leaf springs seem flat -
#83467
07/03/08 11:57 AM
07/03/08 11:57 AM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,106 michigan
440whiteboy
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,106
michigan
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with my 71 barracuda I have installed new 'stock' shocks, the original leaf springs have new bushings & dont have a good arch and/or seem flat. the car is 5" off ground from the front frames, rear frame is 5 1/2" -
should I change the leaf springs or could I add coil over shocks?
I'm looking for performance & want a good ride. running a 440 - 430hp + 8 3/4 auto. 14" tires 24 1/2" tall -
They only see Stars... when hit by a Mopar!
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Re: leaf springs seem flat -
[Re: 440whiteboy]
#83468
07/03/08 12:23 PM
07/03/08 12:23 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 571 central PA
mopartial
mopar
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mopar
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 571
central PA
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Leafs definitely fatigue and sag over time. Popular vendor here is "springs 'n things", I think $200 - $300 for replacement. (I dont know about using coil over shocks.) My orig were 4 leafs. I luckily found JY replacemnt "340/HD" springs that are 7 leafs and worked great for me.
Do your shocks have any spring? Mine are orig and resist travel but have no spring at all. Also they seem way short now that body is higher. Do I need longer shocks?
Last edited by mopartial; 07/03/08 12:27 PM.
If it aint broke, dont break it.
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Re: leaf springs seem flat -
[Re: Pauls69]
#83471
07/03/08 12:48 PM
07/03/08 12:48 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,964 Pizza Bucket
snuggles
master
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master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,964
Pizza Bucket
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Quote:
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if you'd like something w/ some arch in order to achieve a raked look, you'll probably have to order them from espo (+1/2/3").
or try checking with a local spring shop to add a leaf/rearch.
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Re: leaf springs seem flat -
[Re: A_Roldan]
#83475
07/03/08 03:47 PM
07/03/08 03:47 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 15,487 Florida
scratchnfotraction
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 15,487
Florida
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yes it works had up to 8 leafs per side on a 68 Dart one time had the rake to it rode a little stiff but deff no wheel hop and would haul 5 people and not bottem out had great weight tranzfer the front raised a lot on launch po boy ss springs
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Re: leaf springs seem flat -
[Re: basketcase]
#83477
07/03/08 07:17 PM
07/03/08 07:17 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 162 MA.
plymguy
member
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member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 162
MA.
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Some years back I added a leaf to both of my rear springs on my '67 Fury III convertible. I bought 2 leafs from a spring shop along with new u bolts and new center bolts. It wasn't that expensive. I didn't remove the springs to do this. I supported the rear axle and used c clamps on each end of the spring to keep all of the leaves in place. I removed the u bolts and center bolts and slowly opened the calmps until the leafs were open enough to slide the new leaf under the main leaf. I then tightned up the clamps bringing everything together, installed the new center and u bolts. Like has been stated here, it puts a nice arch in your springs. Well worth the effort. John
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Re: leaf springs seem flat -
[Re: RapidRobert]
#83479
07/04/08 09:29 AM
07/04/08 09:29 AM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,106 michigan
440whiteboy
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,106
michigan
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thanks for your suggestions! will give that a try -
my last car had super stock springs that had a good arch to them. had the rear up about 7" so I could raise the front up to 6" apx. abit of a hard bounce on the road.
maybe you can see in this pic of my car now, how she seems to sit low with the rear frame is only 1/2" higher off the ground.
They only see Stars... when hit by a Mopar!
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Re: leaf springs seem flat -
[Re: jcc]
#83481
07/04/08 12:17 PM
07/04/08 12:17 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 15,487 Florida
scratchnfotraction
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 15,487
Florida
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IMO I would just add an main leaf with the ends cut off under your main leaf should not be any handling probs,and give it a slight lift and not be harsh on the road you could have a spring shop rearch them for cheap also
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