On 2003 Corvettes equipped with F55 Magnetic Ride Control (50thAnniversayr Editions) we have had many customers complain about the stiffness of the ride and lack of dynamic stability.
2003-2004 Front Shock Absorber for F55 Magnetic Selective Ride, Product Number: 642520
Magnetic Ride Control works like this: When the vehicle is being driven, various sensors pick up data which is processed by a control module. Using pulse-width modulation, the control module varies an electromagnetic field in each damper, which affects the thickening of the magneto-rheological fluid, within a millisecond.
When the ignition is turned OFF, the dampers offer very little damping. Corvettes are shipped from the factory in Bowling Green with the suspension snugged down until the jounce bumper contacts a temporary plastic stuffer in each damper.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The stuffers must be removed during new vehicle preparation. Failure to do so will result in your Corvette not handling correctly and the vehicle ride quality will suffer immensely.
In order to remove the stuffers, follow these steps:
- Lift the Corvette, allowing the wheels to hang free. This will extend the dampers.
- At the front, steer the wheel in the direction away from the side you're working on.
- Reach up from below, behind the tire. At each wheel, compress the rubber dust boot.
- Pull the yellow tab to remove the stuffer. Discard the stuffer.
NOTE: After removing the stuffer, be sure to pull the dust boot down to cover the upper end of the damper tube in order to avoid damage to the suspension system.
IMPORTANT
The stuffers should not be reinserted for temporary transport, such as on a flatbed hauler. The stuffer is effective only if the suspension can be snugged down enough for the jounce bumper to contact the stuffer. This is generally NOT possible on a flatbed hauler.