Rear leaf spring ???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
Rear leaf spring ???
Evening all...Today I found that my rear leaf springs are slipping to the side. 
The spring thats second from the bottom only has 3/8' left on the bottom spring. Are there supposed to be clamps out near the ends that hold them together?
Roy
Edit...they're twisting
The spring thats second from the bottom only has 3/8' left on the bottom spring. Are there supposed to be clamps out near the ends that hold them together?Roy
Edit...they're twisting
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
They should not move. You may want to post a photo so everybody can clearly see what the problem is.
I'd check the four bolts that hold the spring to the differential - maybe the differential cover is cracked ???
Trailing arms could be loose ....
Just lift the rear and check everything that you can see - there should not be a clamp on the spring .
I'd check the four bolts that hold the spring to the differential - maybe the differential cover is cracked ???
Trailing arms could be loose ....
Just lift the rear and check everything that you can see - there should not be a clamp on the spring .
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
The spring pics have been added to the gallery. What you think?
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...hp?photo=24148
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...hp?photo=24150
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...hp?photo=24148
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...hp?photo=24150
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
See this happen a lot. I would fix it immediately. Can't really say one thing causes this to happen. I would check the spring width and rear end cover. Someone may have replaced the spring at one time and used the wrong one or they could have replaced the cover at one time and replaced it with the wrong one. 63-77 use a 2 1/4" spring and the 78-79 cars had a 2 1/2" spring. When you pull the spring off check the cover for cracks, as mentioned above, and the bolt holes.
When you install a new or rebuilt spring and you run the bolts back up into the cover, run them up a little bit at a time. Sort of lile you would do with tire lug nuts. This will help in the prevention of cracking the cover.
When you install a new or rebuilt spring and you run the bolts back up into the cover, run them up a little bit at a time. Sort of lile you would do with tire lug nuts. This will help in the prevention of cracking the cover.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 109
Just from the looks of it, it looks like the rust build up is letting the springs move around.
and i agree with van steel
That is one ugly spring.
I would have to change that,even if you would take it apart to clean it and put new spring liner in,this won't take care of a worn out spring.
Buy a new one
and i agree with van steel
That is one ugly spring.
I would have to change that,even if you would take it apart to clean it and put new spring liner in,this won't take care of a worn out spring.
Buy a new one
Last edited by 1971corvette; Nov 22, 2004 at 11:08 AM.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
If you do rebuild that spring, take it to a local spring shop and have them re-arch it for you. They can tell you if they spring is worth saving or not. Spring liners can be expensive.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
I had zero luck with re-arching a leaf spring. Eaton Spring makes a great steel replacement spring - looks pretty much exactly like the original. Check 'em out here . I got one, and it's been working great.
Of course, if you'd rather change to a fiberglass mono spring, there's lots of others that can give advice on that.
Of course, if you'd rather change to a fiberglass mono spring, there's lots of others that can give advice on that.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Originally Posted by Not2New72
Evening all...Today I found that my rear leaf springs are slipping to the side. The spring thats second from the bottom only has 3/8' left on the bottom spring. Are there supposed to be clamps out near the ends that hold them together?
Roy
Edit...they're twisting
The spring thats second from the bottom only has 3/8' left on the bottom spring. Are there supposed to be clamps out near the ends that hold them together?Roy
Edit...they're twisting
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
i've got a 79. had the same problem. had springs re-aligned several times. within a week or so they twisted again. finally just replaced with a vbp composite spring. no problems since.