Q: How to replace the front transverse leaf spring on Chevrolet Corvette?
A: The first step in front transverse spring replacement requires vehicle elevation and stabilization. Extract both tire assemblies from the vehicle. Before placing the transverse spring record the distance between the front spring adjuster bolt which will serve as your reference point for vehicle trim height after installation. The Leaf Spring compressor (J 33432-A) functions to compress the transverse spring. Start by removing the lower shock absorber mounting bolts from one of the lower control arms while you disconnect the stabilizer shaft link from this same lower Control Arm. Use the Ball Joint separator (J 42188) to extract the lower Ball Joint from the Steering Knuckle after you loosen but don't detach the lower Ball Joint stud nut. Once you remove the Ball Joint separator tool you can discard the lower Ball Joint stud nut while using jackstands to support the lower control arms. Establish the reference points for cam bolts before removing them together with the lower Control Arm. The service technician removes transverse spring bolts from their retainers before extracting the transverse spring. Then they discard the used bolts. A Leaf Spring compressor (J 33432-A) must be placed onto the new transverse spring before installation onto the crossmember. Remember to keep the compressor in place until after shock absorber installation to avoid damaging its components. New transverse spring retainers and bolts need installation with a torque setting of 62 n.m (46 lb ft). Reinstall the lower Control Arm to its position on the front crossmember by positioning the cam bolts as described but leave final torque unchanged. Apply a new Ball Joint stud nut to the Steering Knuckle's Ball Joint stud port for the lower Control Arm then torque it to 30 n.m (20 lb ft) while making a 180-degree final nut tightening. After placing the lower Control Arm on a jackstand, install the shock absorber's lower mounting bolts at 28 n.m (21 lb ft) torque. Attach the stabilizer shaft link to the lower Control Arm then tighten the link nut to 72 n.m (53 lb ft). After removing the Leaf Spring compressor (J 33432-A) from the transverse spring and taking the jackstands away you must reinstall the tire and wheel assemblies and complete front wheel height adjustment and wheel alignment procedures.