Rear spring questions?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
Rear spring questions?
I need to replace my rear spring on my 72.
Are the 9-leaf and 7-leaf springs interchangeable?
Benefits of one over the other??
Ride and handling comparison?
Thanks!!!!
Are the 9-leaf and 7-leaf springs interchangeable?
Benefits of one over the other??
Ride and handling comparison?
Thanks!!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
MakoShark72,
I have 2 1971 LS6 coupes, one has standard suspension ( F62 & G32 front and rear springs) the other has F41 suspension.
There is a world of difference between these two spring rates. Both cars sit level, but the F41 front coils and rear leaves are much stiffer in ride.
The standard rear 9 leaf and optional 7 leaf rear spring interchange just fine. However the factory F41 springs have long been discontinued.
I have 2 1971 LS6 coupes, one has standard suspension ( F62 & G32 front and rear springs) the other has F41 suspension.
There is a world of difference between these two spring rates. Both cars sit level, but the F41 front coils and rear leaves are much stiffer in ride.
The standard rear 9 leaf and optional 7 leaf rear spring interchange just fine. However the factory F41 springs have long been discontinued.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
I got my 7 leaf from Guldstrand Motorsorts...it is about 50# stiffer than stock F41/FE7 GM springs...the ride is great.....put it on my 69 502 with Bilstein Sports...
This spring is 1 1/2" shorter than stock,which allows another 3/4" tire clearance each side...
Rich
This spring is 1 1/2" shorter than stock,which allows another 3/4" tire clearance each side...
Rich
Last edited by rihwoods; Feb 14, 2007 at 11:01 AM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
Scott, havent tried it yet. The car is "stored" at the local Army base, Ft Lewis, Auto Hobby Shop. Only open Thursday-Sunday. Plan to give it a try tomorrow. BTW, asked the guys at Willcox about adjusting the bolts. They said "only to lower it, not to raise it"....dont shoot the messenger, cuz I dont know. They also said the spring should show noticeable arch with weight on wheels. My spring is pretty flat. But I'll let you know how it works. Will take camera and post pictures this weekend.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Yeah that makes sense if the spring is flattened out already. Why not call VB&P? I spoke to Pattie a couple of weeks ago. She was very knowledgeable and helped me pick up the best rear spring for my application. They can custom build peices too if you need something special.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Why not go to the fiberglass monoleaf? I mean unless you are trying to keep it 100% stock appearing.
I am just curious why to keep the stacked type springs. They're such squeaky bastards.
I am just curious why to keep the stacked type springs. They're such squeaky bastards.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
Have been checking into monoleaf's..Have heard of failures..and then theres the $$$ factor. But its an option..
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
OH OK, I was just curious as to why to stay with the stock type springs. My car had a TRW 340# monoleaf installed by the original owner back in 1988 along with adjustable struts. The car has had about 40k miles put on since then and I have had no problems with the spring and it actually rides pretty good. Its a TAD stiff but nothing that a corvette shouldn't be. I am also running new KYBs all the way around. I have the receipt for the spring he installed, I want to say it was like $300 or something but hell, that was almost 20 yrs ago. LOL