taking out leafs
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 385
Likes: 80
From: Old Monroe, Mo
taking out leafs
has anyone ever taken any leafs out of their 9-leaf rear spring. i have a spring that was new 2 yrs. ago and have installed 8 inch bolts and it still sits too high. was considering taking a couple leafs out, even tho i really dont want to. it sits at 29 1/2 in. at the center of the fenderwell. any ideas ?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
I removed a couple of leaves from mine. I started removing the shorter ones first to lower the car and soften the ride. You just need a new center bolt, or carefully remove the existing one. I used a large C clamp to put the leaf pack back together.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 816
Likes: 1
From: Finland
or do like I did. I separated all leavesa and then "recurved" the longer ones between 2 trees and then installed them all back together - did not loose the stiffer feeling but did get 3/4 lower car...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: NorCal 71 Lt-1
I have the same problem. Sits @ 29.5" w/ 8" spring bolts and a new 9 leaf spring. Want to get it down to around 27-28" so I just ordered a 10" bolt kit from VBP for $18.95 Will let you know how it turns out after i install it.
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=443
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=443
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
I just installed a slightly used 7 leaf spring I bought from a forum member. The 7 leaf replacement spring is really 8 leafs...the top leaf is completely flat. I removed this top leaf (shortest) and have had no issues so far. I'm running with 8" spring bolts and have lots of room to lower the rear if needed. I think I'm around 28" right now.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 7
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
I removed a couple of leaves from mine. I started removing the shorter ones first to lower the car and soften the ride. You just need a new center bolt, or carefully remove the existing one. I used a large C clamp to put the leaf pack back together.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: NorCal 71 Lt-1
Originally Posted by wnjlt1
I have the same problem. Sits @ 29.5" w/ 8" spring bolts and a new 9 leaf spring. Want to get it down to around 27-28" so I just ordered a 10" bolt kit from VBP for $18.95 Will let you know how it turns out after i install it.
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=443
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=443
O.K. well heres an updates with the 10" bolts from VBP. Just installed then remeasured height, it now sit's @ 27 3/4" w/ lock nut @ the lowest point. May go down a bit more after it settles. I have 275-40-18 in the rears. I know you were thinking of modifying the spring but here's an alternative.
Last edited by wnjlt1; Sep 13, 2005 at 11:18 PM.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 385
Likes: 80
From: Old Monroe, Mo
Originally Posted by wnjlt1
I have the same problem. Sits @ 29.5" w/ 8" spring bolts and a new 9 leaf spring. Want to get it down to around 27-28" so I just ordered a 10" bolt kit from VBP for $18.95 Will let you know how it turns out after i install it.
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=443
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=443
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
You're only supposed to responed when they say TigerCats, eh.
Another alternative, for those considering it, is to take the car to a spring shop and have them recurve (i.e., flatten) the spring.
Another alternative, for those considering it, is to take the car to a spring shop and have them recurve (i.e., flatten) the spring.