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I'm back again with a need for more information. My leaf spring (4th from the top) is broken. I've searched the threads on replacement options but a lot of the discussions were just to technical for me. So here's my request. Any recommendations on a stock replacement that will give me the correct ride height? I have KYB gas adjust shocks on all fours. I'd also like to find instructions on removing and installing a new spring setup. From what I have read, Eaton makes a steel stock replacement. Anyone have experience working with them?
Can't imagine why anyone would want to install a stock spring. REALLY? not worth the labor.
put in a 330 or 360 glass mono spring. Best possible thing to do, by far!
Can't imagine why anyone would want to install a stock spring. REALLY? not worth the labor.
put in a 330 or 360 glass mono spring. Best possible thing to do, by far!
Can't imagine why anyone would want to install a stock spring. REALLY? not worth the labor.
put in a 330 or 360 glass mono spring. Best possible thing to do, by far!
Better ride, much easier to install, 30 or so lbs lighter (some might argue at this location having the the weight improves handling), ride height easily adjustable by how far up you turn the nuts on the bolts to the trailing arms. But obviously if originality is the issue, that takes precedence.
Last edited by vince vette 2; Sep 27, 2020 at 07:43 AM.
Ditch that steel spring that is heavy, rides terribly, and will wear out and break (as you found out) for a 330/360 composite (Bilstein Sports in the rear for the 360/Bilstein HD's for a 300/330 spring in the rear) that weighs 8 lbs, rides superbly, and will never wear out (sag).......
I have had my 360 spring since 1986 and would never consider using a steel spring again,,,,
Last edited by jb78L-82; Sep 27, 2020 at 07:58 AM.
Ditch that steel spring that is heavy, rides terribly, and will wear out and break (as you found out) for a 330/360 composite (Bilstein Sports in the rear for the 360/Bilstein HD's for a 300/330 spring in the rear) that weighs 8 lbs, rides superbly, and will never wear out (sag).......
I have had my 360 spring since 1986 and would never consider using a steel spring again,,,,
There seems to be a consensus so far. Can I get some more detail. From what I’ve read in other threads, since my car is a small block and not used for auto cross, I should get the 300 lb spring. Will my KYB has adjust shocks work well with the composite spring? What brand spring does everyone recommend, Van Steel or some other? Can I replace the shocks later if necessary? Trying to keep costs down as I have spent quite a bit on brake parts which included 4 new rotors and 2 calipers.
if I could get some input on the brand of spring and a supplier with good prices, that would be great.
There seems to be a consensus so far. Can I get some more detail. From what I’ve read in other threads, since my car is a small block and not used for auto cross, I should get the 300 lb spring. Will my KYB has adjust shocks work well with the composite spring? What brand spring does everyone recommend, Van Steel or some other? Can I replace the shocks later if necessary? Trying to keep costs down as I have spent quite a bit on brake parts which included 4 new rotors and 2 calipers.
if I could get some input on the brand of spring and a supplier with good prices, that would be great.
This is good info though, much appreciated.
I put a 360 lb in my '80 and like it. I don't find the ride harsh and I also have driving only for cruising and some spirited cornering on some nice country roads.
I think the shocks will be fine, but suggested you call Vansteel tech support to ask. And that leads to the next answer, Vansteel to get the spring. Very good quality and easy to work with. I was concerned with one small imperfection in the spring they sent to me. I doubted it would be an issue but didn't want any surprises. They willingly paid shipping both ways for me to return that one and send a replacement.
There seems to be a consensus so far. Can I get some more detail. From what I’ve read in other threads, since my car is a small block and not used for auto cross, I should get the 300 lb spring. Will my KYB has adjust shocks work well with the composite spring? What brand spring does everyone recommend, Van Steel or some other? Can I replace the shocks later if necessary? Trying to keep costs down as I have spent quite a bit on brake parts which included 4 new rotors and 2 calipers.
if I could get some input on the brand of spring and a supplier with good prices, that would be great.
This is good info though, much appreciated.
If you have a base suspension C3, not sport, which appears to be the case since you have a 9 leaf steel spring, I would recommend a 300/315/330 spring, to match the springs and sway bars. If you have a factory 7/16 rear sway bar, then you have the sport suspension with 550 lbs front springs and bigger front sway bar and I would go with the 360 spring.
