1980 Leaf Spring replacement

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Apr 15, 2007 | 07:13 PM

Vettevice

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From: Rochester NY

1980 Leaf Spring replacement

I am a novice mechanic at best and am preparing to replace the rear spring on my 1980 corvette. I have a few questions:

1. Can anyone provide me with step by step guidance on how I should approach this?

2. Is a composite based spring really worth the investment?

3. When I lifted the car at a local garage, I noticed the current spring appears to be too wide. Is this possible? When the car is lifted and the wheels tilt in, the left wheel rubs against the spring, but the right side does not. This doesn't make sense to me.

4. I also have a quite ticking sound in the rear when driving. I can only hear itwhen slowing down and it appears to slow down as I brake and speed up as I accelerate. Any thoughts on what this may be?

Apr 15, 2007 | 07:52 PM

Carl Granquist

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Joined: Oct 2004

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From: Shoreline WA

Have a look at this

https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=75&TopicID=3

Apr 15, 2007 | 09:17 PM

Vettevice

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From: Rochester NY

This looks pretty helpful. If anyone has the composite based springs, I would be interested in your opinion on them. Did they significatnly enhance the ride? In what way?

Thanks again.

Apr 15, 2007 | 09:42 PM

pipervette

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From: Burbank CA

I recently swapped out the original spring for a composite from VBP and put new bilstein shocks in there also.... nest thing I've ever done to a car as far as price/benefit ratio... the difference is great! If you have the spare cash I say go for it; and with only a few tools and a spare hour you can have the spring done! I did it in the back of the factory during a lunch hour a while back!

Apr 15, 2007 | 11:35 PM

MN80Vette

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From: Columbus MN

Replacing the 7-leaf spring on my '80 was one of the first resto-mods I did when I got my car 5 years ago. I had no experience with Corvettes or any major resto-mods on any car, but I had no problem replacing the spring. The VBP spring was a great improvement in ride and handling. It comes with instructions you'll need. Go for it!

Apr 16, 2007 | 08:46 PM

Vettevice

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From: Rochester NY

Thanks for the guidance. I am ordering it this week. Any suggestions on where I can order a qulaity one at a good price?

Last edited by Vettevice; Apr 16, 2007 at 09:04 PM.

Apr 16, 2007 | 11:13 PM

MN80Vette

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From: Columbus MN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vettevice

Thanks for the guidance. I am ordering it this week. Any suggestions on where I can order a qulaity one at a good price?

Order directly from Vette Brakes & Products:

http://www.vbandp.com/

If you want advice on which one to order, they have a great Techincal Support department. Personnally, I recommend the 360 lb spring. It's a good compromise between ride and stiffness for performance. I replaced my original 7-leaf Gymkhana spring with this one. If you like a soft ride, then go with the 300 lb spring. The 330 lb spring is in between.

Give them a call. They're great to work with.

Apr 17, 2007 | 12:55 AM

RIJVETTES

Burning Brakes

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From: San Diego California

I definitely recommend adding the composite spring, and new shocks if you need them. This is one of the best improvements I've made on my 80. I'd recommend atleast the 330 lb spring; and I have KYB G2 shocks. Lose about 40 lbs of steel hanging on your rearend and get a less harsh ride. Good luck.