Rear suspension
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Rear suspension
Any suggestions on replacing my 9-leaf spring suspension? I see there are quite a few options. I'm not looking for anything high performance, but just something decent. The local specialty shop suggested replacing them with some beefy 7-leaf springs avail...?
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
The 7 leaf is going to be stiffer than the 9 leaf. The composite springs ride nicer but are more expensive. I have a good 7 leaf spring if you are somewhat local. Shipping them is expensive because they are heavy.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Dimondale Mich
My 1st vet was '65" that rode ruff. In 1982 I bought new 82, that had a mono spring, that rode totlly different and comfortable. I just recently purchase another 82 with gymkhana suspension (9 leaf). So I thought I'd replace the 9 leaf with 330# VBP fiber mono spring, I really don't see much difference, still a choppy ride. This is just my experience.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Not that leaving things be is necessarily the best decision, but if you're not looking to change things for the sake of performance there's no real justification for increasing the spring rate, and I'd go with a 'glass mono leaf to save the weight. Avoid highly arched springs so you don't end up having to solve a high rear ride height issue. This is not the same advice I would give for someone looking for gains, but the rear spring is only one piece of that larger puzzle. In any event, for your application you should consider a set of Bilsteins while you're at it, if you don't already have them.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Sounds like the composite monospring is the way to go...I've been looking on the Van Steel site and wikll probably give them a call in addition to checking VB&P and the Bilsteins suggestion........Thanks for all your input,,,,very helpful!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,444
Likes: 970
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
I replaced my 7 leaf steel spring (gymkhana Suspension) in 1985 with a VBP 360 mono spring and have never looked back. There numerous advantages of composite over steel and not just performance.
1. 8 lbs versus 50 lbs.
2. Quieter and quicker reacting
3. Never wears out although people have reported failures but obviously a good quality piece, mounted correctly seems to last a long time (24 years for me).
4. Composites ride MUCH better than the corresponding steel spring of the same rating. My 360 rides infinitely better than the 7 leaf steel spring.
5. Composite springs do not sag with time like the steel equivalents.
i have used various shocks over the years with my composite including Koni oil, Delcos, KYB Gas A Just and the last few years, Bilsteins. Bilsteins are really the only way to go with a composite. Be advised that Bilstein makes two different shocks for the C3's: Heavy Duty's (standard) and Sport (30% stiffer than HD). With my setup I run HD's in the front with the 550 lbs springs and Sports in the rear with the 360 composite. The standard composite replacement for the 9 leaf is the 300 LBS composite. Hope that this helps!
1. 8 lbs versus 50 lbs.
2. Quieter and quicker reacting
3. Never wears out although people have reported failures but obviously a good quality piece, mounted correctly seems to last a long time (24 years for me).
4. Composites ride MUCH better than the corresponding steel spring of the same rating. My 360 rides infinitely better than the 7 leaf steel spring.
5. Composite springs do not sag with time like the steel equivalents.
i have used various shocks over the years with my composite including Koni oil, Delcos, KYB Gas A Just and the last few years, Bilsteins. Bilsteins are really the only way to go with a composite. Be advised that Bilstein makes two different shocks for the C3's: Heavy Duty's (standard) and Sport (30% stiffer than HD). With my setup I run HD's in the front with the 550 lbs springs and Sports in the rear with the 360 composite. The standard composite replacement for the 9 leaf is the 300 LBS composite. Hope that this helps!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Excellent recommendation. I do not have any Bilsteins. I think it would make sense to replace the rear shocks with a pair of Bilsteins (B46-0232 VB&P) while adding the composite monospring. I see the composite monospring can be ordered with with a poly or rubber kit? Any differences or preferences? both seem the same cost...
looking at the VB&P 330# spring monospring (as opposed to the #300).
I'm assuming with these additions it will not mess up any of my standard stock front end?
Thanks millions-
looking at the VB&P 330# spring monospring (as opposed to the #300).
I'm assuming with these additions it will not mess up any of my standard stock front end?
Thanks millions-
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,444
Likes: 970
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Excellent recommendation. I do not have any Bilsteins. I think it would make sense to replace the rear shocks with a pair of Bilsteins (B46-0232 VB&P) while adding the composite monospring. I see the composite monospring can be ordered with with a poly or rubber kit? Any differences or preferences? both seem the same cost...
looking at the VB&P 330# spring monospring (as opposed to the #300).
