Need tips on refurbishing 9-leaf spring.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Need tips on refurbishing 9-leaf spring.
My original rear spring will eventually be replaced but for now I would like to dissassemble, clean/lubricate, reassemble, and re-install the one that I have.
It is currently removed from the car so now is a good time to do this. Any tips or suggestions?
It is currently removed from the car so now is a good time to do this. Any tips or suggestions?
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Need tips on refurbishing 9-leaf spring. (MIKER)
You can go to a spring shop and they could recourve it to any desired inch pound and install none squeak strips. But for the cost it's smarter to just buy a $100 or so new 7 leaf steel from VB&P. Or if your really looking just Get a 4 leaf race spring 420 ish inch pound then all your troubles are solved.
I called Paul Rock and no 420# springs have ever had the exhaust heat problems that you would find with modern mono leafs! :rolleyes: He said that the old nine leaf was a good lightening rod when burried about half sticking out of the ground and it would keep the fire ants out of your back yard!
[Modified by gkull, 10:38 PM 4/25/2002]
I called Paul Rock and no 420# springs have ever had the exhaust heat problems that you would find with modern mono leafs! :rolleyes: He said that the old nine leaf was a good lightening rod when burried about half sticking out of the ground and it would keep the fire ants out of your back yard!
[Modified by gkull, 10:38 PM 4/25/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 7,072
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
Re: Need tips on refurbishing 9-leaf spring. (MIKER)
You can get the liners which go between the spring leaves from the suppliers. I picked mine up at Tony's Corvette last month. I think it came from Paragon. ~Juliet
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: Need tips on refurbishing 9-leaf spring. (gkull)
Gkull, based on those comments from Paul Rock, the nine leaf is currently out killin’ fire ants and seeking lightning strikes. However, I am considering going out on a limb and challenging his wisdom by ordering a TRW mono-leaf spring. Thanks for passing the knowledge down to me! ;) :lol: :cheers:
Juliet, thanks for vendor recommendation either way! :seeya
Juliet, thanks for vendor recommendation either way! :seeya
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Need tips on refurbishing 9-leaf spring. (MIKER)
If your car is sitting "right", chances are your spring is OK. You can easily disassemble it. Glass bead/sand blast the leaves. Original springs are gray in color. I paint the leaves with gray primer paint. As Juliet has said, you can buy a new liner set. You can also get a new center bolt and end cups. Can make it look like new with a few hours work. Be careful changing springs...you may not get what you want. Ride height can be a problem with replacement springs. Also, some are so stiff that the car rides like a Conestoga Wagon. Chuck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
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From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Need tips on refurbishing 9-leaf spring. (Chuck Gongloff)
I agree with Chuck.... I bought a replacement 9 leaf a few years ago for a car I no longer have. The spring was arched crooked and the car sat very high and uneven. I ended up throwing it away and installed a composite spring which I really liked. :)
