Rear Leaf Spring Replacement

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Jan 31, 2006 | 01:06 PM

fastplastic

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 4

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Rear Leaf Spring Replacement

I was driving to work yesterday and the leaf spring in my 1980 vette broke. The bracket the holds the leaf together came undone. I was able to get off the road and stop before doing any damage, that I can see anyway. The removal and installation of the spring doesn't appear to be that difficult. I have never done it before and want to make sure I don't screw something up.
Is it true that all you do is: jack up the car, remove tires, jack up the end of leaf spring, remove lower spring bolt, lower jack, repeat on other side, remove leaf spring plate bolts and remove leaf spring? Installation is reverse.
Any tips or pointers are greatly appreciated.

Jan 31, 2006 | 01:14 PM

BerniesVette

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 2,662

Likes: 8

From: Knoxville Tennessee

Pretty much as easy as that. The four bolts that hold the spring to the differential are different lengths; two are longer than the other two. Be sure they go back into their proper holes. If the longer bolts are put into the holes the short bolts go into, they will crack your diff cover. Also there are two metal plates, on each side of the spring where the bolts bolt the spring to the diff. Be sure to reuse them or replace them if they are missing. They are approx. 3" by 6" metal plates and they keep the spring leafs from twisting. Hope this helps.
Bernie

Jan 31, 2006 | 01:45 PM

baja216

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 910

Likes: 20

From: Shorewood IL

I agree, I did mine without taking the rear wheels off. Make sure you use a c-clamp to keep your jack from slipping. Take your time and you'll have no trouble. If I can do it I know you can!!

Jan 31, 2006 | 01:53 PM

texaswilkins

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 1,270

Likes: 4

From: Celeste Texas

Put the end of the spring in the cup on the jack and it won't slip out. Seems like it worked out better when I had the jack at a right angle to the spring. I pulled the tires and the spare tire carrier off only so I had more room to work. The bolts going into the diff were REALLY tight. We ended up using the jack handle as an extension before they broke loose.

Bill

Jan 31, 2006 | 04:08 PM

KapsSA

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 4,362

Likes: 221

From: Beecher Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by BerniesVette

there are two metal plates, on each side of the spring where the bolts bolt the spring to the diff.
Bernie

These are used with the 2 1/4" wide springs only. The FACTORY ORIGINAL Gymkhana springs require these to be used. Check the width of your new spring, if 2 1/2" wide you won't need them.
Mike