rear suspension too high
Thread Starter
Account disabled by request 8 Feb 2010
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 45
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rear suspension too high
My original leaf spring was tired and had to be replaced. The thing is the ride hight is extreme now. There is 6+ inches of clearance between
the top of the tire and the wheel opening. Anyone have this problem and if so how did you correct it? Thx for the help.
the top of the tire and the wheel opening. Anyone have this problem and if so how did you correct it? Thx for the help.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,990
From: Connecticut, USA
Common problem with all aftermarket springs. I used several steels, 7 & 9 and all required 8" spring bolts to bring the rear body down. This was with Eaton spring,canadian & mexican springs. I don't like or use glass springs but some had the same problems with them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 154
Here's how I solved that problem.I have the f-41 suspension(7-leaf),brought an after market and sat too high so I took 1 leaf out.started with the smallest one.I wound up taking the next to last (largest) one out.6 leaves and it sits fine and handles well.Keep the leaf you take out so if it ever settles in you can put it back.Easy job,less then 45 minutes start to finish.You might want to start off with removing the next to last one,thats probably the one that will let it set right.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,455
Likes: 977
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
I have had a VBP rear 360 NON TAPERED monospring in my F-41/gymkhana suspension 78 since 1987 and never had a problem. i am sure that you have reasons for using a OEM type rear 7 leaf spring but IMHO and others, the steel spring is way inferior to a composite monospring:
Composite monosprings offer the following:
1. Weigh 7 lbs versus 50 lbs for the steel
2. Offer a superior ride versus steel
3. React much faster than steel
4. Will not sag over time but some do splinter with time. They generally do not wear out if they are not abused.
5. Composites do not squeak like steel and generally are very quiet.
6. Composites do require a very high quality shock like Bilsteins or Koni's and will be very bouncy with standard issue shocks.
Composite monosprings offer the following:
1. Weigh 7 lbs versus 50 lbs for the steel
2. Offer a superior ride versus steel
3. React much faster than steel
4. Will not sag over time but some do splinter with time. They generally do not wear out if they are not abused.
5. Composites do not squeak like steel and generally are very quiet.
6. Composites do require a very high quality shock like Bilsteins or Koni's and will be very bouncy with standard issue shocks.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
If you just installed & haven't rolled, it will settle some.
I have the factory high performance sus. & switched to VB&P rear spring in the early 80s & used the long bolts to install.
Driven very hard & no problems w/ VB&P spring.
I have the factory high performance sus. & switched to VB&P rear spring in the early 80s & used the long bolts to install.
Driven very hard & no problems w/ VB&P spring.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 22
From: Crystal Lake IL
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Make sure you know the correct spring width and number of leafs for your car. Seems the 2.25" wide 7 leaf has a much more drastic arc in the spring, wheras the 2.5" 9 leaf seems to have less of a bow to it.
Thread Starter
Account disabled by request 8 Feb 2010
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 45
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I probably should have mentioned the spring is a stock 9 leaf replacement from Triangle spring purchased from Vett brakes.
I'm not pleased with the ride hight at all. I don't understand why the aftermarkets can't reproduce parts correctly like the originals.
Thanks for the help.
I really appreciate it.
I'm not pleased with the ride hight at all. I don't understand why the aftermarkets can't reproduce parts correctly like the originals.
Thanks for the help.
I really appreciate it.
