I've been running the VBandP dual mount composite spring in my 1980 for a long time. I noticed at the end of last season that the isolator pads that sit between the mounting blocks and spring were smoked. I just replaced them, and while I was at it I replaced the mounting block hardware and put in new 8" spring bolts and bushings.

My question is, does anyone know if there is any procedure for centering the spring before tightening down the mount blocks? I found the old install instructions online, but there's no mention of it. Before you tighten the blocks, the spring can slide left to right, and I centered by eye the best I could, but with everything back on the ground the driver's side end of the spring sits about 1/2" closer to the brake backing plate than the passenger side. The suspension hasn't settled yet, but i don't see how the spring will be able to move with the mounting blocks tight. Is there a better way to center this, or will it happen over time as I drive it? There was zero mention of it in the instructions which i find odd. Like I said, I still need to drive it to settle the suspension and then reset my final ride height, so maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. I just don't want any interference.

As it sits currently with everything freshened up




End of last season. One of the isolators was actually missing, and the others in rough shape.

 

Test drive and re-check. No big deal to loosen up the mount and move the spring 1/4”. Test drive again and adjust drive height; then cut off excess length on 8” bolts. There should be witness marks on the spring from where it was attached previously to return it back to original mounting position. On a tech call to Vansteel, who now has left-over spare parts, it was mentioned the plastic pads came in batches with some much better than others. I got a couple of spares, but the original pads have held up for 12yrs and still look good. It was also recommended to periodically recheck the bolt torque.
Charlie

 

What I would do is measure the spring side-to-side the find the center point. Then align that point with the center of the Diff or if that is off a little the actual center line of the car. See if that does it.

 

Your pictures aren't showing a 1980 diff. That is a 1979 or earlier with the iron diff. Did you change the frame out in the past?