Removing leafs to lower rear
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Played around with leafs until I got where I wanted it. Didn't want to use longer bolts.
Here are some pics of the Gulstrand lower leaf. It's 3/4" shorter each end. Original was too close with the stock alloys and BF Goodrich 255 60 tires.
Thicker than stock spring.
Less arch than original. This shows the difference in length when it is flatter as discussed in several earlier posts. It makes quite a difference.
The flatter Gulstrand is actually 1 1/2" shorter than the spring above it.
The head of the new center bolt had to be ground to recess into the centering hole, so as not to poke a hole in the diff.
I made a plate to reinforce tha original that bends easily. It also served as a spacer, so that the original mount bolts could be used along with a couple of the old springs cut for spacers. It can be changed back to oem easily.
Mounted to the diff.
You can count the leafs. (Leaves doesn't sound right)
6" bolts were used and poly cushions cut to half thickness on a lathe.
My intent was to end up with about 1 to 1 1/4" gap between the top of the tire and the fender lip.
The ride is firm and it will not bottom out on the bumpers, but we probably have the best roads in the country down here too.
The shocks are full hydraulic Konis, that are neutral in any position, unlike the gas shocks.
Don't know what the spring rate is, but the ride is firm, the travel is minimal and the cornering is great. My wife doesn't even complain, but it may be too firm for some.
Thicker than stock spring.
Less arch than original. This shows the difference in length when it is flatter as discussed in several earlier posts. It makes quite a difference.
The flatter Gulstrand is actually 1 1/2" shorter than the spring above it.
The head of the new center bolt had to be ground to recess into the centering hole, so as not to poke a hole in the diff.
I made a plate to reinforce tha original that bends easily. It also served as a spacer, so that the original mount bolts could be used along with a couple of the old springs cut for spacers. It can be changed back to oem easily.
Mounted to the diff.
You can count the leafs. (Leaves doesn't sound right)
6" bolts were used and poly cushions cut to half thickness on a lathe.
My intent was to end up with about 1 to 1 1/4" gap between the top of the tire and the fender lip.
The ride is firm and it will not bottom out on the bumpers, but we probably have the best roads in the country down here too.
The shocks are full hydraulic Konis, that are neutral in any position, unlike the gas shocks.
Don't know what the spring rate is, but the ride is firm, the travel is minimal and the cornering is great. My wife doesn't even complain, but it may be too firm for some.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 14
From: CA
I installed a 7-leaf a while ago - not sure who made it. It's firm though. I ordered the longer spring bolts from Mid-America, 7" - could have used an 8" or 9" bolt.
Question on that Guldstrand short main spring, is it the same one that Tom's diff sells for about $40 less?
http://www.tomsdifferentials.com/catalog.asp?pg=25
http://www.guldstrand.com/scripts/pr...?idproduct=107
I need to make room for the 295-50-15's I ordered..
Question on that Guldstrand short main spring, is it the same one that Tom's diff sells for about $40 less?
http://www.tomsdifferentials.com/catalog.asp?pg=25
http://www.guldstrand.com/scripts/pr...?idproduct=107
I need to make room for the 295-50-15's I ordered..
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 121
From: Sulphur LA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'11,'13-'14,'16,'18,'19,'24, '25
I brought mine to the local spring shop and had him de-arch the spring until it was were I wanted it.
I had an extra leaf (noonie
) added to increase the rate.
I also used short bolts to allow the spring ends to extend into the wheels (18").
Neal
I had an extra leaf (noonie
) added to increase the rate.I also used short bolts to allow the spring ends to extend into the wheels (18").
Neal
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
You may want to do a test fit for your trailing arm or at least the emergency bracket with those tires and a shrter spring and original 6" bolts would work nicely.
Back in the late 70's I took a Chevy 1 ton into a spring shop in the morning in Shreveport, and picked it up early in the afternoon.
They built all new springs for heavy 5th wheel hauling and charged a little over a 100 bucks.
