1976 Rear Spring Help
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 43
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From: bethlehem pa
1976 Rear Spring Help
I need to replace the rear spring on my 76. My plan is to stay with a steel spring. I also plan on replacing all the dryed out rubber bushings etc. I could use a little help on where to get the parts and also any installation pointers or pit falls that I may run into. I have looked over Van Steel's offerings and am leaning toward them. Anybody have other vendors for me to look into? It is not my plan to replace the front springs at this time, with a new rear spring will the tail end sit high and if it does is it a problem? Is there any fit problems with after market springs?
Larry
Larry
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 384
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From: freehold NJ
Be sure to use a c-clamp or vise grips on the spring when jacking each side up so that the jack doesn't slip off. I just rebuilt my spring. You can buy an 8 inch bolt kit with new bushings to lower the car as I did. It had looked Jacked up before. you can buy the spring and bolt kits at Zip or Ecklers or Midamerica. You can also get an upgraded lighter sping from Summit.
It's not too hard a procedure when you just replace the spring. When rebuilding mine, I put in the plastic liners and that meant I had to buy longer bolts that go into the diff.
Any other questions, holler.
It's not too hard a procedure when you just replace the spring. When rebuilding mine, I put in the plastic liners and that meant I had to buy longer bolts that go into the diff.
Any other questions, holler.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: Abilene Tx
Van Steel, a supporting member, has a great video you can order. They have all the parts, etc. I went thru them for a complete replacement of trailing arms, half shafts, pumpkin and bushings. I returned my parts to them for credit after they sent me replacements. Did the whole job in a weekend. That was about 6k miles ago and everything is holding strong.
Good luck...
Good luck...
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton Illinois
I just did my spring a couple weeks ago. The old one was flat.
I was able to remove the spring with the rear y pipe still on the car. Since I was also replacing the rear end cover I ended up pulling the y pipe before I finished and I used a jack to hold the new spring in place for reassembly. I pulled the spare tire tub and it gives you alot of room to work.
I bought my parts from Muskegon Brake. I used 8" bolts and the rear sits just a little higher than it did before. I think it looks better.
I was able to remove the spring with the rear y pipe still on the car. Since I was also replacing the rear end cover I ended up pulling the y pipe before I finished and I used a jack to hold the new spring in place for reassembly. I pulled the spare tire tub and it gives you alot of room to work.
I bought my parts from Muskegon Brake. I used 8" bolts and the rear sits just a little higher than it did before. I think it looks better.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
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http://www.guldstrand.com/vettemain.htm
Quality steel springs here...higher in cost than the $100 versions, though....
Rich
Quality steel springs here...higher in cost than the $100 versions, though....
Rich
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
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From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Originally Posted by 76greenlar
Thanks everyone. What I don't get is the reference to 8" spring bolts. Is the thickness of replacement rear spring different from the stock sping?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by 76greenlar
Thanks everyone. What I don't get is the reference to 8" spring bolts. Is the thickness of replacement rear spring different from the stock sping?
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Clearwater Florida
If there are no broken leafs in your original spring you can have it re-arched, painted, and reasembled with new liners and a new bolt.
I've done 3 cars this way and never had a ride height problem.
I've done 3 cars this way and never had a ride height problem.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by 67-73-76
If there are no broken leafs in your original spring you can have it re-arched, painted, and reasembled with new liners and a new bolt.
I've done 3 cars this way and never had a ride height problem.
I've done 3 cars this way and never had a ride height problem.
Rich
