Kenboire

Took off trailing arm to replace bearing in 63 convert. Noticed rear spring seems out of line or maybe twisted. Hanger bolt angles backward. Actually out of line about 2-3 inches. Far enough to jam itself in place. Had to knock it loose. Seemed like an unusual problem when I did RR of the differential couple months ago and took spring out but I put it back anyway. Now thinking this issue means a new spring is needed. Car is only a driver, 4speed, 300hp. Problem? Solution? Does the bolt and spring hole ordinarily line up without forcing?

MelWff

Does it line up if you push up on the trailing arm?

Powershift

Excellent point!! Alignment of rear suspension components is much better at normal riding height of these components.

Does your spring centering bolt head fit into the small hole in the rear cover?? Is there any gap between the spring and the 4 spring retaining bolts where the spring could twist?? Is the spring correct steel leaf spring for a 63 car??

You could have some mismatched components, but advice from MelWff is probably the solution to your problem.

Larry

dkleather

If you have a replacement differential cover, it may have a wider cradle for the spring to bolt up to. I have the later C3 replacement cover and they were made to accept a wider C3 spring. Mine has a 1/4 spacer on the forward side of the spring to fill the extra width between the bolts and spring due to the smaller size of the C2. If yours is the later cover, missing a spacer might allow the spring to twist out of place. Dave

Kenboire

Good idea----thanks. I mulled this over then realized the spring hole is too far toward the rear. So I think if during reassembly the TA is raised the bolt angle misalignment distance would become greater. I guess it depends on where it all starts. The TA is out of the car right now so I really cant test the idea until later. Might be the reason though. Seems the higher the arm the more the bolt would angle rearward thus improving things making it harder getting the spring end high enough to reach the bolt?? I should mention that I remember seeing the bolts angled rearward to the spring before I took the differential out when the car was on jack stands. I guess I didn't notice a misalignment when the car was on wheels with the suspension loaded. Is it normal for the bolts to angle rearward when the suspension is hanging? I appreciate the help.

Kenboire

Thanks---I will double check the assembly for misfit parts. It s a driver with a foggy history and plenty of abuse and mixed parts.

Kenboire

Thanks for the clues. Seems like the spring guide bolt ought to keep things centered but I will double check. Seems like it went into place when I reinstalled the differential. I will look carefully again.

SWCDuke

As long as the spring is out, it's a good idea to disassemble, clean, and check for major corrosion. If it's okay paint both sides with a good corrosion resistant coating like Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer and a top coat of black. If some leaves are too corroded for further service you may be able to buy used, serviceable leaves. Reassemble with new liners.

Duke

Kenboire

Thanks for the idea. This is the likely solution.

TCracingCA

You didnt sheer a bolt? Is it one side or both? I have seen some broken off in the diff case!