Is this normal? (1971 rear mono spring)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 333
Likes: 2
From: Aurora Colorado
Is this normal? (1971 rear mono spring)
[IMG]
IMG_1963.JPG by akozub, on Flickr[/IMG]
When I lift the car off the ground by the frame this is what happens. The original steel springs have obviously been replaced by a fiberglass mono leaf. Thanks
IMG_1963.JPG by akozub, on Flickr[/IMG]When I lift the car off the ground by the frame this is what happens. The original steel springs have obviously been replaced by a fiberglass mono leaf. Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi gs,
I believe you're seeing the result of using a spring with less arc in it when not under load, (compared to the 9 leaf original), and a spring bolt that's 2" or 3" longer than the original bolt.
Regards,
Alan
I believe you're seeing the result of using a spring with less arc in it when not under load, (compared to the 9 leaf original), and a spring bolt that's 2" or 3" longer than the original bolt.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 333
Likes: 2
From: Aurora Colorado
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
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From: North of Toronto - Ontario
How does it sit with the weight on?
Shorter bolts will raise the rear end, You've got a fair amount of thread there to adjust but if the rear is sitting where you like, leave it.
That being said, what's holding the Trailing arm up, just the shock? Hard to tell in the photo but it doesn't look to be hanging down as far as most when the load is off (judging by the u-joint there)
Also, is there a cotter pin in the end of the T/A - Spring bolt?
Mooser
Shorter bolts will raise the rear end, You've got a fair amount of thread there to adjust but if the rear is sitting where you like, leave it.
That being said, what's holding the Trailing arm up, just the shock? Hard to tell in the photo but it doesn't look to be hanging down as far as most when the load is off (judging by the u-joint there)
Also, is there a cotter pin in the end of the T/A - Spring bolt?
Mooser
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 110
From: Garland Texas
That bolt adjusts the ride height. If you put a shorter bolt in the rear of the car will sit higher. Like 7T1vette it looks like you have a stiff spring in which case yes this is normal when you jack the car up. Going by the pic in your avatar it looks like the rear is sitting a little low.
Mike
Mike
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Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi GS,
We'd need to see the car sitting on the ground, the ride height, and the spring/bolt relationship, to advise you about changing the bolt length.
As has been said, the long bolt is there is to correct a problem the change in rear spring has created.
Regards,
Alan
Hi mooser, no cotter pin because those long bolts come with that self-locking nut, not the usual slotted nut.
We'd need to see the car sitting on the ground, the ride height, and the spring/bolt relationship, to advise you about changing the bolt length.
As has been said, the long bolt is there is to correct a problem the change in rear spring has created.
Regards,
Alan
Hi mooser, no cotter pin because those long bolts come with that self-locking nut, not the usual slotted nut.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
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From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Just was curious as mine came with the self-locking nuts (nylocs) and were drilled to accept the supplied cotter pin as well. I was never sure if it was meant to be used with the original castle nuts or not so I put it anyway.
Mooser
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 333
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From: Aurora Colorado
[IMG]
IMG_1969.JPG by akozub, on Flickr[/IMG]
IMG_1966.JPG by akozub, on Flickr
IMG_1968.JPG by akozub, on Flickr
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,389
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi gs,
A car's ride height can be uneven for many reasons... springs, shocks, body mounts....etc.
The original tires, (F70-15), were a hair under 27" tall.
The original ride height was about 28" from the ground to the center of the wheel arch.
To my eye the blue car definitly looks low, and that's due in part to the length of the spring bolts. The original sprig bolts were 6 5/16" long and have VERY little adjustment.
To my eye the red car looks high. This can be for many reasons. Replacement spring for one?
Regards,
Alan
A car's ride height can be uneven for many reasons... springs, shocks, body mounts....etc.
The original tires, (F70-15), were a hair under 27" tall.
The original ride height was about 28" from the ground to the center of the wheel arch.
To my eye the blue car definitly looks low, and that's due in part to the length of the spring bolts. The original sprig bolts were 6 5/16" long and have VERY little adjustment.
To my eye the red car looks high. This can be for many reasons. Replacement spring for one?
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 333
Likes: 2
From: Aurora Colorado
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 333
Likes: 2
From: Aurora Colorado
Ok, so I raised the rear about 3/4 of an inch.
[IMG]
IMG_1976.JPG by akozub, on Flickr[/IMG]
Took it for a ride and rechecked everything and found the spring cracked!
[IMG]
IMG_1974.JPG by akozub, on Flickr[/IMG]
I assume I now need to replace it. Can someone figure out what spring weight this is? And if I should go lighter or heavier?
[IMG]
IMG_1972.JPG by akozub, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]
IMG_1976.JPG by akozub, on Flickr[/IMG]Took it for a ride and rechecked everything and found the spring cracked!
[IMG]
IMG_1974.JPG by akozub, on Flickr[/IMG]I assume I now need to replace it. Can someone figure out what spring weight this is? And if I should go lighter or heavier?
[IMG]
IMG_1972.JPG by akozub, on Flickr[/IMG]
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
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In case you missed it the first time:
Send your pics to VPB and ask for their advice and reasons why it broke. Looks like you were missing the heat shield 
