Steel rear spring or Fiberglass rear spring?

[L88 crazy]

My 72 T top isn't sitting level. I think it is because of the steel spring in the rear. There are many articles that fiberglass spring are way, way better. According to my local restoration shop, "You have to change the front shocks and springs for that. It's better to leave it alone." I'm not so sure. My dad's van has a fiberglass spring, it is the orginal one and the van has 178,000 MILES!!! How good is the ride quality with a fiberglass spring? It is an interesting-sounding conversion. What do you have to do to put in a fiberglass rear spring, and is it better than a steel one?

 

[robert kirk]

When I rebuilt the rear sus I put a fiberglass spring in the 71. It had a steel factory spring and all the bushings were bad. I can't tell you how much diff the spring alone makes but I really like the ride. Having changed so many things at one time I don't have a fair comparison. Robert

 

[80convertible]

This is a very common conversion. You will find various opinions, but the majority of people who make the conversion say they are happy. I've read a few threads where someone did not like the conversion due to bounce or a cracked fiberglass spring. If you go with a fiberglass spring, you need to make sure it is protected from the heat of the exaust system which will weaken it. Also, you will need rear shocks designed to cushion the bounce of a fiberglass spring. Normal gas shocks like Monroe will not work properly. I think many use something like KYB. When set up properly, a fiberglass spring will work well and reduce rearend weight. With all that being said, I still have a 7 leaf steel spring...go figure.