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I'm thinking of purchasing the #360 composite spring and hope members can answer a few questions?
- Can I use the same 4 differential spring plate bolts that I have on the metal 7 leaf spring?
- I'll assume the same end 8" bolt kit I presently have will also fit the composite spring?
- If I eventually go with 18" x 9" rims without spacers can I go with the standard spring length without having them cut 1/2" - 1"?
- Will the composite spring heat shield be enough to protect against the 2 1/2" stainless exhaust that is presently 1/2" away from the metal spring or will I need header wrap on the exhaust in that area?
Last edited by Maymyvetteliveforevr; Dec 20, 2022 at 03:56 PM.
I used the same length mounting bolts for the differential
It's a "low-arch" spring but I'm still using 8" bolts that I had previously and I'm running the car close to stock at the wheel arch with 15" stock rims. 1/2 shafts are basically level with the car sitting, and about 5/8" bolt sticking past nyloc & cotter pin (belt and suspenders)
As you can see, there's not a tremendous amount of clearance to the tire with the 15" rim, 235/75 tires. The 17x8 I have no put the spring closer to the rim rather than the tire, an 18" would be a little better again but I'd still look at the shorter spring if it was me
I've run 2-1/2" stainless exhaust with my old TRW spring for a decade or so with this style of heat shield and clearance. Must have been 10 or 15 years without issues
Currently it's a the VS spring and an embossed aluminum shield the same size as the old one and aluminized exhaust but the same routing and clearances. Second summer and no issues, seems like lots of room. Wrapping the exhaust back there isn't going to hurt but it's a lot cooler, if I was worried I'd probably add some wrap, there's a roll on my shelf, maybe nest year but I'm not concerned
In conclusion, I will use the stock differential spring plate bolt, as well as the stock 8" bolt kit and eliminate the need for header wrap on the exhaust, when using the plate.
When it comes to "whether to shorten or not", is it mainly based on rim size, offset and width, or is it tire size as well. In other words, does the end of the spring, interfere with the rim or tire on a 17" and 18" rim?
Once you get big enough, the spring is inside the rim rather than the tire. Problem then becomes clearance from the tire to the actual trailing arm. I checked for someone recently and it seems to me that there's only about 1/2 (or was it 1" I'd have to look again) from the tire to the trailing arm, that's where the offset trailing arms come in
M
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Van Steel Composite Spring - Questions.
