Add a Leaf - DONE ! ! !

[Bullitt-]

Beautiful Challey, Glennster.

[Glennster]

bullitt99, Thanks for the compliment!!!!!!!!

JS29NOB, Just an FYI, I know you said it would make a nice winter project, but it's really a lot easier and quicker than I thought it would be. I'm sure you're like the rest of us, more projects than time............
This can be knocked out in 3 - 4 hours, if you need help, I'd be glad to pitch in........................ You do not remove the top leaf that is connected to the car with the shackles. Here's what I did.
Get the rear up kind of high on jack stands.
Remove rear wheels.
Remove Leaf spring retainers.
Unbolt all U Bolts, 8 nuts total.
Unbolt shocks on bottom only.
Remove center bolt, one side only.
Install new center bolt.
Put new leaf on with the old ones.
Put the nut on the center bolt to hold the leaf springs in place.
Install new U bolts.
C clamp leafs so you can install the new leaf retainers.
Do the other side and she's done...................
Why wait til winter, you're gonna LOVE IT! ! ! !

[duodec]

FYI - My tire sizes are as follows : Rear - P245/60R14,   Front - P215/70R14  That may be helpful to some people after I post a few pictures.

Coincidentally that's the sizes that came on my '71 when I bought it in 1980.  Its still sitting in the garage with the replacement P245/60B14 and P215/70B14 Belted T/As like your original ones.  Perhaps that was a common or popular replacement size for the OE tires back in the day.

[Scatterbrain]

I just started this project this weekend.  My car is sitting on jack stands with the driver's side leaf spring off and waiting to be put together.  I picked up an add-a-leaf set from Summit and am ready to install.  But I also want to replace the leaf spring bushings since the ones on the car are pretty cracked.  I don't think I can find them locally so I may have to order them from Rock Auto or something.  Either way the car is out of commission for the week.  Shame too, since we are having really nice weather here.

[Glennster]

I sell stuff to the guys that build RV's......................................  javascript:void(0);

I'll have PLENTY of time to help in December.

[JoltinJoe]

I agree, dropped the front a bit, looks SWEEEEEEET ! ! ! ! !

I may take the rear up another inch, I'm afraid that may be too much with 14'' tires...............For now, I'm just going to enjoy the improvements !

I under and see how the Add-A-Leaf allows for ditching the Air Shocks.  But as you stated, I still think a car needs to go up more in the rear.  Have you taken your rear up another inch since you added a leaf and dropped your front?

Also, how did you drop the front? 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I under and see how the Add-A-Leaf allows for ditching the Air Shocks.  But as you stated, I still think a car needs to go up more in the rear.  Have you taken your rear up another inch since you added a leaf and dropped your front?

Also, how did you drop the front? 

Not to answer for him, but..

  In raising the rear, your front will drop a bit. I went with aftermarket springs from Espo with a 2" over stock height.

http://www.espo.com/


Also, you can drop the front by adjusting the torsion bars.

[JoltinJoe]

Oh yeah; certainly the front will drop... Staples has an EASY button: I have a RETARD button.  Just a sec while I push it:
======-------------------------------BEEEEEeeeeeeeeEEEEEEPPPPPP-------------------------=================

Ok....

I did have my heart set on the ESPO+1's until I found this thread.  What is your application that made you choose 2 inches over stock?

[wally426ci]

Im gonna do this as well.. 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I had my heart set on the ESPO+1's until I found this thread.  What is your application that made you choose 2 inches over stock?

What size engine do you have? I have a 440, but I have seen others get the same results in heigth with a small block and 1" over.

[wally426ci]

Mike, are we talking Volkswagon engines in the rear here.. ?? 

[JoltinJoe]

MAN that is a beautiful car!  Now yours is sitting perfectly in my opinion.

I have a 360, so I believe the +1's would work for me.  Do you agree?