Thoughts on leaf removal???
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Thoughts on leaf removal???
I’m thinking about removing a couple of leafs from my c3. Has anyone done this??
I cant source the material that goes between the leafs, but the stuff I can get is slightly thicker… making a higher stance. My thoughts are, it will soften the ride and still get original height. Will I need to get a rear sway bar if I go this route???
cheers
I cant source the material that goes between the leafs, but the stuff I can get is slightly thicker… making a higher stance. My thoughts are, it will soften the ride and still get original height. Will I need to get a rear sway bar if I go this route???
cheers
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,301
Likes: 8,106
From: Napa Valley California
Purchase the proper composite spring from Van Steel.
You can soften, firm up or keep the standard ride depending on the spring.
Adjust your ride height buy using 8" spring bolts.
If you plan to use your car for street cruising only, you probably would never need a rear sway bar.
You can soften, firm up or keep the standard ride depending on the spring.
Adjust your ride height buy using 8" spring bolts.
If you plan to use your car for street cruising only, you probably would never need a rear sway bar.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
Purchase the proper composite spring from Van Steel.
You can soften, firm up or keep the standard ride depending on the spring.
Adjust your ride height buy using 8" spring bolts.
If you plan to use your car for street cruising only, you probably would never need a rear sway bar.
You can soften, firm up or keep the standard ride depending on the spring.
Adjust your ride height buy using 8" spring bolts.
If you plan to use your car for street cruising only, you probably would never need a rear sway bar.
Search for info on the 'glass spring and matching shocks. You will be surprised how much better the ride will be!!
Pro
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 708
Likes: 150
From: Minnesota
If you are trying to save the $$ and that's why you're considering relining with a thicker material, how much will the stance really change? If not a lot, you could go to 8" bolts on the ends and drop the rear -- a lot of people do that when they install an aftermarket spring and stance is too high. Keep in mind, though, that if you thicken the spring/liner stack by much, you may need different bolts in the bottom of the center spring plate, into the rear end. Also remember, when reinstalling, to set the weight of the car on the spring before tightening those 4 bolts into the rear end, or you may crack the cover.
As noted above, though, and an investment isn't out of the question, many of us highly recommend Van Steel composite springs. They provide a really nice ride, coupled with a fresh set of shocks. I am running a Van Steel 330 composite and Bilstein shocks, and it handles excellent + rides comfortably. The original, rusty, steel multi-leaf was like riding on a 2x6.
As noted above, though, and an investment isn't out of the question, many of us highly recommend Van Steel composite springs. They provide a really nice ride, coupled with a fresh set of shocks. I am running a Van Steel 330 composite and Bilstein shocks, and it handles excellent + rides comfortably. The original, rusty, steel multi-leaf was like riding on a 2x6.
Last edited by JoeMinnesota; Oct 19, 2018 at 03:11 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,874
Likes: 3,551
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
I’m thinking about removing a couple of leafs from my c3. Has anyone done this??
I cant source the material that goes between the leafs, but the stuff I can get is slightly thicker… making a higher stance. My thoughts are, it will soften the ride and still get original height. Will I need to get a rear sway bar if I go this route???
cheers
I cant source the material that goes between the leafs, but the stuff I can get is slightly thicker… making a higher stance. My thoughts are, it will soften the ride and still get original height. Will I need to get a rear sway bar if I go this route???
cheers
1)cost nothing
2)lowered the car
3)looked cool
4)Rode like crap!!!
Get a fiberglass spring.
Richard
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,684
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 289
From: Spring Park MN
I have cut 550 lb springs up front and a shortened 360 lb spring in the rear. Cut springs raises the rate. I have Bilstein Sports all the way around and modern 18" tires. The first thing everybody says when they ride in is it rides nice, a lot better than they thought it would. Everyone has their own idea what a good ride is. You will never get a Cadillac ride out of one of these cars, even is you soften it enough to ruin the handling.
Mike
Mike
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 963
Likes: 57
From: Vancouver, BC
I don’t expect it to ride anything like a modern car but it’s good to know that it’s at least comfortable. I ended up going with the 460 front springs and now I’m trying to find a decent price rear spring to complete the setup.