Replace Leaf Spring

[ed_in_pa]

leaf spring pic

Here's a shot with the bolts removed and prior to refurb. Hopefully in not too long I'll have an after shot. (That is if it ever stops with this snow stuff) Once I take the leaf spring apart to clean it up and put new liners in do you know if it matters what side was left or right when you put it back together, obviously it has to be smallest to largest?

http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?folder_id=1239987

 

[JohnZ]

There isn't any right or left to the leaves, but if the car sits level now, I'd mark the leaves on one end and re-assemble it the same way it came apart.

 

[ed_in_pa]

Thanks John.

 

[JOE BYRNE]

Good to here Ed. I soaked mine but did not have the luck you did. Three came out and the one in the front cracked the very tip of the ear off. Im not happy. I did put the new spring in and put the three bolts in and tightened them to specs. I bought a 4th bolt (Hardened 5 inch) that is threaded all the way down, ran it up through the plate and put a nut on it and ran it all the way down. The spring does not move. Im sure nobody else would agree with what I did but I just wanted to get it in so I could take it to someone else to do the Cross-member tear down. I put mufflers, distributor and carb on over the winter, but when that ear broke I just sat there and...well you can imagine!

 

[ed_in_pa]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune Joe. I did'nt even think that was a possibility. I had a tough time with one of the strut bolts but it finally relinquished and as far as I can tell no damage. I'm sure by the time I'm through with this something unexpected will happen.

 

[JOE BYRNE]

Don't say that!!!! Good luck we are fianlly getting hit with the snow tonight that was to hit last night...It's coming your way

 

[ed_in_pa]

I've had about enough snow. I have a 1 car garage and I need to spread out.

 

[JohnZ]

After the spring is done and you re-install it, only torque the four spring plate mounting bolts to about 10-15 ft-lbs. with the spring hanging free; DON'T pull those four bolts to full torque until the end link bolts are in place and the full weight of the car is on the wheels at normal ride height. If you fully-torque those four bolts with no load on the spring, you'll probably break the threaded ears off the diff cover as the plate tries to flatten out the spring.

 

[ed_in_pa]

Thanks for that important info, John.

 

[ed_in_pa]

Leaf Spring Removed

The spring is removed and separated, the liners will need to be replaced. I have a question about the number of leafs. As you can see from the picture there are 10. This does appear to be the original spring ? Is this correct? I did read somewhere else about the 7 leaf springs actually having 8 leafs.

 

[JimVette]

Don't say that!!!! Good luck we are fianlly getting hit with the snow tonight that was to hit last night...It's coming your way

Snow what's that? Oh! Yeah I saw one of those snow flakes here about 5 years ago. Just kidding.

 

[knish71]

A flake in Florida....That must have been me you saw!!!

Snow what's that? Oh! Yeah I saw one of those snow flakes here about 5 years ago. Just kidding.

 

[JimVette]

If your differential is like the one I had on my '66 then if you have the spring down then change the differential carrier bushing. They are made of rubber and when they deteriorate you will be chasing u-joint noise to no avail.

 

[ed_in_pa]

Thanks for the tip Jim.

 

[rgtrough]

spring replacement

hey ed, you seem cofused if you should replace your rear spring or not. the best rule of thumb that i have heard is if the spring still has a bend to it then it is ok.
if it is flat (like mine is) then it needs replaced. I am going to miss the great launches that a worn out spring provides though. peace Bud

 

[ed_in_pa]

Thanks Mike, It does still have bend, so I have decided to refurb it. Now if I can just find some leaf liners at a reasonable price.

 

[GerryLP]

The spring is removed and separated, the liners will need to be replaced. I have a question about the number of leafs. As you can see from the picture there are 10. This does appear to be the original spring ? Is this correct? I did read somewhere else about the 7 leaf springs actually having 8 leafs....

Sorry about the confusion. The 1981 Vette metal spring has 8 leafs (plus a very short one at the very top). The top leaf does not count (in a technical sense) IAW Chevrolet; Also, while looking at the spring that you disassembled, I see that the leaf dimensions are somewhat different from the 81 vette's spring (with the naked eye, that is). I am not sure which year Vette had 10 leafs.

GerryLP:cool

 

[ed_in_pa]

Hi Gerry, apparently the 1976 had 10 leafs, although it is called a 9 leaf. This spring appears to be the original.

 

[ed_in_pa]

Did anyone POR 15 there leaf springs? I'm thinking of doing that before a final coat of grey before I reassemble them with new leaf seperators. Any adverse effects?

 

[cool80]

Ed, I have been reading your posts and if you have not found liners yet check with eatonsprings.com Mike. They sell the 2.5" liner for $2.00 a foot. I have a 1980 vette and it also has 10 leafs. It will take approx 24' of liner to do a 10 leaf spring. I also ordered a center bolt and two clips that attach on each side of the spring. Oh, did I mention that I am reusing my old spring too. If you know, what was the original color of the spring? Keep everyone posted on your success.

cool80