Rear Leaf Spring
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
If you must keep your car 'original' for some reason, replace the spring with a stock unit. Otherwise, install a fiberglass monoleaf spring. It is much quieter, more responsive, somewhat stiffer for better control, and (if not damaged) will last forever.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,172
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi b,
Consider holding on to your original spring and bolts when you make the change.
The next owner of your car may be glad to have them so he can restore the rear ride height.
Regards,
Alan
Consider holding on to your original spring and bolts when you make the change.
The next owner of your car may be glad to have them so he can restore the rear ride height.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
Alan, thanks for the reply. I want to keep the original spring rather than swap it on the 70. If I was to replace it I would almost certainly go with a stock replacement. I believe my rear spring to be a bit tired, as the car sits fairly low, etc. Can I restore the spring? Restoring existing parts is always my preference, I just didn't think it possible with this item.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,847
Likes: 959
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Honestly, getting rid of that harsh-riding, boat anchor heavy stock spring is one of the best things you can do for an early C3.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
Appreciate the replies guys, always. I'm enjoying trying to get this car back to stock in the places where it isn't, and restoring original parts where possible. My preference is to keep the stock spring. Weight and comfort aren't deal breakers for me...it's just a cruiser for me, and I'm 6'4 so it's always going to be uncomfortable!
Should add that the primary reason I'm looking at this job is because my strut rods are bent slightly in the bubba manner that I've learned is commonly employed by bub when there isn't enough camber adjustment possible due to worn rod bushings, tired spring, or excessive play in the side yokes of the rear diff. I've ruled out the yokes already, very snug. I suppose I could just replace my rods and see what happens.
Should add that the primary reason I'm looking at this job is because my strut rods are bent slightly in the bubba manner that I've learned is commonly employed by bub when there isn't enough camber adjustment possible due to worn rod bushings, tired spring, or excessive play in the side yokes of the rear diff. I've ruled out the yokes already, very snug. I suppose I could just replace my rods and see what happens.
Last edited by Brcmpbl; Apr 10, 2013 at 03:42 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 315
Likes: 46
From: Chicago Illinois
I replaced mine on a 70 convertible, TRW composite and I do not regret it. it will feel a bit bouncy but put stiffer shocks on. Well worth the change.
Last edited by CFD E59; Apr 11, 2013 at 08:10 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
A truck spring shop could build you a spring. They can bend, taper, punch holes and stack as many (or as few) leaves as you wish.
But the steel spring is one heavy piece. Be ready when you pull the bolts.
But the steel spring is one heavy piece. Be ready when you pull the bolts.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
Any opinions on the adjustable strut rods that are available that eliminate the camber cam? Even though they are not stock, if they are a worthy and simple upgrade I'd consider those and hang onto my stock spring.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
I would probably get a kit from VBP.
And it would not hurt to take it to a car wash and clean the underside part of the car that you are going to work on. I would also Soak every Nut and Bolt that you think you will have to work on a couple of days in advance with a good penetrating oil such as PB Blaster.
I would not waste my time to replace the rear spring with a stock style Steel Spring. But I would keep the Original parts just in case.
Also Speaking of VBP I would call them and tell them how you use the car and if it is a standard or Auto and a SB or a BB. And they can custom make the weight of the spring for your needs.
And it would not hurt to take it to a car wash and clean the underside part of the car that you are going to work on. I would also Soak every Nut and Bolt that you think you will have to work on a couple of days in advance with a good penetrating oil such as PB Blaster.
I would not waste my time to replace the rear spring with a stock style Steel Spring. But I would keep the Original parts just in case.
Also Speaking of VBP I would call them and tell them how you use the car and if it is a standard or Auto and a SB or a BB. And they can custom make the weight of the spring for your needs.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: sahuarita az
[QUOTE=Brcmpbl;1583601700] I believe my rear spring to be a bit tired, as the car sits fairly low, etc. Can I restore the spring?[QUOTE]
any good spring shop can re-arch those springs. check with them. they can also alter the ride height or keep it stock. did this on all four springs on my '51 suburban and it rode great. there are manufacturers that sell a teflon sheet that goes between the leaves for quieter and smoother ride.
any good spring shop can re-arch those springs. check with them. they can also alter the ride height or keep it stock. did this on all four springs on my '51 suburban and it rode great. there are manufacturers that sell a teflon sheet that goes between the leaves for quieter and smoother ride.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Find out what's actually worn or broken and fix that. Adjustable struts are known to loosen themselves on occasion throwing camber off for some users. They are not an upgrade in my book and the ones with poly bushings are a downgrade.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
Thanks Mike, that's the info I was after. I jumped from spring to rods because my rods are bent and I was given the opinion by the local Corvette shop (without actually seeing the car) that this was because my spring was worn. I really don't want to change the spring, but I want to replace the bent rods. The rods are the driver of the question really. I will have another look and see if I can determine what's up back there. I know my diff yokes are snug, etc. My preference at the end of the day is to keep stock everything. I appreciate all the votes of confidence for the mono spring, but that's not what I want.