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#1
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Leaf spring question
Hi fellas, I have a question about the mounting of the leaf springs. I have seen two different styles. One style utilizes the u-bolts, two for each side, and one style utilizes four bolts to attach the retaining plate to the spring perch, four bolts on each side. What are the reasons for these differences?
Last edited by Hotrodjohn71; 11-02-2022 at 11:41 AM. |
#2
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The U bolts were used by the factory. With the U bolts you have a solid pipe that keeps the rear-end in position on the leafs. If you bolt directly from the mounting plate to the spring perch, you're relying on the welds at the spring perch. Considering how much the axle wants to move forward, backwards and side to side, it's not outside the realm of possibility that you could crack those welds.
If the car is nothing but a trailered show car with minimal driving at a leisurely pace, that's when I would personally think about bolting to the spring perch for aesthetic reasons. If the car is going to be used in any normal manner, or especially in a performance manner, I'd use U bolts.
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-Jason 1969 Pontiac Firebird |
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#3
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Thank you JLMounce,
How necessary are the stock leaf spring cushions? One is supposed to go on top and one under the spring pac. Mine does not seem to have them. |
#4
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For functionality, they are not necessary. In fact, there can be performance advantages of not using them and instead using solid spacers to take up and slack between the spring pack, perch and shock plate. It'll be harsh and noisy though.
If this is a street car, I'd recommend sourcing the upper and lower isolators.
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-Jason 1969 Pontiac Firebird |
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#5
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Thank you JLMounce, I hope you dont mind one more question.
With the exception of no u-bolts and lack of cushions on this setup, can you see any other possible problems with the way this is setup? This car is a stock 326 cruiser with a 2 bbl. It's a 1967, probably originally mono spring, but a 4-spring pac installed. |
#6
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I have found the answers to my questions. Thank you for time.
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