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rear spring question

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Old Mar 2, 2008 | 05:44 PM
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Default rear spring question

I found a deal on a almost new rear spring it is a 9 leaf and there is no clamps on it. I can not find any spots that look like there ever was a clamp on either end of it. So my question is if it is supposed to have clamps or not. My spring is shot and i have been looking for a new one and for 10 bucks i can get this one but if it is gonna cost me 100 bucks to get clamps on it I might as well just buy new.
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Old Mar 2, 2008 | 05:55 PM
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Are you saying the leafs are not bound? If so, I believe I'd pass.
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Old Mar 2, 2008 | 06:21 PM
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If you're referring the to the clamps on the aftermarket springs they are for shipping purposes and can be removed after installed. A 9 leaf steel spring is over 100 now plus the $20 for the 8" bolts you're going to need to bring the body back to ride height. If you can get one for $10 buy it.
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Old Mar 3, 2008 | 02:52 AM
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I only have one question, how do you know it's 'almost new'?
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Old Mar 6, 2008 | 12:12 AM
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Well i helped the guy put it in last summer and he bought it new. I am referring to the clamps towards the ends of the spring that bind the 3 or 4 longest springs together.
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Old Mar 6, 2008 | 01:19 AM
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Originally Posted by neilo
Well i helped the guy put it in last summer and he bought it new. I am referring to the clamps towards the ends of the spring that bind the 3 or 4 longest springs together.
I got my factory one in the bedroom (yes I am single ) No clamps on it, stock. The repalcement I got has clamps- piced. Factory doesn't need them.

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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 07:27 PM
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Thanks for the pic it shows exactly what i was wondering about. What keeps the springs from spreading out like a fan. Is the mounting bolts on either side enough to keep them together? I went ahead and bought the spring just wondering if it is safe to install it.
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 07:41 PM
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My 75 has no clamps, the mounting bolts at the rear end cover keep them aligned.
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by neilo
Thanks for the pic it shows exactly what i was wondering about. What keeps the springs from spreading out like a fan. Is the mounting bolts on either side enough to keep them together? I went ahead and bought the spring just wondering if it is safe to install it.
the 4 diff plate bolts touch the spring, it's a very tight fit, also the plate bolts are torqued to 65 ft/lbs. like I said, they GM stock springs don't have them, and it appears the leafs 'seat' to the plastic liners very soon, so it won't spread, because it can't. C.



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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 08:05 PM
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I believe the clamps are for shipping as when the car is loaded all but the top leaf are in contact. True for the stock 9 leaf and the aftermarket I got from MAM. Instructions to remove clamp on mine.

Good luck.
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Old Mar 8, 2008 | 01:01 PM
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Confused... clamps or not. My low mileage 81 (9 leaf) FE7 option car has the clamps in tact from the factory. It is not a replacement spring. Am I missing something?
Thanks
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 09:39 AM
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The clamps on the spring are for shipping purposes only! go to corvette central click on the spring details and it will tell you that.
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 09:29 PM
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Take a few minutes and do a search as to how many vette owners hate the way there vettes sit because of "NEW" springs...
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Old Mar 9, 2008 | 09:42 PM
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My aftermarket Guldstrand 7 leaf...

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