I'm looking to replace my rear spring. Currently on my '72 LT1 I have an F41 rated spring that's about 20 years old and seems to be sagging to one side. My question, looking or a good ride, should I go to a new compisite spring or back to the original metal leaf springs?   Any recomendations as to a compisite spring and where to pick one up?

Sitting sideways in Georgia
Steve

Depends on if you want to keep originality or not.    I moved up to a
composite spring several years ago, and won't go back to steel. The ride
is whole lot better, not to mention handling. Handling in the local
twisty mountian roads is fantastic for a C-3. Still not as good as our C-5,
but its way better than it was with the steel. All of the harshness is gone
out of the back. But remember is you want to keep your car original than
you are limited to steel.

Hope this helps

Save the Wave

If you don't mind me asking, what brand, and rating did you install? Where did you get it?

Thanks for your help!
Steve

Steve:  
I replaced the rear springs in my 72 76 & 79's  the 76 got a regular steel spring (I was kind of low on money at the time) but the others both got
Composite springs (330 pound) from Vette Brakles & Products...

Been at least 5 years since the last one was installed...and to be very honest I really can not tell that much difference ...  I will tell you however that I "favor" composite ... 

I learned the hard way ...BUT if you go the composite route also replace your shocks with the ones VBP recommends... Seriously the
shocks should be matched to the composoite spring...like I said I learned the hard way on my 72...only replaced the spring at first BUT
had to go back and also replace the shocks after many calls to VBP
they got me straightened out...so I listened to them when I changed over the 79....

Not a very hard job...I may add...

Bob G

I replaced my rear spring last year with a composite rated at 315 lbs in my 76. I like the ride it gives and it does seem to handle better. All though I don't push the vette anyway near its limits.

I replaced mine with a 340lb from Corvette Central PN: 583019, it comes with a set of matched gas shocks.  While I was in there I also replaced the differential yokes and rebuilt the rear differential.  Have to remove it to replace the spring anyways, I also replaced the rear spring mount kit (poly) which are adjustable for ride height. PN: 5822059.  All PN's are from Corvette Central, however, you can get the same from many other sources.  As far as ride quality, it did notice a very sutle difference.  Its a Corvette so when I get into the mountian twisting roads I do push it when I get a chance, I have noticed that the handling is much better, the first time I took it out, I tended to over steer it some till I got used to the back sticking, and   not trying to skip around on me, expecially when the road isn't perfectly smooth.  But remember, I have a 78, so that in itself may be some of the difference, I have no experience with the earlier years C-3's.  But I do agree with Bob above, you need to replace your shocks at the same time or you won't like what you get.  The rest of the work that was done at the same time was because I was in there and only wanted to go into it once.  But I would also recommend that you replace the rear spring mounts, they adjust your ride height.  Hope this helps. 

Bob

Steve,

Check out this guy.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=unknown& ;sbrftog=1&from=R10&satitle=corvette+composite+sprin g&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&fmmk=&fmm d=&fylo=&fyhi=&mppfqy=corvette+composite+spring& amp;sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=ZIP%2FPostal &ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1% 26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentryp age=search

Free shipping and a really good price. He drop ships from the manufacturer so it takes a few weeks as her orders them as he sells them.

I bought one from him for my 79 - excellent quality and comes with all new mounting hardware and the heatshield.

Highly recommended.

Luke

I ordered the 330# monospring from VB&P a couple years ago.  Drove for about a year before replacing the springs.  Went with KYB II's that have the same damping rate as the spring.  I'm happy, but not everyone likes the mono.  This is really something you have to either find some way to ride in a Vette that already has one or take the plunge and decide for yourself from there.

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

SOLD on composite.. Luke, I looked at e-bay.. dollar for dollar seems a pretty good deal. I have a new set of Bilstein's (sport) ready to install with the springs..    Thanks to all for your recomendations, I'll let you know how we fare!

I put a mono leaf in mine too. upgraded top Kok=ni shocks all for corners. Went with a 330# but it was a little bounce. Traded it in for a 360# .Much happier. I was looking for a sturdier ride.

Bought mine from Van Steel