I had KYB's at one time with my 360 spring and the car bounced more than I liked on relatively smooth roads as well as with Bilstein HD's with the 360 spring. I switched to Bilstein Sports with the 360 spring and all is perfect now for 15 years......
I use Bilstein sports with 330lb spring. Tried HD versions with this spring but too bouncy.
As you have spent a lot of cash already if the budget is getting strained I would put another leaf in your existing spring for now and save for an upgrade later. A quick google search revealed plenty of places that could do this. You can disassemble the spring yourself give them the parts of the broken leaf and have them copy it.
I use Bilstein sports with 330lb spring. Tried HD versions with this spring but too bouncy.
As you have spent a lot of cash already if the budget is getting strained I would put another leaf in your existing spring for now and save for an upgrade later. A quick google search revealed plenty of places that could do this. You can disassemble the spring yourself give them the parts of the broken leaf and have them copy it.
I'm probably going to move forward and buy a new spring. Leaning towards the Van Steel 330 pound. I figure why put a band aid on it that will more than likely cost over a $100. Might as well just get the new spring now. don't want to do this twice. I'll be calling Van Steel tomorrow. It appears they usually recommend the 330 pound spring. I can change the shocks to the sports or HD later.
I'm probably going to move forward and buy a new spring. Leaning towards the Van Steel 330 pound. I figure why put a band aid on it that will more than likely cost over a $100. Might as well just get the new spring now. don't want to do this twice. I'll be calling Van Steel tomorrow. It appears they usually recommend the 330 pound spring. I can change the shocks to the sports or HD later.
There is NO correct answer like stated above. I tried the #330 and it was to bouncy.I went w/ stock 7 leaf. No downside to having more weight at the rear wheels IMO
Last edited by gjohnson; Sep 28, 2020 at 09:50 AM.
It is vitally important that you use the proper shocks with any composite spring...Highly recommend Bilstein Sports in the rear only even if you have Bilstein Heavy Duties up front, like I do on my 78.
GM has not used a steel transverse leaf spring in almost 40 years now since the steel spring is very heavy and gives a very harsh ride.....compared to a composite which will never wear out, saves 40+ lbs, has no internal leafs causing binding friction, and a composite is much quicker reacting to the road. There simply is no reason to use a steel spring on a C3/C4/C5/C6/C7/C8 which is why no one does.........
The only reason to install a steel replacement spring is for originality reasons..that is it...
Without VBP in business.....what composites are left to buy that are not setting you up for too high.....like many did.
I put a 360# vansteel spring in mine. And to get back to stock ride height I had to run the nuts fairly far up the bolts to the trailing arms to increase the height.
Last edited by vince vette 2; Sep 28, 2020 at 05:57 PM.
Reason: Make it clear that running the nuts up raised the body height.
The TRW spring has repeatedly put the cars way up high.....lots of threads about it here. And apparently, based on post above, same problem with Vansteel......why can't anyone make a composite spring, like VBP did, that puts the car at the right height without excessively long bolts, etc.? How hard is it to make something that works. Its too bad VBP went out of business.
There are lots of companies that make the springs....All the major vendors have different springs (Ecklers, Zip, MidAmerica) as well as Ride tech, hyperco, hypercoil, van Steel TRW etc and others...do some research, call some vendors and you will get what you need OR buy a used VBP spring..lots of options BUT requires a little work on your part.....
The TRW spring has repeatedly put the cars way up high.....lots of threads about it here. And apparently, based on post above, same problem with Vansteel......why can't anyone make a composite spring, like VBP did, that puts the car at the right height without excessively long bolts, etc.? How hard is it to make something that works. Its too bad VBP went out of business.
Negatory. Cranking the nuts up higher raises the body. As your crank up on the nuts you shorten the distance between the arms of the spring and trailing arm. This puts more force on the bottom of the bottom of the rear end which being bolted to the frame raises the body. So, my point was that I needed to turn all those threads to get the car up to the normal ride height.
Last edited by vince vette 2; Sep 28, 2020 at 05:54 PM.
Need Advice on Rear Leaf Spring Replacement
