New Rear Springs

[EMCD]

so, after dropping in my new TBs, the rear is looking too low. I'm running factory original springs on a SB 340 Cuda. I'm not a super low kind of guy, so stock height is fine with me. do I, should I, replace all the hardware? the u bolts look great and all the suspension looks in good order. who sell the tightest and least expensive springs shipped?

[burdar]

The least expensive is to just add another leaf to your existing spring pack.  It will raise the back end but also make the spring stiffer.

[EMCD]

cool, any idea how much that would run? I'm sure its region cost wise, but I'm just wondering if new springs would be cheaper.

[burdar]

New springs will probably run you $250-$300.  I haven't priced them in awhile.  Adding one leaf is just a matter of time involved.  You can get a used main leaf from a junk yard, cut the ends off and install onto your existing springs yourself.  The only real cost is the used spring from the junk yard.  If you have an old pair of springs sitting around, your cost is nothing.

Just put some clamps on the springs while you remove the center bolt.  Loosen the clamps slowly while the springs separate.  Slide the extra leaf in, directly under the main leaf.  Clamp the assembly back together and reinstall the center bolt.

[EMCD]

to have a local spring shop do the added leafs it costs $350 for the leafs and $400 for the install. Roughly $800 w/taxes. I think you can get stock HD springs from ESPO for $400-500 shipped. Any advantages for new verses modified older springs?

[burdar]

Why would you pay a shop that kind of money for that?  It's easily done yourself without any special tools.  $350 for two "used" main leaves?  Something is wrong there!

1"+ oval track springs from Mopar are $110 each from Summit racing.(just and option)

[EMCD]

Well, I've never done something like that before, but I'm willing to try. What type or car leafs springs should I look for?

[soundcontrol]

New springs will probably run you $250-$300.  I haven't priced them in awhile.  Adding one leaf is just a matter of time involved.  You can get a used main leaf from a junk yard, cut the ends off and install onto your existing springs yourself.  The only real cost is the used spring from the junk yard.  If you have an old pair of springs sitting around, your cost is nothing.

Just put some clamps on the springs while you remove the center bolt.  Loosen the clamps slowly while the springs separate.  Slide the extra leaf in, directly under the main leaf.  Clamp the assembly back together and reinstall the center bolt.

Interesting. How long should the extra leaf be? And what about the clamps (steel/rubber) thats on the springs? get new ones? I got 3 sets of old stock leaf springs laying around, thought they were useless.


..and is there anything in between the leafs?

[burdar]

The replacement leaf should be close to the same length as the stock main leaf.  You can just cut the front/rear eyes off the replacement.  As far as the clamps are concerned, you might get lucky and be able to reuse them.  Same goes for the center bolt.  There should be aftermarket clamps and center bolts available if yours can't be reused.

My father-in-law just did this to his truck last week.  He didn't even have to take the clamps off.  He just loosened the center bolt and slid the extra leaf into the spring pack.

Adding a leaf is an inexpensive way to raise the back end of the car.  If you don't like it, you can always buy new springs but I think it's worth a try.  The back end of my Challenger was sagging very badly when we took it out of storage in the mid 90s.  We had an extra leaf added which brought the back end up a couple inches.  The extra leaf made the spring pack stiffer, but it wasn't too harsh by any means.

[EMCD]

What car axle combo should I be looking for at the wrecking yard?

[Chryco Psycho]

You will need new center bolts & should replace the U bolts while it is apart .
 I use a main leaf from a similar weight car , trim the ends & slide it in just under the existing main , & use a square top U bolt to clamp the front section of the springs this will make it stiffer than the factory type clamps which is what is needed & leave the rear without a clamp .

[timbbuc2]

If you need any help with springs, U bolts, or center bolts there is a company in Birmingham Alabama, they can help you the same way they helped me. I bought 4 center bolts and 4 U bolts for 20$.( Got 2 extra center bolts for spares) They were left over from other jobs so they were glad to help.
Birmingham Spring Services
205-251-6281
They also do drive shafts.