Rear Leaf Spring Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 299
From: Cleburne Texas
Rear Leaf Spring Question
I'm installing new liners between the rear leaf springs and I removed a metal band form each side that covered 3 leafs near the end of the spring. I also have a sping that does not have the bands. I am assuming they keep the ends of the spring from shiting to one side or the other. Should I put the bands back on or leave them off? Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,073
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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Once you install the spring the four center bolts will ensure it can't move and those silly clamps can be removed
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,702
Likes: 900
From: Warminster PA
Couple things to watch for.....
Many of the reproduction center spring bolts, the one that holds the spring together, the head is too tall and will bottom out in the diff housing. If you are using a new bolt, double check the fit of the head into the housing to make sure it will not bottom out. I usually end up grinding some off to get the needed clearance. You can also compare the original bolt head height to the new one - again, if you are replacing the bolt.
When it comes time to fully tighten the four spring bolts, have the car on the ground, or at least something holding the wheels at ride height and then tighten the bolts. If you try to tighten the bolts with the spring unloaded you run the risk of breaking one of the housing ears off since the spring is still arched at the attachment point. Once the spring is loaded by the car weight it flattens out and is much easier to tighten those four bolts.
Many of the reproduction center spring bolts, the one that holds the spring together, the head is too tall and will bottom out in the diff housing. If you are using a new bolt, double check the fit of the head into the housing to make sure it will not bottom out. I usually end up grinding some off to get the needed clearance. You can also compare the original bolt head height to the new one - again, if you are replacing the bolt.
When it comes time to fully tighten the four spring bolts, have the car on the ground, or at least something holding the wheels at ride height and then tighten the bolts. If you try to tighten the bolts with the spring unloaded you run the risk of breaking one of the housing ears off since the spring is still arched at the attachment point. Once the spring is loaded by the car weight it flattens out and is much easier to tighten those four bolts.
