Over Load Springs to raise the back end??

[GetX'd]

I have a 68 GTX where I'm having trouble fitting my new L60s into the wheel wells. I need to raise the car about an inch to give me clearance for the tires. I posted a thread on air shocks as a solution and got a lot of good input.

since that thread I've heard of a solution called overload springs that have a bracket that bolts them onto the leaf springs and you can adjust the back end to the height you want it and lock them in place - problem solved.

Has anyone ever heard of such a thing used on a b body? If so could you give me some feedback and pictures would be great. Pending a solution of similar nature I'm feeling I have to go back to the air shock solution.

All responses are very much appreciated.

 

[Badvert65]

I have installed Add-A-Leaf springs to the leaf spring pack with much success. I don't recall the part number but I can check when I get home. Basically, remove the axle U-bolts and then the centering bolt that holds the leaves together. You insert the Add-A-Leaf 'leaf' (spring) into the spring pack and then reassemble everything. Raised the rear of my 65 Belvedere by approximately two inches. My 65 Fury is next!

 

[GetX'd]

Do you just buy one add a leaf for each side - or do you buy more than one? Having the part number would be helpful and maybe where you purchased them.

Still soliciting other input pls.

 

[Badvert65]

They come in pairs. I got mine from Summit Racing. Pro Comp Add-A-Leaf Kits 13120 (Summit # EXP-13120). They were $36 for the pair.

 

[mutt71]

Badvert65, How did you come to decide on this particular kit? I looked it up and it was for a truck application. Just curious, as I have a '69 Satelite Sport that needs a "lift". Thanks!

 

[Hemi Rebel]

I put SS springs on my 68 coronet. Got a 12.5x29 on a 15x8.5 torque thrust

 

[Badvert65]

Badvert65, How did you come to decide on this particular kit? I looked it up and it was for a truck application. Just curious, as I have a '69 Satelite Sport that needs a "lift". Thanks!

Someone else on this site had done it and that was the kit they used. I think practically any of the kits will work as long as they are for a 2 1/2 inch leaf spring width.

 

[Badvert65]

Here are a couple of pics of the helper leaf installed.


I installed the new leaf one place up from the bottom. The bottom leaf is actually a half leaf (factory). I actually drilled a new centering hole so that I could position the leaf properly, for the best fit.

 

[Dennis H]

Someone else on this site had done it and that was the kit they used. I think practically any of the kits will work as long as they are for a 2 1/2 inch leaf spring width.

Summit leafs for a truck on mine too.

 

[mosquito13]

those that added the leaf , how did it change the spring rate / ride. I put similar on my f150 so I could pull my camper and boat and loads. with nothing in the bed it sits so water collects in the bed and is quite stiff now . I went with longer shackles and coil over shocks to get the height I needed for tire clearance on my 64 440( til I revisit the suspension again). heres a good how to , truck application but...http://www.instructables.com/id/INSTALLING-AN-ADD-A-LEAF/

 

[moparedtn]

If I recall correctly, an "L60" is the same as a 275/60, correct?
If so, I can tell you that tire fits in the stock '68 GTX wheelwell without need of helper springs.
After all, that's what is on mine.
Key is getting the right offset on the rims...

 

[747mopar]

Also remember a set of springs are barely over $100.00. I recently had a set of springs de arched to lower my car but the same can be done to raise it, fairly inexpensive.

 

[Dennis H]

Springs gave about 1" lift. Compliant but smooth ride. Coupled with Bilsteins and big tire handles better than ever.

 

[Badvert65]

It gave my Belvedere a firm ride. Better than when I had the old springs and coil-over shocks.

 

[mutt71]

moparedtn, Just a quick question. What offset did you use? Thanks in advance!

 

[krowbar]

I was thinking of putting helper springs on my originals. Decided to go with the heavier XHD springs. It didn't set much higher with the New springs so I fabbed up some extensions for the shackles. 2"x 3/8" thk. I put the spacing for the original holes and added 2 more sets 1" apart. 2" shackle extensions gave me about 1 1/2" at the wheels. I still have the air shocks on, but don't need as much air. Just enough air to adjust the stiffness of the shocks. Sets how I want it and feels good going down the road.

 

[GetX'd]

If I recall correctly, an "L60" is the same as a 275/60, correct?
If so, I can tell you that tire fits in the stock '68 GTX wheelwell without need of helper springs.
After all, that's what is on mine.
Key is getting the right offset on the rims...
View attachment 263248

I love that color on your X! I agree with you on the tire fit for the car. The problem is when I had cragar build my wheels I don't think they gave them the right offset causing the problem. I didn't notice it until long after as the car was being built. It's a long story - but at the end of the day I need that extra inch or two to give the lift over the tires. Life would have been a lot simpler if that process was done correctly. There's more to it but it's a two party problem. That why I'm looking again for a solution.

 

[Badvert65]

It definitely depends on the rims. I have 15x7 rims (first steel cop wheels, then aluminum mags) with P275-60R15 tires on the Belvedere and they fit like a dream. I want to run the same size tire on a 15x8.5 rim but that will not fit. Need to narrow the rear by about 2 inches.

 

[moparedtn]

moparedtn, Just a quick question. What offset did you use? Thanks in advance!

They're the available Magnum 500s. 15x7 front, 15x8 rear. I believe the backspacing was 4.5" on the rears. You can get your pudgy man-sized fingers between the BFGs and the inner lip of the wheelwells - barely.
They never rub.

 

[GetX'd]

That's the other thing I screwed up on. I put 15x8 rims on recalling that's what I was replacing. Turned out the old ones were 15x7. You forget a lot when your car of 47 years has been stored for the last 35. All this stuff leads up to me needing that extra inch or two....... That and the offset needing to be greater.