Composite spring torque value on bolts
 

I put a vette brackes and products rear composite spring on my 80and used the old three hole plate. I got the 50 foot pounds torque on the one bolt on the front side. The two bolts to the rear seem to be bending the plate before reaching the torque. The new spring is 2" and the old was 2 and1/2" wide. I think this is causing the problem. Any thoughts?

What did the instructions from VBP say? If nothing you need to call them direct for sure so not to damage the spring.

I happen to have my instructions right here.


3. Evenly torque factory bolts and steel plate to Reduced specs.

4. 63-77 / 40-45 lbs ft 78-79 / 40-45 lbs ft 80-82 45-50 lbs ft (flat side of plate to spring)


If you're tightening them evenly....who knows?

Do you have a pad on top of the spring and on the bottom of the spring? I can measure a new one tomorrow morning.

Their is a pad on the top and the bottom and I had the instructions that said 45-50 foot lbs for a 80. With a half inch of space between the spring and the bolts the cover plate looks to me like it is bending on the side with two holes and I have not met the 50#s yet. The back one bolt met the torque with no problem. On an 80 the spring bolt plate is a triangle with three bolts.

The back side of the instruction sheet was blured but I think it said 36-40 footpounds for a 80. Not sure why the front and back would be different numbers. I guess I neeed to give them a call.

Isnt there a steel plate that stands up between the plate and housing and goes under the 2 bolt side? The single bolt side bottoms the plate against housing.
Edit I think you need GM #14030190 This gives the bolts something to bottom out on instead of squeezing the pads.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k3...rden/plate.jpg

No part like that was on the car. All that came in the spring box was the spring. I can see how that plate would help but the size would need to be perfect.

:iagree: Never saw this part in any literature or pics ???

On your triangular plate you'll notice a small hole between the 2 bolt holes thats where one of the protrusions on the plate goes- the other one goes into a hole in the diff.This plate in the pic is actually for an 81 with a composite spring and was not used with a steel spring(FE7).One reason you didnt have this was you had a steel spring and now your going to composite.The only question I would have is if your 80 diff. has the matching small hole in the diff.This is a little confusing to try and explain.I guess in a pinch you could use one of the old #459032 spacer plates.

Do you have a GM parts and Illustration catalog ?

That piece should be there. It won't come in your new kit as you are supposed to re-use it.

I have a 80 with a steel spring I was replaceing I think the other poster said that spacer was used on a 81 that had a factory composite spring. I do not know if my car had the hole this plate goes in but I doubt it as it wasn't needed in 80.

My 82 has a replacement TRW spring and the plate is installed. From the look of it I'd say it is needed.

Lyle -is your composite set up like this? I seperated the pieces a little bit so you could see them.The piece with the X on it is steel and what keeps the distance so the bolts can be torqued.The composite cant be held tight -it has to be captured and cradled in rubber.I think the piece in the pic I posted will work for you providing the holes are there.If the holes are not there you can drill them.The piece is 2 1/4 tall and 2 1/2 wide.The plate in my pic takes the place of the piece in this pic with the X.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k3...n/plate001.jpg

Thanks The spring came with electrical tape holding all the parts together so I will need to check it out. I would think the vendor would have sent the correct parts as it was ordered for a 80 from Voulenteer and drop shipped from I think something like vett brakes I will check the label.

Lyle if your spring is this type in this link then you will "HAVE" to have either the plate I showed you or something like it to limit how far the bolts can go.This spring in this link only has rubber top and bottom.It has no steel as the TRW spring in post #16.Look at the differance in the mounting systems the TRW is much more complex than the one from Van Steel
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&SubGroup=1852

Van Steel-thats where the problem is -Lyle's 80 didnt come with that piece because his 80 came with a steel spring and that piece was not needed.I'm pretty sure his 80 housing and lower 3 bolt plate has the needed holes to use the piece.If not he can drill the holes.The only thing left I would be looking at is the differance in spring width.I wonder if he would be better off with the TRW type in post #16.

Is that the right spring then?

Note that the TRW springs are known for too much arch. 8 inch bolts at least to get stock ride hight. Previous owner put the one in my car, I would not have bought a TRW. .

Your right they are high and you generally do need the extended bolts.What I like about them they went the extra mile to make the mounting nice.That seems to be where most people run into a problem with plastic springs.They must be isolated from metal and not squezed too tight.Also shielded from heat.