Hotchkis leaf springs with Dr Diff 1" spring relocation kit

[Beck]

I remember reading here that the Hotchkis leaf springs and Dr Diff 1" spring relocation kit have issues when used together.
If I recall the problem was that the flatter Hotchkis springs caused the offset shackles to hit the chassis rails.

Can anyone give me some more info on this? I've tried a quick search but can't find the relevant thread.

Also, if anyone who has installed the Hotchkis springs could take a photo of the shackle area with the car sitting on the ground (not jacked up etc) that would be most appreciated.

I'm planning on using both the Hotchkis springs and the relocation kit.
I've mocked up the offset shackles and Hotchkis springs on my car, and the shackles did scrape the very end of the rails and the adjoining cross member, but a quick grind seems to have sorted that out.
Seems like they should work together, but I thought I'd better double check on here.

Cheers!

[brads70]

   just curious?

[Beck]

From what I remember the problem was bad enough to stop them using the Hotchkis springs...

I've only done a very quick test with a leaf spring hanging from the shackles (my car is on the rotisserie), so I can swing them back and forth and see where they hit.
On my car the issue was sorted with a bit of grinding, but I wanted to double check to make sure I'm not missing something...

Hopefully it's just one of those car-to-car differences things, and I'm in the clear to use the springs with the offset hangers.

[brads70]

What are the dimensions for the segments? 22" front 35" rear, 57" overall? It's my understanding that's what "stock" is?

[brads70]

Reason I'm interested is I'm wanting to order composite leaf springs and they are  20 1/2" front, 33 3/8" rear 53 7/8 overall.... And I just ordered a Dana 60 B-body lenght with offset hangers and superstock front hangers and am wonder if it will all work?

[brads70]

Aaron, can you post up some pictures of this on your car?

[Road_Runner]

I remember the same thread and from what I remember the flat Hotchkis springs didn't work with the Dr. Diff hangers striking something else under the car when compressed going over bumps, etc.  Sorry, that's all I recall but it was one reason I decided not to go with Hotchkis on the back because I may be going the Dr Diff & B Body rear route later.  Hopefully, someone will chime in with the exact issue.

Later, Jim

[brads70]

If I recall the problem was that the flatter Hotchkis springs caused the offset shackles to hit the chassis rails.
Cheers!

I'm wondering if the problem could be solved my turning up some think spacers( maybe longer bolts too?) to space out the one side of the shackle so it doesn't hit the chassis ? 

[E-Body Products]

I know on cudas, the rear shackles can hit the rear valance because the spring is offset out of the bulged clearance area on the valance. Maybe a different issue though.

[kielbasa]

Here is my post from a few months ago...






I have 65~67 b-body rear with dr diff offset hangers in my AAR.....
I just went thru this exercise this past weekend with the Hotchkis springs.
the springs are close to flat (which is ideal for handling), making the bottom end of the shackles already pointing rearward and interfere with the valance panel. The valance has that clearance (just below the bumperettes), but only if the shackles aren't offset. Now that the shackle bottoms aren't centered any more in the clearance bump of the valance panel, you can't even install the valance. Also, if you bounce the rear bumper (i didn't have the shocks installed), the offset shackles bottomed and gouged right into the frame rail.
It also doesn't help the situation that the Hotchkis springs have a longer distance between the eyelets (by 1.5", unloaded, not installed). I should have taken pictures, but I was rushed to get my car off the hoist and i was mad. The springs seem way softer than stock.

[brads70]

Here is my post from a few months ago...






I have 65~67 b-body rear with dr diff offset hangers in my AAR.....
I just went thru this exercise this past weekend with the Hotchkis springs.
the springs are close to flat (which is ideal for handling), making the bottom end of the shackles already pointing rearward and interfere with the valance panel. The valance has that clearance (just below the bumperettes), but only if the shackles aren't offset. Now that the shackle bottoms aren't centered any more in the clearance bump of the valance panel, you can't even install the valance. Also, if you bounce the rear bumper (i didn't have the shocks installed), the offset shackles bottomed and gouged right into the frame rail.
It also doesn't help the situation that the Hotchkis springs have a longer distance between the eyelets (by 1.5", unloaded, not installed). I should have taken pictures, but I was rushed to get my car off the hoist and i was mad. The springs seem way softer than stock.

Here is the link...
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=80507.msg807623;topicseen#msg807623

Anyone have hotchkis springs that can measure them for me? ( not installed) looks like the rear segment is 1.5" longer than stock by the above post?

[ajantics]

Here is the link...
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=80507.msg807623;topicseen#msg807623

Anyone have hotchkis springs that can measure them for me? ( not installed) looks like the rear segment is 1.5" longer than stock by the above post?

I have a set in the garage, what measurement are you looking for Brad? Just eye let to eye let?

[brads70]

I have a set in the garage, what measurement are you looking for Brad? Just eye let to eye let?

Ya eye to eye and the front and rear segments ( pin to center of eye)
Thanks!

[ajantics]

I am sure I measured these wrong but let me know if you need anything else!

to me they look like full length center eye to eye is 55.5"

front eye to pin is aboot 22"

rear eye to pin is aboot 33.5"

the picturs in the link you can "zoom" in to see the tape better.

http://s784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/ajantics/E%20body%20Hotchkis%20leaf%20springs/

[brads70]

I am sure I measured these wrong but let me know if you need anything else!

to me they look like full length center eye to eye is 55.5"

front eye to pin is aboot 22"

rear eye to pin is aboot 33.5"

the picturs in the link you can "zoom" in to see the tape better.

http://s784.photobucket.com/albums/yy126/ajantics/E%20body%20Hotchkis%20leaf%20springs/

Thanks! I think to measure the segments you would lay the tape on the spring ( not including the arc) and measure from the pin to center of the bushing. . Looking at and old  direct connection book it say e-bodies are 22/35 " segments?