Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End

Author Topic: Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End  (Read 6341 times)

Offline 1970ChallySE

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Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End
« on: January 15, 2010 - 03:29:31 PM »
I'm new on here, so please bear with me.

I have a 1970 Challenger SE with a 318.  I am in the process of restoring it.  I want to change out the 318, and go to either a 340 or a 383.  This question involves the leaf springs.  My car has the small rear end that was used with the slant-six and the 318.  I am going to change it out to a 8 3/4 unit.  Can I use these leaf springs with the 8 3/4, or were there a different set that were used with the 8 3/4?

By the way, if anyone has a 340 in good shape for sale, I may be interested.

I would REALLY APPRECIATE anyone's help with my question.  Thanks!
« Last Edit: January 15, 2010 - 03:36:14 PM by 1970ChallySE »




Offline 72bluNblu

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Re: Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2010 - 03:47:54 PM »
You can use the same leaf springs with the 8 3/4. They're the same as the springs used on the 318 powered cars with an 8 3/4. You may want to go to a stiffer rate though, especially if you go with the 383. And if you're restoring the car, it wouldn't be a bad idea to replace the original 40 year old springs while you're at it.

Offline 1970ChallySE

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Re: Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End
« Reply #2 on: January 15, 2010 - 03:53:43 PM »
I appreciate your help, 72bluNblu.  If I go ahead and replace them with new ones, can you recommend a source that would have them?

Offline 72bluNblu

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Re: Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End
« Reply #3 on: January 15, 2010 - 04:19:14 PM »
They're available from quite a few places, depending on what you're looking for. Summit racing sells both the XHD and Super Stock springs made by Mopar Performance, as does Mancini Racing and Jegs. Firm Feel also sells leaf springs, as does Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss' springs also provide a corrected geometry for better handling, but they cost almost twice as much. I believe Summit also sells generic leaf springs in addition to the Mopar Performance pieces. ESPO is another place that makes springs for the e-bodies, they have quite a few options as far as ride height (+1,+2, 0, -1 etc), but they are also a little pricier than Mopar.

I will say that the XHD springs from mopar ride well, but if you're looking for that muscle car stance with a decent rake you won't be very happy with them, as they sag quite a bit after they're broken in. This does not effect ride quality at all, but you will keep the factory stance with a pretty low ride height in the back.

If you're looking at keeping the stock stance, and don't need the springs immediately, I have a set of XHD's on my car now that will be replaced with super stocks in the near future that I'd be willing to sell. I'd guess they have no more than 7000 miles on them, as I installed them last year. I'm replacing them with super stocks as part of a rear end change and 1" spring relocation to fit some bigger tires in the car, not because I'm unhappy with them. They're on the car in my signature picture, but keep in mind the front of my car is lowered by at least an inch, if not more, from stock.

Offline MEK-Dangerfield

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Re: Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End
« Reply #4 on: January 15, 2010 - 04:53:46 PM »
I got my leaf springs from Espo. You can get them in stock height, or lower or higher than stock height...I went higher.  :grinyes:
They have the shackles and other hardware, but I just want to note that you will need other shock mounts plates if you are going to an 8 3/4" axle. The U-Bolts for an 8 3/4" wont fit a smaller shock mount plate.

http://www.springsnthings.com/

Mike

1970 Challenger - SOLD
2016 SXT+.  1 of 524 SXT+'s in Plumb-crazy for 2016.

Offline brads70

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Re: Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End
« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2010 - 07:54:29 PM »
 :iagree: I just replaced my 7 1/4 with a 8 3/4 . You do need shock/spring plates as Mike said. I replaced my driveshaft too. Also as Mike said Espo is a great source, that where I got mine from.
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline Glennster

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Re: Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End
« Reply #6 on: January 17, 2010 - 07:41:12 AM »
  I too just removed my 7 1/4 rear and put an 8 3/4 in there. I did not replace the leaf springs, I did the '' ADD A LEAF ''. I'm not saying this is the right way or a better way, just another way to get decent results. I'm sure new leaf springs are a better way to go, it's more work and more money.
  Here's the nice part when it comes to add a leaf, you do not have to unbolt the entire leaf spring system. You leave the top leaf on and add one leaf that goes between the top leaf and the one just under it.
  I picked up about 1 1/4'' in height and the the ride was much better.

