74 shark rear spring
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 93
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From: Palm Springs, CA USA
74 shark rear spring
Hi, I am wondering about replacing my rear spring for a 74. I am replacing the spare tire tub at the moment and with the tub out I get a good look at the spring. Looking at it from under the car, it looks like the spring is flat across, no lift to it at all. The car seems to handle well and the ride is not bad for a 74. What should the rear spring look like from under the car if it is in stock condition? For an occasional driver is there any great benefit to using one of the composite springs as opposed to the stock steel type spring? Thanks, Wells :flag
[Modified by wellsw, 9:13 PM 8/10/2002]
[Modified by wellsw, 9:14 PM 8/10/2002]
[Modified by wellsw, 9:13 PM 8/10/2002]
[Modified by wellsw, 9:14 PM 8/10/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,485
Likes: 1
From: Far side of the Moon
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-16-'17
Re: 74 shark rear spring (wellsw)
Go for the composite.
It is much lighter and stronger and won't sag over time. It is also much easier to handle when replacing the old steel spring.
Thats my 2 cents anyway. :cheers:
It is much lighter and stronger and won't sag over time. It is also much easier to handle when replacing the old steel spring.
Thats my 2 cents anyway. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 1
From: Fishkill NY
Re: 74 shark rear spring (wellsw)
If you don’t care about originality, go with the composite. Otherwise get the original leaf spring thay go for about $140.. I found an NOS for $150 :chevy
[Modified by SLICKMAN, 10:46 PM 8/10/2002]
[Modified by SLICKMAN, 10:46 PM 8/10/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: 74 shark rear spring (wellsw)
I went with a 7 leaf steel when I replaced mine (about 7 years ago) just because I really didn't have the money to spend on a composite. I would rather have a composite down there. If they don't break, and I'm not sure how hard it is to break one, they're supposed to hold their shape forever. I have seen some posts (you could try a search, but I think they were a while ago) recommending a different type of shock than is typically used with steel. The composites are maybe "bouncier" than steel; sorry, I can't remember for sure :crazy:
As far as your spring being flat, that may not be a problem. The one I replaced was flat, but this is what mine looks like now and basically what it looked like the day I put it in http://users.erols.com/jerryp58/corvette/temp/rear.jpg
Maybe I've got the bolts adjusted wrong or something :confused: But, I think it rides fine.
Hope some of this helps.
As far as your spring being flat, that may not be a problem. The one I replaced was flat, but this is what mine looks like now and basically what it looked like the day I put it in http://users.erols.com/jerryp58/corvette/temp/rear.jpg
Maybe I've got the bolts adjusted wrong or something :confused: But, I think it rides fine.
Hope some of this helps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,804
Likes: 4
From: Standing still with all my might Texas
Cruise-In X Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
Re: 74 shark rear spring (wellsw)
I ignored the warning signs that my spring needed to be replaced and paid the price. My spring broke after going over a rail roadcrossing. :eek: :cry
I do not reccommend this experience!
After my vette's first tow truck ride (since I have owned it anyway) and a week sitting in the garage waiting for parts I replaced it with a 355lb TRW composite spring from Muskegon Brake.
I am very happy with the way it rides and handles now, and I now have piece of mind that the composite spring will not wear out.
I do not reccommend this experience!
After my vette's first tow truck ride (since I have owned it anyway) and a week sitting in the garage waiting for parts I replaced it with a 355lb TRW composite spring from Muskegon Brake.
I am very happy with the way it rides and handles now, and I now have piece of mind that the composite spring will not wear out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Re: 74 shark rear spring (wellsw)
I also had a spring break and I can tell you it's no fun. Luckily I was only about 1/4 mile from my house and I was able to limp home with the spring held together with c clamps and a prayer. I replaced the spring with a TRW 340 lb. This was about 12 years ago and I haven't had a problem since. From the posts that I've read on the forum over the past few years I've heard of composite springs breaking or delaminating but these were always the Vette Brakes springs. I have never heard of a TRW spring causing any problems. Vette brakes also sells KYB shocks with valving specifically engineered for the characteristics of composite springs. I have a set of the older generic KYB springs on mine and they ride good but the composite tends to be a little bouncier than the steel. I think the newer shocks would correct this. If I had to do it all over again I would still go with the TRW but I would go with the heavier spring. Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 12,975
Likes: 22
Re: 74 shark rear spring (vettfixr)
I used composite springs on both C3 cars I have owned. My 72 Coupe had the 300# from Vette Brakes. No problem with that spring and I used the standard KYB shocks. It was a bit bouncy. My current C3 is sporting a 330# from VB, again, no problems. Using the same KYB shocks in the back and the KYB GR2 in the front. I used the S/S front coils from VB to lower the suspension height.
I can say that the 330# spring does not bounce at all compared to the 300. Also, if you install the TRW spring, you may have problems using a 17 inch wheel as they may rub together. If you know for certain you wont use an aftermarket 17inch wheel in the future, the TRW is a great spring too.
I can say that the 330# spring does not bounce at all compared to the 300. Also, if you install the TRW spring, you may have problems using a 17 inch wheel as they may rub together. If you know for certain you wont use an aftermarket 17inch wheel in the future, the TRW is a great spring too.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: 74 shark rear spring (wellsw)
From 6 years ago I have a VBP fiber spring and KYB shocks, all they had at the time on the rear and VBP 460? lbs springs in front with same shocks....
works fine, daily driver 6 ++ years...the rear is a bit bouncy, but compared to the stock steel junk....i'ts a dream.....only time I ever notice it is going over some sort of irregular bridge construction here in Florida...so I change lanes, and it's no troubles....there is that ONE bridge near here that is troublesome...JTB heading toward A1A last bridge over the inland waterway...
that sucker definately bounces badly....and I don't even notice it in the 3/4 ton van....go figger...must be a speed/wheelbase thing...
GENE
works fine, daily driver 6 ++ years...the rear is a bit bouncy, but compared to the stock steel junk....i'ts a dream.....only time I ever notice it is going over some sort of irregular bridge construction here in Florida...so I change lanes, and it's no troubles....there is that ONE bridge near here that is troublesome...JTB heading toward A1A last bridge over the inland waterway...
that sucker definately bounces badly....and I don't even notice it in the 3/4 ton van....go figger...must be a speed/wheelbase thing...
GENE
