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Rear Leaf Spring

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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 10:05 AM
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Default Rear Leaf Spring

Hi, I was wondering if my leaf spring (7 leaf) needs to be replaced as the car is low on the left rear. All the shocks and the rubber for the leaf springs have been replaced.From what I have measured (one half inch) it is not much but is noticable. Thankswww.vettepics.com/images/70/1970_silver_062805_thumb.jpg

Last edited by JIMS1970VETTE; Aug 23, 2005 at 11:10 AM.
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 10:17 AM
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It's not uncommon for C3s, to be slightly uneven from one side to the other. Unless the spring is severely fatigued, there is no reason to replace it.

You can usually even up the sides by adjusting the spring bolts at each end of the spring. Raise the height by tightening the retaining nut and lower it by loosening it.

Mark
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 11:13 AM
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Finally learned how to put a picture in the forum.
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 11:16 AM
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get a composite spring. They don't "wear" down... If you keep the exhaust far enough away from the spring, they'll live forever...
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 01:40 PM
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Mine is crooked too. I've seen a lot of vettes that didn't sit just right. I wouldn't worry about it.
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 03:11 PM
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Generally sags on the left due to the driver and battery on the left and many fewer miles with passenger. If it bothers you, swap ends of the steel spring.
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Old Aug 23, 2005 | 03:47 PM
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Interestingly, I have a similar issue. But my rear spring and all bushings are new. What i did find out (since my left rear is higher than my right rear) is my right front spring sags more than my left front. This will cause the left rear to sit higher. Now I'm ordering a set of front springs!
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Old Aug 26, 2005 | 10:38 PM
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Well I am going to turn ends on the spring first and see what happens.
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Old Aug 27, 2005 | 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by JIMS1970VETTE
Well I am going to turn ends on the spring first and see what happens.
Suggest you base dimension checks to frame,rather than body...there is a variance on how body was fit at factory...I still have my original 7 leaf...only 1/4" difference...
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Old Aug 27, 2005 | 02:51 PM
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Well got the spring swapped along with some clean-up underneath and painting, heres some pics. http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/8...closeup3iu.jpg http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/4...gbefore0or.jpg http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/8...ngafter7vx.jpg

Last edited by JIMS1970VETTE; Aug 27, 2005 at 02:55 PM.
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Old Aug 27, 2005 | 03:00 PM
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I can see a slight body lean to drivers side...try measuring from floor to frame just forward of rear wheels both sides..just curious what you get...
Rich
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