[C2] leaf spring
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 429
Likes: 85
leaf spring
I have a 66 BB with factory air (390). The question is did it come with a 7 or 9 leaf. I searched the forum and came up with an equal number of answers for either one.. It does not have any special suspension, I just want to put in what it came with. Any takers?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 10,696
Likes: 3,094
From: Cottonwood AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I have a 66 BB with factory air (390). The question is did it come with a 7 or 9 leaf. I searched the forum and came up with an equal number of answers for either one.. It does not have any special suspension, I just want to put in what it came with. Any takers?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,308
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From: Bowling Green, Kentucky
For 1966, the F41 suspension was available to only the L-72 engine cars and the L-88 engine cars. Since there are no documented L-88 cars for 1966, the only engine option that received it was the L-72.
See Noland's Book for details.
Larry
See Noland's Book for details.
Larry
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 253
Likes: 58
F41 special front and rear suspension was an extra cost option, 7 leaves, larger front sway bar, HD shocks and springs plus some other small pieces. The rear shocks where a different shape than standard, all for 36.90 in 1966 dollars. According to the Noland Adams Restoration and technical guide, GM production records indicate 1966 F41 was available with L72 only plus L88 which they never produced. Take this for what it is worth.
Mike
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 557
From: Sun Prairie WI
I have a 66 BB with factory air (390). The question is did it come with a 7 or 9 leaf. I searched the forum and came up with an equal number of answers for either one.. It does not have any special suspension, I just want to put in what it came with. Any takers?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 429
Likes: 85
OK so the consensus is that I should take out the crappy composite spring and put in the 9 leaf. The ride now is very bouncy in the back when I do things like go over train tracks or dips in the road. i already changed the shocks to Bilstein sports which did nodda. I would not mind smoooothing that out. I don't drive it hard or race it, just like to enjoy tooling around. Next question did the factory spring have the little curls at the ends of the leaves in 66? Thanks folks
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 10,696
Likes: 3,094
From: Cottonwood AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
OK so the consensus is that I should take out the crappy composite spring and put in the 9 leaf. The ride now is very bouncy in the back when I do things like go over train tracks or dips in the road. i already changed the shocks to Bilstein sports which did nodda. I would not mind smoooothing that out. I don't drive it hard or race it, just like to enjoy tooling around. Next question did the factory spring have the little curls at the ends of the leaves in 66? Thanks folks
Last edited by 68hemi; Sep 30, 2021 at 03:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 429
Likes: 85
I just went to Eaton and they have two 9 leaf springs listed, a 6 curved and 3 straight and an all 9 curved. What was from the factory? Also were the ends curled in 66? These and other burning questions are keeping me up at night.
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Many of the fiberglass springs use 8” bolts where the spring ends mount to the TAs. I believe oem is 6.5”.
