suspension advice
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,247
Likes: 210
From: Detroit MI
Originally Posted by Durango_boy
Well, in my car's defense...it has not been driven since the cut. I put the wheels back on, and used my body weight to compress the suspension to a load. After doing this, the toe seemed fine. Maybe it was a little over the other way before I started and this corrected it. I just never noticed a toe in/out problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by 69autoXr
So your 1.5" drop figure is also without driving the car?
Yep, I measured after I squished the suspension, and tightened everything. I will drive it and measure again, but a forum member that suggested the cut said he didn't experience any more drop after driving once he compressed the suspension.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by tamvette68
Feeling the need to jack it back up, what can I do initially to keep the tires where they belong? Springs, shocks, rear sway bar, strut rod, etc.? Can shocks alone give it a better ride?? If so, what works best on a weekend cruiser? Does it all have to be done at one time??? Would like to enjoy the fall rides. 
It is possible your stock leaf spring has lost most of it's arc....is it flat ???
The new 7 leaf is also 1 1/2" shorter than stock,allowing for more tire clearance...you can also order composite spring shorter from forum vendor...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
Originally Posted by Durango_boy
How much of an arc is recommended before the leaf is replaced?
when your exhaust and or spare tire carrier is draggin on the ground, at least thats when i changed mine
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by sweethence
when your exhaust and or spare tire carrier is draggin on the ground, at least thats when i changed mine
Great way to measure...only I have sidepipes and no spare or carrier. If it flat it should be replaced?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
Originally Posted by Durango_boy
Great way to measure...only I have sidepipes and no spare or carrier. If it flat it should be replaced?
If you like i can go out and measure the height from the top of the tire to the bottom of the wheel opening... the new spring ( 9 leaf in my case) gave me almost two inches of additional height even after settleing, car sits perfect now
i have heard of people having their springs re arched, and if you want to keep the original springs sure, but a new rear spring will only run you 120-150 buck for the steel version which I prefer of the composite (purely personal preference)
also when you look aqt you rsings as the car is sitting on the gorund, does it look flat ?
Last edited by sweethence; Oct 4, 2006 at 10:53 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by Durango_boy
How much of an arc is recommended before the leaf is replaced?
..or as sweethence says...hitting your spare tire tub...
...some guys adjust rear wheel camber to overcome sag...but that is just a band aid...
Rich
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by sweethence
If you like i can go out and measure the height from the top of the tire to the bottom of the wheel opening... the new spring ( 9 leaf in my case) gave me almost two inches of additional height even after settleing, car sits perfect now
i have heard of people having their springs re arched, and if you want to keep the original springs sure, but a new rear spring will only run you 120-150 buck for the steel version which I prefer of the composite (purely personal preference)
also when you look aqt you rsings as the car is sitting on the gorund, does it look flat ?
i have heard of people having their springs re arched, and if you want to keep the original springs sure, but a new rear spring will only run you 120-150 buck for the steel version which I prefer of the composite (purely personal preference)
also when you look aqt you rsings as the car is sitting on the gorund, does it look flat ?
No need to measure...I do still have some arc, I would say abotu an inch over flat. Guessing...it'll need to be replaced soon, but it seems to sit high on the wheels. I will likely go with larger tires in the rear when I upgrade the shoes in a year or so.