Which VBP Composite Spring are you guys running?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 295
Likes: 18
From: Easton Massachusetts
Which VBP Composite Spring are you guys running?
Got the TRW 315# composite spring over a year ago before I learned that the VBP spring is the way to go. Anyway, the a$$ end sits up way too high, almost 5" between the tire and fender. I thought the 315# would be ok but apparently not. So I'm going to bite the bullet and spring (pun intended) for a new one and write this off as a fail. So what are you guys using to make your car sit so the half shafts are parallel to the ground.
The car is a 76 350 small block. Nothing special.
Thanks
The car is a 76 350 small block. Nothing special.
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,404
Likes: 1,595
From: Western NY
You have a couple of choices, actually. 315 lb/in, isn't all that stiff a spring, but the arch might be a little off. If there's clearance between the end of the spring, and the sidewall of the rear tire, you could try spring bolts that are 1" longer, FIRST, and see what that buys you.
If that doesn't work, call VB&P directly, and talk with them. Based on the specs for your car, they will recommend the correct spring.
If that doesn't work, call VB&P directly, and talk with them. Based on the specs for your car, they will recommend the correct spring.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 295
Likes: 18
From: Easton Massachusetts
You have a couple of choices, actually. 315 lb/in, isn't all that stiff a spring, but the arch might be a little off. If there's clearance between the end of the spring, and the sidewall of the rear tire, you could try spring bolts that are 1" longer, FIRST, and see what that buys you.
If that doesn't work, call VB&P directly, and talk with them. Based on the specs for your car, they will recommend the correct spring.
If that doesn't work, call VB&P directly, and talk with them. Based on the specs for your car, they will recommend the correct spring.
No room there for longer bolts that's for sure.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
I bought a 360# spring from them to use. Just hung the diff this weekend on a bare frame so I cannot comment on the ride. I did have a old trw spring before but it was delaminating to I trashed it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
Why is there so much trouble with non-VBP springs?? I don't think they manufacture their own springs...or do they, or who do they buy from?
But, I heard they test each one for every customer??
But, I heard they test each one for every customer??
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,404
Likes: 1,595
From: Western NY
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
I should have mentioned that I have the VBP composite spring shocks as well. Nice combo.
http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts.htm...category_id=46
http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts.htm...category_id=46
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,404
Likes: 1,595
From: Western NY
As the pictures, above, obviously illustrate, there's a significant difference in the arch of the two springs. This, in turn, illustrates that simply changing the length of the spring bolts won't always cure a ride height problem.....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 295
Likes: 18
From: Easton Massachusetts
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
I have had a VBP 360 plastic spring for some 20 years now....changed to Billy Stein Sport shocks from VBP about ten years ago....did smooth out the undulation over a bridge nearby......
you going to have a long battle to better that combo.....
I have a small stock sway bar in back...nothing thick....
and a thinner bar in front....handles rather well, I think....
you going to have a long battle to better that combo.....
I have a small stock sway bar in back...nothing thick....
and a thinner bar in front....handles rather well, I think....
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 29
From: The Netherlands
370lbs VB&P spring from a forum member. 10" bolts, set at about 8.5" with poly rubbers. 17" SLP wheels: no cleareance issues, but cutting off the exces bolt length anyway. Just for peace of mind 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,802
Likes: 241
From: Niles, MI
All TRW style springs are distributed by Muskegon Brakes. They purchase their springs from an outside supplier and don't have a clue about fiberglass springs.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 576
Likes: 3
From: Muskegon MI
To say we don't know anything about composite springs is a mere fallacy, we know the process and we have been there throughout the process many times to know exactly what is done with our springs. We assemble them in house, and we have a jig that all springs are assembled in. Any spring that doesn't meet fitment requirements gets scrapped. I'm not saying ours is better or worse than the VBP springs, i'm just saying they're not the same. They were made with different intent.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 295
Likes: 18
From: Easton Massachusetts
All TRW springs are made in Muskegon for us. We don't wind or mold in house as we are not equipped to do so, it's best left to a facility that meets EPA standards and all other regulations with dealing with these types of chemicals. The TRW spring was designed by TRW and it's a very good product, that's why we have no intentions of changing it. The design was made to bring it to stock ride height and smooth out the ride. Not lower the car like most people are used to looking at with a tired, worn out sagging steel spring.
To say we don't know anything about composite springs is a mere fallacy, we know the process and we have been there throughout the process many times to know exactly what is done with our springs. We assemble them in house, and we have a jig that all springs are assembled in. Any spring that doesn't meet fitment requirements gets scrapped. I'm not saying ours is better or worse than the VBP springs, i'm just saying they're not the same. They were made with different intent.
To say we don't know anything about composite springs is a mere fallacy, we know the process and we have been there throughout the process many times to know exactly what is done with our springs. We assemble them in house, and we have a jig that all springs are assembled in. Any spring that doesn't meet fitment requirements gets scrapped. I'm not saying ours is better or worse than the VBP springs, i'm just saying they're not the same. They were made with different intent.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,441
Likes: 240
From: Powassan ON
All TRW springs are made in Muskegon for us. We don't wind or mold in house as we are not equipped to do so, it's best left to a facility that meets EPA standards and all other regulations with dealing with these types of chemicals. The TRW spring was designed by TRW and it's a very good product, that's why we have no intentions of changing it. The design was made to bring it to stock ride height and smooth out the ride. Not lower the car like most people are used to looking at with a tired, worn out sagging steel spring.
To say we don't know anything about composite springs is a mere fallacy, we know the process and we have been there throughout the process many times to know exactly what is done with our springs. We assemble them in house, and we have a jig that all springs are assembled in. Any spring that doesn't meet fitment requirements gets scrapped. I'm not saying ours is better or worse than the VBP springs, i'm just saying they're not the same. They were made with different intent.
To say we don't know anything about composite springs is a mere fallacy, we know the process and we have been there throughout the process many times to know exactly what is done with our springs. We assemble them in house, and we have a jig that all springs are assembled in. Any spring that doesn't meet fitment requirements gets scrapped. I'm not saying ours is better or worse than the VBP springs, i'm just saying they're not the same. They were made with different intent.
I have a TRW in my car now and love the way it rides. I'm going to drop in some longer bolts to try and drop the rear an inch or so, hopefully the ride remains the same.
dodosmike
Crappy iPhone pics, sorry:
Last edited by Dodosmike; Jun 29, 2015 at 02:54 PM.