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Ive got ground clearance now...

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Old May 14, 2005 | 07:26 PM
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Default Ive got ground clearance now...

I got everything done I set out to do.
First I replaced the right halfshaft, the previous owner managed to put a dent in it and it shook like he!!. That took some talent.
As long as I was on a roll I dropped the tired old leaf spring out. Can any body say sprung??
I then proceeded to install my new Mid America (Spring 9 Leaf, performance, 2.5" wide). It was a bit of a juggling act putting it in by myself but its in.
Next I hooked the spring up to the new 6 inch bolts I ordered. Man I was doing great.
I buttoned everything up and took it for a short drive to seat the spring in. What an improvement in the ride!!
I got back home and got out and I have seen off road trucks jacked up that high.
I guess I should have ordered the 8 inch bolts. DOH!!!!
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Old May 14, 2005 | 08:57 PM
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Fun putting it all back together by yourself isn't it? A fiberglass spring makes that a little easier.
The longer bolts should help you bring it back down to earth.
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Old May 14, 2005 | 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Eddie 70
Fun putting it all back together by yourself isn't it? A fiberglass spring makes that a little easier.
The longer bolts should help you bring it back down to earth.

Hey guys

I have the same problem,but nervious about getting the longer bolts. Will this just lower the body of the car or will it lower the frame and all?

If frame and all is lowered would it equal the change in bolt length?
Meaning if I went from a 6" to a 8" would the car ride height be lowered 2"?

Thanks,
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Old May 14, 2005 | 09:17 PM
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Default The day couldn't be better...

Originally Posted by Eddie 70
Fun putting it all back together by yourself isn't it? A fiberglass spring makes that a little easier.
The longer bolts should help you bring it back down to earth.
Even though the ride height was an issue, being able to do this stuff myself just makes it that much more "My car".
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Old May 14, 2005 | 09:20 PM
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Default It will correct the height

Right now with the shorter bolts it has the frame jacked up higher than it is supposed to be. This raises the center of gravity and will effect the handling adversely.

Definitely put the 8's on and get er back down where she belongs.
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Old May 16, 2005 | 08:16 AM
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Originally Posted by fl_rider
Right now with the shorter bolts it has the frame jacked up higher than it is supposed to be. This raises the center of gravity and will effect the handling adversely.

Definitely put the 8's on and get er back down where she belongs.
Thanks
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Old May 16, 2005 | 02:06 PM
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In fact most of the bolts sold for this purpose have a couple of inches of thread. This allows quite a bit of adjustment to get the height you're most satisfied with. Try a couple of adjustments until you find the height you like. Once you're satisfied with ride height, you can just hacksaw off the excess bolt if it concerns you.

Avoid bolt lengths that place the spring end below the rim edge/adjacent to the sidewall. With more than an inch of clearance, I managed to gouge the sidewall of my tire. If possible I would drill a small hole below the nut after your final adjustment to install a cotter pin. Even with a nylock lock-nut, the cotter pin adds a bit of additional safety margin.

Good luck...

GUSTO
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Old May 17, 2005 | 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by GUSTO14
In fact most of the bolts sold for this purpose have a couple of inches of thread. This allows quite a bit of adjustment to get the height you're most satisfied with. Try a couple of adjustments until you find the height you like. Once you're satisfied with ride height, you can just hacksaw off the excess bolt if it concerns you.

Avoid bolt lengths that place the spring end below the rim edge/adjacent to the sidewall. With more than an inch of clearance, I managed to gouge the sidewall of my tire. If possible I would drill a small hole below the nut after your final adjustment to install a cotter pin. Even with a nylock lock-nut, the cotter pin adds a bit of additional safety margin.

Good luck...

GUSTO
Gusto-
I never even thought about a longer bolt and then just cut off the access. so simple and I did not even thik about that.

My only concern is the side pipes hitting the speed bumps if i use the 8" bolts. I do nto want to learn the hard way.
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Old May 17, 2005 | 10:18 PM
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Composite rear spring 8 inch bolts low side pipes in the land of many big speed bumps (don’t know why they are called that as you have to go slow?)

No problems here.
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Old May 18, 2005 | 08:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Bangkok Dean
Composite rear spring 8 inch bolts low side pipes in the land of many big speed bumps (don’t know why they are called that as you have to go slow?)

No problems here.
Dean, thanks for the reply...I have to say that you have the nicest "80 anythnig" I have every seen . It looks as if you took the time to wash, sand and paint the engine compartment. Nice chrome package ( Hinges and hood locks) I know they are expensive because I also have most of them. Everything is organized and not thrown together. A man after my own taste. Fantastic job! Any local awards??

How many inches of ground clearance do you have from the lowest point on your pipes to the ground?
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Old May 18, 2005 | 12:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Eddie 70
Fun putting it all back together by yourself isn't it? A fiberglass spring makes that a little easier.
The longer bolts should help you bring it back down to earth.
I've decided everyone that has changed out their leaf spring ends up sitting high and dry, me included. I can't believe someone dosen't make a spring that dosen't jack up the car like a 4x4. If anyone has found one that "works", let us all know. I"m willing to change my out again if I find the right one.
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