Replace Leaf Spring

[ed_in_pa]

Again sorry, I'm sure this has been addressed but the search isn't working. While I'm working on the rear end of the my 76 I'm thinking of replacing the current 9 leaf spring with a new 9 leaf spring. I need aguments pro and con to replacing it. I've already decided that I want the original type versus composite. It's not a daily driver and I don't drive it that hard. I'd like to keep it as close to stock as possible. The main reason I'm thinking about replacing it is because it's 30 years old. I assume it had to have lost something. Also any ideas where to get a close to original leaf spring. (The original is turned up slightly at the end of each leaf).

Thanks for your thoughts.

Ed

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

You won't be able to find a spring that is identical to your original spring- the details of the turned up leaves will not be there. You may also have a hard time finding a spring that gives an acceptable ride height (usually too high) and/or the same ride quality. The aftermarket composite springs also have a ride height issue.

If your existing spring still gives the right ride height, I'd refurbish it (new liners and paint) and re-use it.

 

[80convertible]

You can have your original spring re-arched. I believe places like Eaton Springs can do this service. I'm in the process of replacing my 7 leaf spring right now.

 

[ed_in_pa]

Thanks both for the replys, I thought about the re-arc but I'm told that only last for a short time. Refurb may be an option.

 

[ed_in_pa]

Mike, what is the benefit of the refurb other than the obvious cosmetic appeal. I found a refurb kit at Quanta Products:
Applications: 1963 - 1977 Corvette to rebuild tranverse rear leaf spring
Description: This kit contains everything you need to rebuild your 1963 - 1977 Corvette transverse rear leaf spring. It includes original-style plastic spring liners cut to proper length, two large retainers, a center bolt and nut, a pint of the original gray rear leaf spring paint from the original manufacturer, and detailed instructions on rebuilding your spring.
What are the retainers for? Were these originally grey?

Thanks

 

[GTR1999]

Be advised that refurbishing is only cosmetic, if your spring is shot liners are not going to do anything for you. As said the replacement springs on the market are crap. I haven't used one yet that the stock bolts will work with. You need 8" bolt that use nyloc nuts. I was told Van Steel has a local supplier that arches the springs for correct height but haven't seen or used one.

"glass springs have their own faults too in addition to costing 3x as much, you need shocks valved for them. Keep away from heat too or they'll break.

 

[ed_in_pa]

Thanks coupeman, I guess one of my questions is whether or not the current leaf spring is ok. Is it a forgone conclusion after 30 years that its lost some 'spring' (no pun intended) or can they be fine. The car has 52000 miles on it.

 

[75 flame orange]

un-sure

hi ed
i'm also going to replace the rear spring on my 75.
after 30 years it's sagging,will also do the front's so the car will sit level
after reading some thread's on rear spring's i was going with a composite
now i'm not sure.i want the car to look stock also but i figure no one will see
it under the car
thank's
carmen

by the way i see your from langhorne,pa
that's where i bought my 2nd vette
at Reedman chevy

 

[ed_in_pa]

I didn't set out to replace the spring. It started out with a small fuel leak in the rubber hoses that connect the fuel lines to the tank. I decided to pull the tank to do it right. Since the tank was out I gave it a coat of galvanizing paint and will replace the fuel strainer. Since that was out I pulled the metal tank cover to wire brush and repaint. Since that was out I thought I might as well wire brush the frame in the rear and give it a coat of Por 15. I took a look at the rear bushings and decided they should be replaced and while I was at the struts replaced. yada yada yada I wonder if I should just replace the spring while I'm at it.

 

[75 flame orange]

rear spring

ed
as long as everything's apart and car's that are old as our's are i would.
a little more work but it'll be worth it.
carmen

 

[ed_in_pa]

I guess that's my point, worth it in what way, I don't even know if anything is wrong with it. Since I didn't see how the car sat when the spring was new or how it handled when it was new, I don't have a point of reference. I've only had it for about a year.

 

[75 flame orange]

ed
if that's the same spring that's been in the car since it's built, after30 years
it had to loose it's arch i know mine did,it sit's lower in the rear,plus there's no give
in it.

 

[nj7000]

I just recently replaced the rear spring and put new stuts all the way around. I haven't had a chance to test it out yet... weather... I bought the spring from midamerica, it cost around $120 or so. All of the parts dealers around here wanted twice that much. I was very simple to do, and it brought the rear of the car back up to where it should be. I would definitely recommend replacing the spring AND struts. You can get good replacements for $20 a piece.

 

[ed_in_pa]

Not that this would necessarily sway my decision but what are the NCRS problems with replacing the rear spring with one that isn't an exact match.

 

[GerryLP]

I replaced the spring on my L81, and it worked fine. I ordered it from Corvette Central (I think), and I have had no problems.

One has to remember, although, that a new spring will be slightly higher than the stock, for the stock spring may have worn shims and it will have 20 plus years on a lot of C3 Vettes. I did measure the reference height on my car and it was within 1/8" of the stock measurement; however, this was done in my garage which appears straight to the naked eye. I think that a "true" surface would be needed to really gage the actual height on the vehicle. I seem to recall JohnZ (if I am wrong, then please forgive me JohnZ) mentioning something about the reference height measuring.

GerryLP:cool

 

[75 flame orange]

Gerry
did you replace it with a steel or composite spring?
carmen

 

[JimVette]

One thing to remember is that many a front composite spring has been ruined from harsh engine cleaning chemicals that eventally broke down the front spring. good luck!

 

[ed_in_pa]

I just received the rear spring mounting kit (bushing, bolts etc) today. I originally was just going to replace these before I thought about replacing the leaf spring. I have to think that these will increase the ride height to a degree. The bushings included are much thicker than what are on the car. The ones on the call are flat as pancake.

 

[75 flame orange]

ed
if they are the long 8in one's you can adjust the rear hight with them.

 

[ed_in_pa]

No they are the stock length.