[kingbuzzo]

I have come across some used leafs from an 80 TA for cheap and my girl is losing her inevitable battle with gravity.

Would they fit my 74 TA or not worth my while and should I replace with new?

Thanks!

[Scarebird]

new.

[78w72]

Yes they will fit, if they are in good shape and not sagging they would be a budget option to fix yours.

But new would be best, avoid the universal 5 leaf or cheap no name and go with a well known company... PTFB has very nice rear leafs with a mils 1-1.5" drop from factory.

[kingbuzzo]

Outside of my budget this year, especially with the exchange/tarrif bs.

Maybe I'll try these out just to she how she hangs to buy some time.

Thanks!

[78w72]

Originally Posted by kingbuzzo

Outside of my budget this year, especially with the exchange/tarrif bs.

Maybe I'll try these out just to she how she hangs to buy some time.

Thanks!

Would be good if they are still installed on the car to see how the rear sits. If they arent sagging & priced cheap it would be a low priced fix or band aid until you can afford new.

But unless you plan to do some racing or want to improve the suspension over stock, original springs in good shape will last a long time.

[kingbuzzo]

His car sat way better than mines...he did a lowering spring kit recently

Yes, that is my ultimate plan - suspension upgrade

Baby steps.

[kingbuzzo]

I found a "new" set that have been sitting for a long time for cheap.

Would they need to be re-arched? If so, any idea ballpark cost for that and would they need to be on the car?

Thanks

[694.1]

Always been quite surprised how poorly the First Gen springs held up Very common for them be be broken & sagging at the 10 year mark.
Crappy steel? Crappy vendor? My F 150 springs are 25 years old and super. No excuse...

[kingbuzzo]

They were somewhat squatted compared to the Camaro. Maybe they launched better lol

[TimsTA]

Re-Arch…

[694.1]

Re arching is not worth the R&R. They were crap to start with & would remain so after arching. Ask me how I know

[Skidmark]

Originally Posted by kingbuzzo

Outside of my budget this year, especially with the exchange/tarrif bs.

Maybe I'll try these out just to she how she hangs to buy some time.

Thanks!

That is exactly what i would do.

[kingbuzzo]

I bit the bullet on these barely used aftermarket ones for my honeycomb upgrade.

I guess ill put them on and see how she sits and then golden arches if necessary.

[Steve Barcak]

My 78 had a droopy butt too. I went the simpler way and installed helpers/boosters about 4 years ago. they install super easy. There is no disassembly involved and are hardly visible. One day when I restore the car, will likely change springs but, while it is a driver ( and have driven all over the USA), these simple helpers work great. No noticeable difference in ride quality as well. If you would like a better pic of them if you are not familiar, let me know. am very happy with the way the car sits, handles, etc. cheap and easy fix. this pic from Friday. Even looking up at the car a bit, you cannot see them.

[kingbuzzo]

Like shackles you mean?

[78w72]

Originally Posted by kingbuzzo

Like shackles you mean?

The helper/leveler springs are not shackles, they are short pieces of leafs that attach to the existing leafs & add support. They are more popular for trucks/suvs to help carry heavier loads but will work to help raise/level car leafs too.

A friend of mine used them on a later 90's S10 blazer when he was moving out of state and had it fully loaded with heavy tool boxes & other stuff then trailered his race car behind it, it was drooping bad even with the helper springs but without them no way he would have made it.

https://www.jegs.com/i/Hellwig/207/5...qKLbI2OLg8Ku6M

[kingbuzzo]

Ohhhh...I think I have seen those before but didn't realize it was an option

Thanks for the clarification

[78w72]

They make universal ones or possible car/year specific for these older cars. Nice oprion to have but personally I would prefer good used springs like the ones you mentioned or just buy new & put the cost of helper springs towards new OEM or PTFB type.

[kingbuzzo]

The ones I just found have very few miles on them and aftermarket - not sure brand.

They were fire red so I just painted them.

Got the new tires so now I just need to finish the honeycomb restoration.

Things are coming together!

🤞

[PAUL K]

JC Whitney and others used to sell a small coil spring that would clamp to the axle tube and push up against the frame. Lots of shocks made with a coiled spring that helped raise the rear body.... Over the years it's changed significantly as to what was the "cool" stance. Air shocks are another option.... The first time changing the rear springs can be a bit of a challenge. Once the rusted bolts and stuck bushings are taken out of the equation it's a pretty quick job.