repairable leaf spring?
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: coolsville nj
repairable leaf spring?
ok guys, it's time for my first repair on my '79 ;)
my leaf spring on the rear (i believe it is a 9 link) is having problems. the 8 leaves that sit on the bottom leaf have turned a bit, so the ends of the 2nd (from the bottom) leaf are hanging off on each end. i have not moved the vette, cuz i definitely don't want to cause any damage to it, but my question is: can i pop the spring off and straighten em out and put it back on? i plan on putting a composite monospring on there soon, but i do not have the money for it yet, and i don't want to get another leaf spring if i'm gonna change it out again. i was perusing through the service manual, and it appears that the leaves can be straightened, but i want to know if it will be safe (it will only be on there for a few months more, and it will not be driven much. thanks in advance for any responses!
p.s.-- i will take and post some pics soon :cool:
[Modified by radwebster, 1:02 AM 11/26/2002]
my leaf spring on the rear (i believe it is a 9 link) is having problems. the 8 leaves that sit on the bottom leaf have turned a bit, so the ends of the 2nd (from the bottom) leaf are hanging off on each end. i have not moved the vette, cuz i definitely don't want to cause any damage to it, but my question is: can i pop the spring off and straighten em out and put it back on? i plan on putting a composite monospring on there soon, but i do not have the money for it yet, and i don't want to get another leaf spring if i'm gonna change it out again. i was perusing through the service manual, and it appears that the leaves can be straightened, but i want to know if it will be safe (it will only be on there for a few months more, and it will not be driven much. thanks in advance for any responses!
p.s.-- i will take and post some pics soon :cool:
[Modified by radwebster, 1:02 AM 11/26/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
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From: Lake Villa IL
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Re: repairable leaf spring? (radwebster)
Rad, I'm not sure about repairing the leaf springs. New steel springs are a lot less expensive than fiberglass, and I know some members who wouldn't think of using anything but steel. I'm running fiberglass right now, and I think I'd rather have steel, as the fiberglass seems too bouncy and weak.
If you can hold off, and are set on fiberglass, save up for it. Otherwise, buy another steel unit. I don't think you'll be disappointed. The steel spring will save you some money, and will be way better than your old spring. :thumbs:
If you can hold off, and are set on fiberglass, save up for it. Otherwise, buy another steel unit. I don't think you'll be disappointed. The steel spring will save you some money, and will be way better than your old spring. :thumbs:
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
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From: Severna Park Md
Re: repairable leaf spring? (radwebster)
You may get lucky this way. Try and just loosen the 4 bolts that hold the spring to the diff housing. That way, if it frees up the compression on the center portion of the leafs, you may be able to use a large C-clamp to bring the leafs back into alignment with each other. Heck maybe even a few good smacks with a big hammer.
:smash: :smash: :smash:
:smash: :smash: :smash:
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: coolsville nj
Re: repairable leaf spring? (joeveto)
thanks guys
joeveto, i plan to (when i get some money together) put front and rear monosprings on it, 460 lbs each. yes i know my kindeys will be in agony every ride, but i love that instantaneous response, and the feeling that i'm piloting an oversized go-kart :)
i will try to pull the leaves back together with the clamp, thats kinda what they were doin in the service manual. thanks again! :D :
joeveto, i plan to (when i get some money together) put front and rear monosprings on it, 460 lbs each. yes i know my kindeys will be in agony every ride, but i love that instantaneous response, and the feeling that i'm piloting an oversized go-kart :)
i will try to pull the leaves back together with the clamp, thats kinda what they were doin in the service manual. thanks again! :D :
