• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

What are you guys using for leaf springs?

Hosehead

Hosehead

Well-Known Member
Local time
4:23 AM
Joined
Sep 9, 2012
Messages
828
Reaction score
967
Location
Springfield Mo
I have finished rebuilding the front end on my 65 belvedere, painted under the hood and yesterday got my 440 under the hood. Now it is time to concentrate on the rear of the car. My original 318 car has shot springs and wanted to find new ones that would be good for a street car. I have heard that I don't need super stock springs as this car will be mostly driven on the street. Also, I don't want this car to be too high in the back. I would like it to sit level. Just my personal preference. I have read that I can use a body springs? The car has all stock suspension otherwise. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks all!
 
I use the heavy duty springs, got them from Mcveigh's on ebay.
 
S/S Springs work well..... Your ride height can be adjusted by choosing one of two mounting holes in the S/S front hangers required to use the springs.
In regards to a "Stiff" ride,,,, mine isn't all that stiff! Probably a bit more than stock,,,, but the car performs better too! I think some people are buying the 4,000 lb car springs and putting them on there 3500 lb cars and complaining about it riding like a truck... They sell different ranges of vehicle weight springs,,,, the lighter ones will ride softer than the heavier rated springs in the same vehicle.... The key is having the front segment shorter, and more leafs on the right side for the suspension to work properly when hitting the pedal from a stand still. "Of course this only applies to multi leaf setups"..... The idea is to reduce axle wind up and rebound to prevent the tires from snapping loose from the pavement, and also the extra leaf on one side is to help take the load of the twisting action from the cars chassis under hard acceleration.
If your just building a street car for cruising only,,,, then throw all of this out the window... LOL!
 
67 B-body said:
S/S Springs work well..... Your ride height can be adjusted by choosing one of two mounting holes in the S/S front hangers required to use the springs.
In regards to a "Stiff" ride,,,, mine isn't all that stiff! Probably a bit more than stock,,,, but the car performs better too! I think some people are buying the 4,000 lb car springs and putting them on there 3500 lb cars and complaining about it riding like a truck... They sell different ranges of vehicle weight springs,,,, the lighter ones will ride softer than the heavier rated springs in the same vehicle.... The key is having the front segment shorter, and more leafs on the right side for the suspension to work properly when hitting the pedal from a stand still. "Of course this only applies to multi leaf setups"..... The idea is to reduce axle wind up and rebound to prevent the tires from snapping loose from the pavement, and also the extra leaf on one side is to help take the load of the twisting action from the cars chassis under hard acceleration.
If your just building a street car for cruising only,,,, then throw all of this out the window... LOL!
Click to expand...

After looking at some pics in the 62-65 archive here I think maybe the 3400 lb ss springs are the way to go. Seems like they do settle over time and won't jack my car up too much in the back. I have a stock 440 in the car now, but as soon as its on the road I'll start collecting parts to build a hotter motor, of course.
 
You could look at the CalTrac Mono leaf setup along with the adjustable CalTrac traction bar setup too... This is more of a racing setup, but many use it for street use as well...... I made my own traction bars that work like the CalTrac setup.... I can tell that they are doing something, because I have them set loose right now and can hear them hit the springs if I jab the throttle or have a somewhat stiff shift into second gear when cruising around town...
Good luck with whatever you decide....
 
A couple guys are using CalTrac's with the mono leaf here. I'm going with the SS multi leaf/CalTrac set up. The springs came from Detroit-Eaton. We'll see how it goes/rides.
 
I used the #456 and #457 SS Springs. 3,400 lbs.

Work perfect and the ride is not bad at all!

It settled after about a year and does not sit high at all.
 
I like the S/S springs a lot. I know some say they ride like a truck. I gotta truck and it rides good. I've used several sets of S/S springs and they work fine to me. Hard pressed to find another set of springs that will actually WORK as well. I have a set for my 65 Coronet now.
 
20121111_115049.jpg

I have 3400lb SS Springs on mine. I don't think it's too high at all, and the ride isn't bad, either.
 
I have the 3400# SS springs on the Belvedere. Not certain about ride quality since it has not left the garage yet.

Picture158.jpg
 
Looks like 3400# super stocks. I think the guy I was talking too was misinformed about them. I love the way you guys cars sit with them. I will be ordering some tomorrow! Thanks guys!
 
I use the XHD Mopar Springs on both my Road Runner and my Scamp.
 
I also ordered the mopar springs. It sat a little high for me in the rear. I had them rearched for 75.00. Now the car sits perfect Lowered about 1 1/2 inches.
 
I have stock Chrysler springs..I kind of like the way it sits, :icon_thumright:Stock.


009.jpg
 
Had ss on my 65 Coronet and they sagged over 3 years(ft higher than rear)put a set of two inch over stock height springs that I got from springs and things,they look and feel great so far.
 
I put my car on stands over winters with suspension hanging...... I never leave my car sitting on the floor while storing! I think this preserves spring arch....... I even lift it up if I'm going to be out of town for several weeks in the summer...... Doesn't take long to do, so why not?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Melk-man
leaf springs look ok? shackle has some angle but too much?
2
Replies
33
Views
2K
Melk-man
Melk-man
R
Leaf spring buckling upward
Replies
18
Views
1K
Dave6T4
Dave6T4
needacheaperhob
Fiberglass Hood (Bolt on) Lighter Springs/Hinges?
2
Replies
24
Views
1K
threewood
threewood
S
Supewrbird leaf springs
Replies
13
Views
1K
Stucat
S
CafnutS
Leaf Springs Count
Replies
4
Views
1K
33 IMP
33 IMP
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top