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So I put the rear suspension on the frame of my ‘81 yesterday. I purchased a 360# low arch (regular length) composite spring and 8” spring bolts from VanSteel, and was under the assumption it would require a jack or some other tool to remove the tension to get it on - much like what was required to get the factory leaf spring off the car. I started tacking everything in, and to my surprise the new leaf spring went in no problem at all.
The issue, however, is there’s absolutely no tension on this spring right now, it’s just kind of laying there. Here’s a photo:
The rear of the car is about 4 feet off the ground, while the nose is on the floor (just to make it easier to work), also, nothing is tightened up or torqued, it’s just put in place to make sure everything lines up. As such, there’s no weight on the rear right now.
I’m wondering if the low arch and longer bolt is playing into this, and am hoping it’ll straighten itself out once everything is tightened down and the car is on the ground…but wanted to check here to see if anyone has any insights or sees anything glaring that I might have overlooked.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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you wont get tension until the tires are on it and its on the ground the car will want to pull the spring up....its normal. I notice you have the long bolts so you should be fine
Mono springs are often sold with very little arch. I think my present set is clear down to 4 inch bolts. We have a local nut and bolt store so I bought sets of grade 8 gold anodized with nylock nuts. 4-5-6 7 inches for my 420# which didn't work and my present 520#
I run 7inch bolts and have no trouble getting the nuts on with the suspension hanging. I've been running the same mono spring for over 25 years. No problems.
you wont get tension until the tires are on it and its on the ground the car will want to pull the spring up....its normal. I notice you have the long bolts so you should be fine
Originally Posted by 4-vettes
I run 7inch bolts and have no trouble getting the nuts on with the suspension hanging. I've been running the same mono spring for over 25 years. No problems.
Alright sounds like this is normal - good to know!
Mono springs are often sold with very little arch. I think my present set is clear down to 4 inch bolts. We have a local nut and bolt store so I bought sets of grade 8 gold anodized with nylock nuts. 4-5-6 7 inches for my 420# which didn't work and my present 520#
Appreciate the help here - also, you run a 520# rear leaf spring?!?!
Composite leaf spring has no tension?
