Expected life span of a composite leaf spring

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Jan 19, 2011 | 09:58 AM

HamadUP

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 2,877

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From: Doha

St. Jude Donor '08

Expected life span of a composite leaf spring

My '71 had a composite rear leaf spring when I got it, and as per the PO, it has it since long time (not sure how long, but I can guess between 10 to 15 years), is it wise to replace at this time just as a precautionary measure? , or am I worrying too much about it? , this is a daily driver and its not cool at all to break it off at 60 MPH!

One more thing related to the same topic, since its a daily driver, I thought about upgrading the suspension to a front/rear composite leaves, but I hear too many stories about them cracking at some point of their life, is it something native to the composite springs to crack, or is it simply an installation/installer fault?, it may sound ridiculous, if my car is just floating on a single composite piece on all four corners, IMHO it makes me feel a little shaky.

Last edited by HamadUP; Jan 19, 2011 at 10:04 AM.

Jan 19, 2011 | 10:02 AM

alswagg

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 840

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From: Syracuse IN

I replaced mine in 2009, it was original so 28 years???? I am sure it probably needed to be replace at 27 though lol Al

Jan 19, 2011 | 10:50 AM

mrvette

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 65,492

Likes: 230

From: Orange Park Florida

I ditched the stock spring when I got the car, back in '95, and so the VBP single/center mount spring been on there since, just fine....

the exhaust does hand a tad LO about 2" below the spring....that is the only trick there....

oh, Bilstein shocks are much better than KYB's I had....

Jan 19, 2011 | 03:19 PM

Surfer69

Drifting

Joined: Apr 2002

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From: Manhattan Beach Ca

My daily driver has had it on for 8 years now. I made sure to protect from exhaust by rapping heat resistant stuff around spring, otherwise I would think it could fail much earlier.

Jan 19, 2011 | 04:59 PM

jb78L-82

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 7,462

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From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN

I have had my 360 composite (VBP spring) on my 78 since 1987 (about 24 years) and it is perfectly fine and I have no intention of replacing it any time soon since I check it a couple of times per year and it seems fine. There is no exhaust wrapping on the pipes to protect the spring from the heat but is about 2 inches below the spring in that area. Hope that helps!

Jan 20, 2011 | 10:27 AM

muskegonbrake

Supporting Vendor

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 576

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From: Muskegon MI

Ideally they should last as long as the car barring any accidents or damage. They will eventually need the rubber bushings replaced, after 25-30 years probably.

Jan 20, 2011 | 09:07 PM

MotorHead

Race Director

Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 17,676

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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.

I believe the lifespan would be anywhere from the time you bought it until it cracked

Jan 20, 2011 | 09:30 PM

milo30

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,560

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From: Arlington texas

The only thing that I heard negative about the lifespan was if it got damaged from the heat from the exhaust the material could get weak. I'd say you don't have that issue if it's been on that long. I believe in "if it aint broke, don't fix it" but if it gives you peace of mind, they aren't that expensive to replace.