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My rear end ride height is notably low. I cant stick a finger between the tire and the body. I currently have open headers (neighbors actually do like enjoy the car, trust me) and intend on putting in a full travel 2.5 inch exhaust, but do not have the road clearance to fit anything past the rear of the frame in front of the differential. I have these photos to try and show what I am referring to in my next statements. I do not mind a tall ride height. I drive this car like I stole it so the more road clearance the better. About nothing on here is stock so the "mint" or "clean" aspect of this car is about out the window. My half shafts seem to be bowed upwards which was the first tell for me that something was off. The leaf itself has about 5 degrees of tangent travel upward. I have read forums stating this can be cause by the control arm linkage that runs off the differential but I am not sure if that is the case here or if my leaf just needs to be replaced. I am well aware of the composite supporters out there if it is a replacement, if that's the case I will go down that rabbit hole. I am more looking for input on the main question: is my leaf shot? or do I just need to adjust the controller?
That upward angle on the half-shafts is indicative of it sitting too low. You really do want level or just a bit of a downward angle to the wheels on them. The suspension more often goes up with road forces, not down, so you've already got diminished travel built in with that upward angle.
It's hard to tell from the pic: about how long are the bolts at the leaf ends? Bolt length will change the curb height of the rear. If you disconnect both bolts and let the spring arch to its full extent there is a measurement of that arch height to indicate weakened springs... maybe someone can offer what that dimension is.
New springs are not expensive but I can't give advice on # of leaves or composite vs. steel. I've still got the factory springs holding everything up just fine.
I am not sure exact dimensions, ill have to take a measurement when I get the chance, they are supposed to be the stock length. I am not sure if there are multiple "standard" lengths though. Does the leaf seem out of it?
I am not sure exact dimensions, ill have to take a measurement when I get the chance, they are supposed to be the stock length. I am not sure if there are multiple "standard" lengths though. Does the leaf seem out of it?
I lightened your pic as much as I could... You're right that the bolt length looks stock.
Have you examined the spring for any broken leaves? Regardless, it looks like a spring change would be in order.
We've reached the end of my spring knowledge and experience. Maybe @leigh1322 will chime in with his suspension knowledge.
BTW, here's a forum pic on what I was referring to when measuring spring arch:
Correct, however your spring is "loaded", with the car's weight on it, while the picture that "67:72" posted, shows the spring in an unloaded state. Something else to consider is that while the "halfshaft angle" is one thing to keep in mind, when setting ride height, a "proper appearance" with regard to space of the wheel opening in relation to the top of the tire, is also part of the equation. It would be helpful if we could see a picture of your car, taken from the side, so we could get an idea of the total package,,,,,
Here’s a pic of two ‘78 leaf springs stacked up. The upper one was re-arched to factory spec by a spring shop. With the re-arched spring installed the rear was too high. Longer mounting bolts put the spring ends very near the tires. So close the spring had actually scraped the tire from where it rolls inward on a turn. Replaced it with a 330 composite from Vansteel. If you’re really into spirited driving get a 360 or coil-overs.
Charlie
That spring is bent the wrong way. That's what's clapped.
Get a low-arch composite spring from Van Steel to replace it.
Definitely!! Years ago, I replaced the stock steel spring in my wife's former '79 C-3, with a composite spring from the now defunct VB&P. BEST modification I ever made to that car.
My rear end ride height is notably low. I cant stick a finger between the tire and the body. I currently have open headers (neighbors actually do like enjoy the car, trust me) and intend on putting in a full travel 2.5 inch exhaust, but do not have the road clearance to fit anything past the rear of the frame in front of the differential. I have these photos to try and show what I am referring to in my next statements. I do not mind a tall ride height. I drive this car like I stole it so the more road clearance the better. About nothing on here is stock so the "mint" or "clean" aspect of this car is about out the window. My half shafts seem to be bowed upwards which was the first tell for me that something was off. The leaf itself has about 5 degrees of tangent travel upward. I have read forums stating this can be cause by the control arm linkage that runs off the differential but I am not sure if that is the case here or if my leaf just needs to be replaced. I am well aware of the composite supporters out there if it is a replacement, if that's the case I will go down that rabbit hole. I am more looking for input on the main question: is my leaf shot? or do I just need to adjust the controller?
Both ends of the spring are bowed up. You need a new spring.
clapped or adjustable?
