rear leaf spring?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 105
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From: Knoxville TN
rear leaf spring?
I am in the process of a rear suspension restore. I have my old leaf out and was going to re-line and re-paint it. However I noticed that all the liner kits are only up to 77 and mine is a 79. Does anyone know what the difference is. I am debating just throwing the old one back on after the rebuild until I have some extra cash for a composite spring other than originality are there any drawbacks to the composite.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
In VBP's line, the next step is going to be the 360#. Should you go with that, you should consider at least the 460# front coils, if not the 550#'s. Talk to VBP about your specific application.
Unless you're willing to match it with real Daytona front coils (rated at 680#), I really don't recommend the 420# as you'll noticeably unbalance handling.
While you're at it, I strongly suggest a set of Bilsteins and getting rid of the stock rear camber strut rods. And, you most likely will never have any need of a rear anti-roll bar.
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; May 3, 2007 at 06:58 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 8
From: Hamilton NJ
Leaf spring for 63-78 was 2.25 inches wide, late 78-82 was 2.5 inches, so the liners up to 77 will be too skinny for your 79.
I have the VBP 300# spring on my 79 and it's just a tad too light. If I were to do it again I'd go with the #330. But you know what...I still love it.
The monospring requires specially dampened gas shocks so replacing the springs means your also doing the shocks = more $$. Just be sure to build it into your estimates. Save your pennies then wait for a sale or get a package and you'll make out better in the long run. VB&P is the obvious source.
I picked up the 300# on sale for ~$260, shocks an extra $70http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=545
Enjoy, Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
In my experience, some top quality shocks in approximate order: Penske, Fox, Koni, Bilstein, KYB among others, then OEM's. (I'm sure to have missed a couple...)
If you have the budget, get the Bilsteins if you don't want to tune them yourself. It's one of the top five best value upgrades most shark owners should perform. If you want to do your own tuning, the Koni DA's will be far better than the KYB'S, but you may have to do some clearancing up front.
If you have the budget, get the Bilsteins if you don't want to tune them yourself. It's one of the top five best value upgrades most shark owners should perform. If you want to do your own tuning, the Koni DA's will be far better than the KYB'S, but you may have to do some clearancing up front.
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; May 5, 2007 at 05:44 PM.
