Jeff Zurschmeide

When you've got the first side done, you can go ahead and repeat steps 2-4 on the other side. Just be sure that you remember to replace the idler arm and the center tie rod on the steering.

NOTE: Tie rods are made with one right-hand and one left-hand threaded end on each rod. This is so you can lengthen or shorten the tie rod by loosening the clamps and turning the rod, instead of having to undo the rod end from the car.

You can install your new shocks at this time. And you should always replace your shocks if they have more than about 10,000 miles on them. They're not that expensive, and it will complete the nice new feeling to your car.

Last of all, install the new drop links on your sway bar. It's easiest to do both sides at the same time, to avoid having to twist the sway bar to fit things into place. You can replace the tires and drop the car back onto the ground now.

TIP: Your Corvette will need a full front end alignment after you do this job. You have changed the suspension geometry and it needs to be measured and aligned professionally.

And that's it! But don't be fooled - it may take you 5 minutes to read this article, but it's hours and hours of tough work to get this job done. Be sure you've got the skills and the tools before you dive into this restoration task. If you have any doubts, take it to a pro.

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