Mono or Leaf Spring

[crebo]

I know that it's been awhile guys----but I'm in the Army training the National Guard.
Anyway I've already picked up some heavy duty shocks and adjustable strut rods. I will get a new spring within the next month or so. Just wondering which would be the overall investment. I'm not concerned with stock as you guys can see.
I have a 77 with a big block. Already put big block shocks and springs up front.
Any advice would be nice.
Chris

 

[Hib Halverson]

Not sure if the question was "how much" or "should I do it", but if it was the latter, the monoleaf "plastic" springs are the way to go for C2 and C3 if you don't car about staying stock. I have a 71 BB and have used both the 330 lb/in. and the 360 lb/in versions with the 360 working best.

 

[BeaterShark]

The steel leaf spring is really cheap and does a good job.
The mono spring is light, expensive, and does a good job. Whether or not it does a better job is really debatable and you will probably not notice a difference.

I chose a mono mainly due to the weight savings and I chose the dual mount so I could adjust the rate.

 

[crebo]

Thanks guys,

It wasn't a matter of price. I guess I was just looking for the best my money. I had my mind pretty well made up towards the monoleaf.

Hib Halverson Thanks for the advice on the 330/360 that was my next question.
Will I need to have a rear end alignment after changing the strut rods,shocks and springs?

Again thanks for your advice.
Chris

 

[rmonty]

I installed a VBP 330# monoleaf and a set of KYB gas shocks on my '79 L-82. This is a nice combination but I wish I had gone with the 360# spring instead. The ride is a little softer than I like, but it does handle a whole lot better than before.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Thanks guys,

Hib Halverson Thanks for the advice on the 330/360 that was my next question.
Will I need to have a rear end alignment after changing the strut rods,shocks and springs?

Yes.

Again thanks for your advice.
Chris

You're welcome glad to be of service.

There is one other aspect of this rear spring issue I neglected to mention and I was reminded to do so by the statement in another post above about the differences between steel and glas-epoxy composite springs.

The two key differences are 1) a very significant reduction weight and and 2) a noticeable improvement in durability. In the 25 years I've owned my C3, I've broken two steel rear leafs but the plastic spring I have in the car has lasted 15 years and the most miles. I can't remember the number but the plastic springs have a failure rate far less than the steel units.

 

[crebo]

Again thanks so much guys for the advice. I'm getting the mono...I've been looking online ecklers/mid america and so one. Which brand do you recommend. Or do you just recommend the spring rate? I called one place and they told me to beware of the customized to the spring weight. Meaning that it would have the car too high in the rear because of the spring.

Chris

 

[SR'71]

I have a '71 BB. The ride height is good, maybe 1.5" above the wheel. Research this site and the Forum and FAQ for "ride height" posts before replacing that rear leaf. BTW mine is a stock 9 leaf spring.

 

[Hib Halverson]

I got my plastic spring from Vette Brakes and Products which originated composite monoleafs for C2s and 3s. I still use the 360 lb/in unit I installed back in 1987.