I'm assuming with these additions it will not mess up any of my standard stock front end?
Thanks millions-
looking at the VB&P 330# spring monospring (as opposed to the #300).
I'm assuming with these additions it will not mess up any of my standard stock front end?
Thanks millions-
I have had the poly mounting cushions since 1985 as mentioned above on my setup but I have never run the rubber. My guess is the poly will allow less compliance than rubber obviously and may make it ride slightly stiffer but not much with just those bushings. Some mention squeaks but mine is perfectly quiet for 24 years. They also look brand new, another advantage of poly, they last much longer. Some folks with base suspensions upgrade to the slightly stiffer 330 if you feel your 300 lbs steel spring is too soft. Going with the 330 in the rear with 460 front base springs should be fine. I would not go to the 360 or higher with front base springs. Definitely go with Bilstein HD's with a composite spring, take it from someone who has experienced most of the others!
Last edited by jb78L-82; May 28, 2009 at 02:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I don't think the steel are too soft, so probably the better suggestion is stick with the #300 poly.
On the bilstein site I didn't see any options of the HD Vs sport, just the rear shock recommendation for the years 63-82 (B46-0232)?
On the bilstein site I didn't see any options of the HD Vs sport, just the rear shock recommendation for the years 63-82 (B46-0232)?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I'm on the verge of clicking purchase with the 300# monospring in my cart and the Bilsteins from VB&P, but I do not see any differenece or option in getting the bilsteins in Sport Vs HD? I even called them and he said those are the only ones he has listed for the 69 year (B46-0232) which are called the Sport. Hate to be a pest, but am I missing something? Seems like you found something different with the -0956 number you mentioned? I even checked out the Bilstein site and that seems to be the only one listed as well B46-0232.....
Just double checking before i click purchase!
Thanks again "TheSkunkWorks'
Just double checking before i click purchase!
Thanks again "TheSkunkWorks'
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Here's are Bilstein links on the HD's. VB&P use to sell HD's, but I'm not seeing them on their site either just now. If they won't sell you a set, I'm sure someone out there will. I'd take care of it for you myself if I had my own planned shop up and running by now (lack of funds). Anyway, I hope the info below helps...
Front...
http://www.bilstein.com/cart/index.p..._id=588&zenid=
Rear...
http://www.bilstein.com/cart/index.p..._id=871&zenid=
Front...
http://www.bilstein.com/cart/index.p..._id=588&zenid=
Rear...
http://www.bilstein.com/cart/index.p..._id=871&zenid=
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14
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You da man! I called VB&P back and they said if it is avail they should be able to get it! I gave him the part number (thanks for the link) and he will contact his purchaser on monday and give me a call back. Doesn't think it will be a problem. Thanks for the info, I'd rather have the slightly softer ride that the sport version. Also, he told me the 15% sale/special they are running will be extend through JUNE.
Curious, how difficult of a challenge would it be to replace the springs and shocks myself? I was planning on having a local speciality shop do it (I think they quoted me 3hrs labor). I don't know if it would be worth my frustration? I did a leaf spring on a 1970 Duster I own years ago.....
Curious, how difficult of a challenge would it be to replace the springs and shocks myself? I was planning on having a local speciality shop do it (I think they quoted me 3hrs labor). I don't know if it would be worth my frustration? I did a leaf spring on a 1970 Duster I own years ago.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
With proper tools, it's not super difficult. The rear is a snap, but for the front you'll need a spring compressor and fork to separate the ball joints, and likely replacement boots. ...or you could try removing the shaft ends of the lower control arms, as I've seen others mention doing. If you decide to tackle it, make sure to properly and fully seat the closed end of the front coils into the upper pocket.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
It's just the rear I'm planning on doing. I'm ordering the composite monospring and bilstein rear shocks from vb&p on monday. I'm almost tempted to do it myself! Do you know off hand if Ill run into any special tools I'll need or difficulties with the rear only? I have the garage space to work on it and nothing beats self accomplishment! Just wouldn't want to mess anything up .....
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
It's just the rear I'm planning on doing. I'm ordering the composite monospring and bilstein rear shocks from vb&p on monday. I'm almost tempted to do it myself! Do you know off hand if Ill run into any special tools I'll need or difficulties with the rear only? I have the garage space to work on it and nothing beats self accomplishment! Just wouldn't want to mess anything up .....
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 53,648
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From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
blocks of wood
nice jack/s
dykes
Being able to work on your back
