I’m looking to replace the leaf springs on my ‘78 Silver Anniversary. I was wondering if anyone has any specific recommendations of what to go with.I don’t do long distance trips, but want a comfortable ride around town.

 

If a comfortable ride is what your after, put in a composite spring and Bilstien shocks.

 

here is one way.. quality spring new. Can upgrade to gymkhana or stock too. Good price as well.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...af-spring.html

 

When choosing to replace your C3 rear spring, the decision as to what to go with will depend on your particular priorities and what it is that increases your enjoyment of your car. I'll throw out a few considerations.

Broadly speaking, consider a composite mono leaf spring if your preference is gaining the best handling or ride quality or reducing weight. Top quality steel spring units are not bad when properly selected and installed but, in the areas of ride and handling, it’s really amazing what they can do with composite springs. Composite springs are about 35 pounds lighter than steel springs.

Generally speaking, consider a multi leaf steel spring if your priorities are originality or ruggedness. A steel spring unit is far more resistant to being damaged by high speed flying road debris, being much less likely to dent, cut, scrape, nick or crack than composite material. Steel is also far less vulnerable to the effects of exhaust heat.

One additional consideration is the end of life for a leaf spring. Steel springs die very gradually over a long period of years and will not likely ever strand you. A composite spring will usually perform fine until one day it finally breaks, which would immobilize the car. However, that type of failure will probably not happen for decades and we live in a world of smartphones and roadside assistance.

 

C3 Highway,best input/advice on any forum I've every seen Good understanding/diff options & ideas that sound appropriate. I have 78' L82 S/A with fe7 opt,love it! Are you into snowmobiling,lol..........Thanx,Al.

 

timely question and responses. I don't want to hijack Silver 78's post, but If i can ask an add'l question: what is the lifespan of a leaf steel spring? I'm contemplating the exact same thing on my newly acquired 78 Pace Car (L82, original Gymkana suspension with 7-leaf spring). The car definitely has the original leaf as front spring coils also still had the original labels on it. Shocks are newer, but unmarked/unremarkable. It sits at correct ride height on Passenger side but Driver side sits one inch lower. when going over bumps in the road, it currently very quickly clonks the back end down to its stoppers. As I am in Europe and getting spring here is difficult and expensive and I prefer originality if possible, I'd love to fix the issues with just shocks and bushing replacements if I can. Thoughts please?

 

You can keep your original spring and have it re-arched at a truck repair shop.
Check the rear spring mount cushions, if very worn that may be why your Corvette leans, Corvette Central rear spring mount kit # 582058.
Is the light switch fully turned clockwise? Fully left turns on the interior lights.

https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-6...t-stock-582058

 

Both of my 78’s had sagging leaf springs after 40yrs.. Both now have composite springs that function excellently. I really like the dual mount spring, but they aren’t available anymore. 330lb spring is a little soft; advise 360 minimal, higher if handling is a priority over ride quality. Tried re-arching a spring, but it raised the rear too much. Lowering the rear resulted in spring end too close to the tires.
Leveling out the rear can be done by loosening the spring and tapping it toward the low side. Or, raising it with washers or a nut with the threads ground out. Problems with the front suspension can also affect the way the rear sits.
Charlie