  After replacing my 318 with a 340, I don't know how you guys get big blocks in these cars. Working on the small blocks is not too bad, the BB's must be difficult, my hats off to you BB guys!

1970 ChallySE,
 Call Craig, he might have a 340 or two.... 419-989-5027.....Tell'm Glenn sent ya....

Offline 1970ChallySE

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Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End
« Reply #7 on: January 26, 2010 - 02:34:53 PM »
Glenn,

Thanks for the information.  Speaking of an 8 3/4 Rear End, I need one of those too.  Can you provide any leads?

Also, do you or anyone else know if an 8 3/4 from a B-Body can be used in an E-Body, or are there 8 3/4's specifically for the E-Bodies???

I appreciate your help!

By the way, your Challenger looks sweet!!!  When mine is completed it will look exactly like it with the exception of the color.  Mine will be Burnt Orange (the original color from the factory).
« Last Edit: January 26, 2010 - 02:37:47 PM by 1970ChallySE »

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End
« Reply #8 on: January 26, 2010 - 02:53:19 PM »
Try Cass @ Doctor diff in Poulson MT for a complete unit , the B body diff is a different width also different 64-70 & 71 up but with the spring seats & springs moved inwards the B body diff can be used , you may have to be creative with wheel offsets & widths using the B body diff though

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline burdar

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Re: Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End
« Reply #9 on: January 26, 2010 - 03:31:54 PM »
Here's a link to a tech page on the 8 3/4 rear.  Just thought it might help you if you are at a swap meet looking for an E-body rear. 

http://www.moparts.org/Tech/Archive/axle/16.html

Offline ShelbyDogg

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Re: Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End
« Reply #10 on: January 26, 2010 - 03:46:43 PM »
Speaking of an 8 3/4 Rear End, I need one of those too.

I have an e-body one if you 're close to St. Louis. I'll be at the Columbia, MO Mopar swap meet in 2 weeks. Where are you? Housing and axles $100.
Rob

3 E-bodies, Megasquirt-1v3.0, Edelbrock Pro-Flo-1, Holley C950, FAST EZ-EFI; say no to carbs...yes to throttle bodies

My Pace Car restoration thread:
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=44869.0


Offline 1970ChallySE

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Re: Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End
« Reply #11 on: January 26, 2010 - 04:39:47 PM »
Rob,

I am not very far from St. Louis.  I am in Mississippi.

When is the event?  I would be interested.

Offline ShelbyDogg

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Re: Leaf Springs for 8 3/4 Rear End
« Reply #12 on: January 26, 2010 - 06:50:15 PM »
The Mopar Swap meet is in Columbia, MO. on Feb 06, 2010. It is about 1/2 way between St. Louis and Kansas City.   I usually go to buy so if you will be there, let me know in advance.
Here is the Craigslist Posting:

MOPAR ONLY INDOOR SWAP - $5 (COLUMBIA MO)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 2010-01-26, 2:33PM CST
Reply to: sale-czumz-1571707639@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOPAR DODGE PLYMOUTH CHRYSLER JEEP: CARS, TRUCKS, AND PARTS NEW AND USED , ALL INDOOR, BOONE COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS COLUMBIA MO, SATURDAY FEB 6TH, ADMISSION FOR SPECTATORS IS $5.00 BREAKFAST AND LUNCH SOLD AT EVENT CALL FOR DETAILS 573-644-3272 SEE YOU THERE!!!!!! KEY WORDS: 225 273 318 340 360 383 400 413 426 440 HEMI CUDA CHALLENGER VALIANT DUSTER BELVEDERE SCAMP DART DEMON ROAD RUNNER GTX SATELITE SAVOY
•Location: COLUMBIA MO
•it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 1571707639



Rob
« Last Edit: January 26, 2010 - 06:55:03 PM by ShelbyDogg »
Rob

3 E-bodies, Megasquirt-1v3.0, Edelbrock Pro-Flo-1, Holley C950, FAST EZ-EFI; say no to carbs...yes to throttle bodies

My Pace Car restoration thread:
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=44869.0