Rear Spring

[cruisin-davey-g]

So far, this "forum" (I haven't been here long) as been great & has taught me a few things that I was not aware of (I always say "You're never too old to learn"). Now, I've got a question concerning the composite one leaf rear spring for the C-3's & hope that somebody can educate me on the differences of these springs in terms of usage (what the different weight-load range?) means, & what are the pros & cons of the different brands & makes of these springs? Any other info that can be provided about these springs would be greatly appreciated. Thanx in advance for your help.

Dave

 

[1979toy]

1. 40 pounds less weight

2. Have to use special rear shocks not locally available

3. 40 pounds less weight

4. Never lose their spring

5. 40 pounds less weight

6. Must keep them away from the exhaust heat

I have the 360 pound rear spring on my '79 and love it. There are times when it seems a bit too bouncy, but they are made up by the fact that it never feels too stiff.

 

[cruisin-davey-g]

1. 40 pounds less weight

2. Have to use special rear shocks not locally available

3. 40 pounds less weight

4. Never lose their spring

5. 40 pounds less weight

6. Must keep them away from the exhaust heat

I have the 360 pound rear spring on my '79 and love it. There are times when it seems a bit too bouncy, but they are made up by the fact that it never feels too stiff.

Hi: And thanx for your reply. I'm not really concerned about the weight. Saving weight is not an issue. What I am concerned about is the ride height. I presently have a heavy duty leafer in the car now & it sits up way too high for me. When I had the spring installed, quite awhile ago, I was told that it would eventually settle & drop the rear in height. So far, it has failed to do that. And I don't see it happening in my life time. I could change the lenght of the spring end bolts(?) in order to lower the back, but I'm not sure if that would do the trick & also if it would change the ride of the car. So, what I'd like to know is all of the info about these newer single leaf springs. Also, you mentioned something about needing special shocks to run with the newer spring? Thanx

Dave:

 

[69vettester]

I have the 340lb rear spring and 460lb front coil springs, from vette brakes and parts. I have side mount exhaust, so heat on the composite spring is not a factor.
Tom

 

[cruisin-davey-g]

I have the 340lb rear spring and 460lb front coil springs, from vette brakes and parts. I have side mount exhaust, so heat on the composite spring is not a factor.
Tom

What do they mean when they say it's a 340LB spring such as you have in yours? I know that there's different values of these springs (load ratios maybe(?)). I'm just trying to find out what they mean & what spring I should use in my '72 to make it lower? Right now, the rear sits up too high with the heavy duty spring that is back there now. Thanx for your reply & info.

Dave: :J

 

[clar2001]

just installed a 330 composit spring & 3/4" sway bar blisten hi presure gas shocks man what a differance night and day to that old 7 leaf spring. used 8" bolts ajustable so I can set ride height and spring tension also did 460 springs in front and soft shocks to soft of a ride so I'm changing to the Hi pressure shocks in front to hope that helps ......................lose those old medal leafs ............................

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Just ordered the 340 psi spring from Muskegon Brake Products and can't wait to get it in. Next project is the drive shaft and I understand you've got to take the spring end bolts off to wiggle the shaft out. Decided to replace the spring and the front differential bushings at the same time.

Looking forward to the composite spring.

 

[cruisin-davey-g]

Just ordered the 340 psi spring from Muskegon Brake Products and can't wait to get it in. Next project is the drive shaft and I understand you've got to take the spring end bolts off to wiggle the shaft out. Decided to replace the spring and the front differential bushings at the same time.

Looking forward to the composite spring.

"bobchad": Sounds nice..........let me know how it rides!

Dave

 

[1BAD80]

I just had Vette Brake Products performance Plus system installed on my 80. What a differance in the ride and handling.
Its great you can adjust ride height and spring rate, and alignment is much easier to do. Also installed the slotted brake rotors and offset trailing arms.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

"bobchad": Sounds nice..........let me know how it rides!

Dave

I'll post some pics and some feedback. I wanted to have it place for the "Dragon Tail" run next week but decided to wait until I got back.

 

[cruisin-davey-g]

I'll post some pics and some feedback. I wanted to have it place for the "Dragin Tail" run next week but decided to wait until I got back.

"bobchad" What's the "Draggin' Tail" Run?


Dave

 

[Bob Chadwick]

To quote the web page "Legend says a Dragon lives in the mountains of western North Carolina. He tests your skills on US129 with 318 curves in 11 miles. Everyone who comes to ride the Dragon will always remember it."


Tail of the Dragon

 

[cruisin-davey-g]

"bobchad": Is that located in the "great smokies"?


Dave

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Appears to be the southwestern boundary to Smoky Mountain National Park or thereabouts.

 

[cruisin-davey-g]

Appears to be the southwestern boundary to Smoky Mountain National Park or thereabouts.

"bobchad" : OK........looked at the link 'ya provided. Sounds like a real neat time. I've been to the "Smokies" a number of times, but never ventured down to that part. Always just crossed the "Smokies" into Cherokee, NC.... This place reminds me of my old home town of Davis,WV. The roads looks just like that. Thanx for the "tip" to an interesting "Future Trip" maybe(?)

Dave BTW: Keep me posted on your rear spring change.