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1) I saw this on my leaf spring the other day. Fascinating what some people will do.
Last time I messed with a leaf spring was on my '69 Firebird. This is totally different. Any thoughts on the purpose of this "fix" and any advice on a reliable remedy?
2) Also, educate me a little...I was surprised it is a 7 leaf unit. Is this a Heavy Duty? or did they offer a standard and a heavy duty 7 leaf? Was it common for anyone to get the heavy duty option? Is there a big difference between 7/9 leaf or Heavy Duty/Standard? I don't plan to change the spring any time soon (unless there is an issue with the first topic above), but I'm curious.
Last edited by ctknecht; Jun 11, 2022 at 11:10 AM.
That looks like an aftermarket heavyduty spring.
It is entirely possible that that clamp is on there because I have experience with my original 9 leaf spring and my used six leaf heavy duty gymkhana spring both tended to spread out and that clamp may be stopping that.
it is interesting since I replaced the spring with a new one from Eaton they do not separate like they used to with the original spring or the used heavy duty spring that I had there’s no splay to them, it stays in line. It could be why that clamp is there.
That looks like an aftermarket heavyduty spring.
It is entirely possible that that clamp is on there because I have experience with my original 9 leaf spring and my used six leaf heavy duty gymkhana spring both tended to spread out and that clamp may be stopping that.
it is interesting since I replaced the spring with a new one from Eaton they do not separate like they used to with the original spring or the used heavy duty spring that I had there’s no splay to them, it stays in line. It could be why that clamp is there.
If I decide it is needed to keep things straight, isn't there a better solution for a temporary fix until I can replace the spring?
it never bothered me when they were splayed. I would leave it or take it off your choice..
Lolo@Bikespace im still steel and its about 32# ..I’ll wait for raw materials to settle
I agree with interpon that it doesn't look like an original spring. OE spring leaves had a bit of a turned up lip at each end and the lowest/longer spring had the cornets trimmed at a 45 degree angle.
The other side of your spring appears to still have the manufacturer's clamp that the hose clamp tries to replicate. I agree with those who say for our corvette transverse spring that the clamps were just for shipping and aren't needed once installed. Such clamps are used, however, as rebound clips on the forward sides of trailer springs and many trucks have them.
I had something similar on my spring after the main spring boke wile driving down the Interstate at 70+ MPH
The U-bolts were only used to hold the spring together so I could move the car around the garage and for shipping via trailer - never used over the road.
This pic shows the "clamps" relaxed so I could remove the spring during my restoration
My spring did not utilize clamps like the one that's on the passenger side of your car.
Paul
Last edited by nwav8tor; Jun 11, 2022 at 04:31 PM.
Chrysler recommended extra clamps on the front part of the leaf spring to make it stiffer on their super stock cars and that's a possibility here , however a hose clamp won't do it.
I had a similar spring on my 68 when I first got it. I thought I would replace my 7 leaf with a new "softer" 9 leaf spring. I installed the 9 leaf spring. Besides making my ride height to high, it really didn't make any real difference in ride softness. Just because I wanted something to do, I decided to rebuild the leftover 7 leaf spring. I took it all apart, cleaned it, painted it, installed new spacers and installed it. It looks cool, but again didn't make any difference in the ride.
My 7 leaf spring also seems to be modified with blunt ends on 5 of the leafs.
I don't think the clamp makes any difference one way or another. You can install a fiberglass spring if you need a real stiff ride for racing.
You can install a fiberglass spring if you need a real stiff ride for racing.
This is bad information! mono leaf fiber springs can be ordered in all kinds of spring weights from something like 260 inch pounds to 420# Even the 420 isn't suitable for real road racing.
The 7 leaf is one of the better stockish type steel springs
This is bad information! mono leaf fiber springs can be ordered in all kinds of spring weights from something like 260 inch pounds to 420# Even the 420 isn't suitable for real road racing.
The 7 leaf is one of the better stockish type steel springs
You are correct, I got a bit carried away. But, so many people think a new composite spring is going to solve issues they think they have with the ride. Original leaf springs are progressive, composite springs are not. Progressive is a good thing. If you replace a 260 lb. spring with a 260 lb. spring, I don't think you have gained anything. Putting a 420 lb. spring on will make the ride stiffer. With only 2 inches of travel, the difference a spring can make is very minimal. If you need to remove 30 lbs for racing, maybe, but the extra weight that low on the suspension can be a good thing. The original 9 leaf spring was 196 lbs
Bogus Leaf Spring "fix"
