Author Topic: Free Arch of Factory Springs  (Read 4730 times)

Offline CUDA JAS

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Free Arch of Factory Springs
« on: March 16, 2015 - 01:07:49 PM »
Anyone know what the free arch of factory leaf springs is (off the car).

I want to have my springs de-arched, and would like to get them close to factory. 

I know that springs sit close to flat on the car, but what does that translate into off the car?

My car currently sits at 29 inches at the rear wheel lip.  From what I hear that is 4 - 5 inches higher then factory.  :eek4:

Thanks,

Jason

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Offline CUDA JAS

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Re: Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #1 on: March 16, 2015 - 10:12:11 PM »
Just checked mine...9.5 inches at the centre bolt...is that high?!?!?


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Offline anlauto

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Re: Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #2 on: March 16, 2015 - 10:31:40 PM »
What exactly are you measuring ? I have three sets of used springs in my basement I could measure
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Offline CUDA JAS

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Re: Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #3 on: March 16, 2015 - 10:36:37 PM »
The arch of the springs as they sit upside down on the floor. Alan if you could measure a set for me that would be awesome!! 

Thanks,

Jason




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Offline anlauto

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Re: Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2015 - 10:45:53 PM »
The arch of the springs as they sit upside down on the floor. Alan if you could measure a set for me that would be awesome!! 

Thanks,

Jason




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With both the front and rear hangers removed? Measurement at the center stud that holds them together ?
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Offline anlauto

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Re: Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #5 on: March 16, 2015 - 10:56:25 PM »
Well....you're lucky Dancing With The Stars is over.....

I have one set that don't have seized up front hangers on them. They were in a 71 Cuda and they looked tired. They only measure 6 1/2" inches from the floor to the inside of the first leaf. Quite a difference from what you have  :2cents:
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Offline HP2

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Re: Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #6 on: March 17, 2015 - 09:19:06 AM »
You did measure that without the hangers/shackles on them, right?  9.5 is a pretty big arch. I want to say most the factory specs were between 5-7 of free arch. I've seen a spec sheet on it with arch, leaf count, rate per inch, etc, but I forget where I saw that or I would dig it  up for you. Even today's performance spring companies are only providing 4-5" of arch.

Offline CUDA JAS

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Re: Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #7 on: March 17, 2015 - 09:32:10 AM »
Well....you're lucky Dancing With The Stars is over.....

I have one set that don't have seized up front hangers on them. They were in a 71 Cuda and they looked tired. They only measure 6 1/2" inches from the floor to the inside of the first leaf. Quite a difference from what you have  :2cents:

Thanks Alan.

You did measure that without the hangers/shackles on them, right?  9.5 is a pretty big arch. I want to say most the factory specs were between 5-7 of free arch. I've seen a spec sheet on it with arch, leaf count, rate per inch, etc, but I forget where I saw that or I would dig it  up for you. Even today's performance spring companies are only providing 4-5" of arch.

Yes measured with no hangers or shackles. 

The previous owner had the springs reached in distant past..20 plus years ago. Unfortunately they help up very well  LOL.

I would like to get the rear down to around 24 or 25 inches at the rear wheel lip (currently 29 inches).  So I think if I take 4 inches of free arch out of the springs, that should get me close.

I also measured the arch with the springs on the car and that came out at 5.5 inches.  So If I take 4 inches out, my guess is the springs will be almost flat on the car, which is where I understand they should be.

Jason
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Offline HP2

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Re: Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #8 on: March 17, 2015 - 04:23:04 PM »
Math seems right. What is your leaf count? Do you notice any single leaf in the pack that is thicker than the rest?

It is typical for a spring shop to re-arch and add a leaf. The re-arch adds the camber and the extra leaf locks it in to place. Someplaces bypass the re-arch and use a truck lift spring which has the heavy arch and is much thicker than the rest of the leaves. If they stuck that style of overload leaf in there, you might be able to remove it and get right where you want.

Offline jhaag

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Re: Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #9 on: March 17, 2015 - 06:46:48 PM »
brand new xhd springs = 7"
love 70 Challengers

Offline CUDA JAS

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Re: Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #10 on: March 17, 2015 - 07:44:25 PM »
Math seems right. What is your leaf count? Do you notice any single leaf in the pack that is thicker than the rest?

It is typical for a spring shop to re-arch and add a leaf. The re-arch adds the camber and the extra leaf locks it in to place. Someplaces bypass the re-arch and use a truck lift spring which has the heavy arch and is much thicker than the rest of the leaves. If they stuck that style of overload leaf in there, you might be able to remove it and get right where you want.


Looks like 5+ the little half leaf on both sides.

There is the main link plus on additional full leaf on both..is that correct? 





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Offline CUDA JAS

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Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #11 on: March 17, 2015 - 10:55:13 PM »
Hmm maybe this is the answer I am looking for...this is the invoice that I got when I purchased the car from a spring shop.




I looks like they reached the springs and added a full leaf on each side. 

I think I may go with HP2's suggestion and see if I can disassemble the springs and remove the extra leaf and see if that does what I want.

Of course my fear with that is that the springs will just be worn out. 

I guess I can always put it back together and then get them reached...

Jason
« Last Edit: March 17, 2015 - 10:57:07 PM by CUDA JAS »
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Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #12 on: March 18, 2015 - 08:40:29 AM »
I'm just wondering what's the cost of the de-arch  vs  getting new replacement springs... at least with the new you'd be a bit more assured of the outcome 
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Offline CUDA JAS

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Re: Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #13 on: March 18, 2015 - 09:11:27 AM »
I'm just wondering what's the cost of the de-arch  vs  getting new replacement springs... at least with the new you'd be a bit more assured of the outcome

60 bucks to de-arch the springs.  So really nothing to lose!

Jason
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Offline HP2

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Re: Free Arch of Factory Springs
« Reply #14 on: March 18, 2015 - 10:26:26 AM »
Wow, very unusual spring packs. Not all the leaves taper on the ends. Some are square cut and thick, some are tapered. Looking at those pictures, the second leaf under the main is one they added.  I can tell because it comes all the way up under and past the eye centerline. Factory springs did not do that. There are a few other odd replacement pieces in the pack as well. Maybe the other flat tipped ones were added to match the 2 units listed on the receipt. Factory leafs tapered in thickness towards the ends and had sliders between each leaf except for the bottom half leaf. You have an odd mix. The differences in ends, tips, and material thickness also means they will have an inconsistent rate

You could try removing the second leaf under the main and see what that does for you. Doesn't cost any money to try it.

When you stand on them, how much do they deflect? That is a quick rate assessment. Divide your weight by how much they deflect and you can approximate the rate. If you have an exceedingly high rate, you can give up some rate by removing a leaf and possible get a flatter installation as well. If you rate drops too much by removing the extra leaf, then you may want to get the whole thing de-arched.

Originally 318 cars have 4 leaves, so you've had it stepped up by going to 5 full plus the half leaf.

If their re-arch job was good, you may be able to dump the two added leaves and get were you want.
« Last Edit: March 18, 2015 - 02:39:46 PM by HP2 »