[C2] 1966 Rear leaf spring question
02-26-2017, 05:39 PM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
1966 Rear leaf spring question
What are the major indicators that the rear leaf spring is worn out? The car still rides good and is not lower in the rear. But looking at the spring, it is almost straight, very little bend in it. I would assume there should be some downward bend from the center out towards the wheels, but I could be wrong. Thanks.
02-26-2017, 05:40 PM
#2
Team Owner
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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is the outer spring bolts correct and not been messed with
02-26-2017, 05:46 PM
#3
Intermediate
Thread Starter
They are the correct length and have not been messed with. Going to replace the rear spring bolt with new cushions, as they are pretty flat themselves and wondering if I need to replace the spring at the same time.
02-26-2017, 05:49 PM
#4
Team Owner
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with the stock bolts and you have a good ride height your happy with and the ride is good. IMHO I would leave it alone, Maybe put new liners in the spring and paint it but thats it
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jscott6 (02-26-2017)
02-26-2017, 06:09 PM
#5
Race Director
Typically - with the car parked there should be some slight angle of the half shafts from the differential - down to the wheels. Not much - maybe 3/4 inch +/-. If the spring is flat and the half shafts are pretty much running flat you spring may have seen better days. This would just be a ballpark evaluation. The GM chassis manual and AIM both have the process for measuring ride height front and rear that is independent of tire size.
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jscott6 (02-26-2017)
02-26-2017, 10:04 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
Be careful with new springs. Both front and rear. Mine was way too high in the back with a new one. I removed it and bought a used original to bring the ride height down to normal. (Search my thread "My car is too high...")
Last edited by IGO200; 02-26-2017 at 10:05 PM.
02-26-2017, 11:03 PM
#7
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Will replacing the rear leaf spring bolts with new cushions raise the rear end at all? The ones currently on the car are worn out and pretty flat.
02-27-2017, 07:02 AM
#8
Race Director
Yes, it will. Again ballpark answer - maybe as much as an inch immediately if your old ones are really flat and broken down. But within a couple of months you will probably lose half of that as they compress and take a set. They will definitely improve suspension harshness over control joints and bumps from the rear.