Topic: spring length
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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I am restoring the 9 leaf spring on my 71 vette.
The lower 6 leafs appear correct but one of the flat leafs 7,8 or 9 is missing (suspect 9).
Could someone please provide the length of these springs ?
I have a piece of 2.25 inch spring that I can cut and drill to the correct length to maintain ride height.
Thanks
The lower 6 leafs appear correct but one of the flat leafs 7,8 or 9 is missing (suspect 9).
Could someone please provide the length of these springs ?
I have a piece of 2.25 inch spring that I can cut and drill to the correct length to maintain ride height.
Thanks

1971 350 4 speed
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Portland, TN - USA
Joined: 4/29/2003
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Vette(s): 1972 Coupe
Anything, but Stock and more mods to come!
SSBC Force 10 Brakes, 3.73, TH350, 355 CID, Rack and Pinion, Vette Brakes suspension front and rear.
I don't think I would do that. Leaf springs are designed wth a certain arch and are a certain thickness that provides a given amount of sprung pressure. Just taking any old leaf and cutting it is a gamble. Not to mention anytime you cut metal you change its metalurgic properties. Cutting the spring can weaken it.

Thanks After Shark,
It is actually one of the leaves that was already in the 9 leaf bundle. If it is leaf 9 missing, as I suspect, it should be of little spring rate value since it is so flat, short and sits right under the differential. With the lengths in hand, I will at least know exactly which one is missing. If I can not find one or get one made then I may need to order a replacement.....Mark
It is actually one of the leaves that was already in the 9 leaf bundle. If it is leaf 9 missing, as I suspect, it should be of little spring rate value since it is so flat, short and sits right under the differential. With the lengths in hand, I will at least know exactly which one is missing. If I can not find one or get one made then I may need to order a replacement.....Mark
1971 350 4 speed
|URL|http://members.rogers.com/kbl/index.htm |/URL|
You should have a 6/3 spring,that is 6 arched leaves and 3 flat that act like a helper spring.I have an old spring out of my 73 out my garage.I'll go measure the 3 bottom leaves and get back to you tomorrow around 5 PM.If you cut them use a shear or a cut off saw.
Dave
Dave
Thanks Dave...I have never heard of a 10 leaf spring for a corvette (only 7 and 9). How many curved leaves and how many flat ??
You indicated two measurements for each spring. Is this either side of the drilled hole ?
ie: #10 is 6.5 x 6.5 for a total of 13 inches ??
You indicated two measurements for each spring. Is this either side of the drilled hole ?
ie: #10 is 6.5 x 6.5 for a total of 13 inches ??
1971 350 4 speed
|URL|http://members.rogers.com/kbl/index.htm |/URL|
Thanks again Dave.....I measured the flat springs that I have and they are 15 and 19 inches. This seems to match the average 4 inch difference in the measurements you provided. However the lengths are not the same.
I guess that would mean that the spring I am missing is either approximately 11 inches or 23 inches. Were the lengths you provided from the flat leafs of a 6/3 or a 9 leaf curved spring ? Does this match your new 6/3 ??
I guess that would mean that the spring I am missing is either approximately 11 inches or 23 inches. Were the lengths you provided from the flat leafs of a 6/3 or a 9 leaf curved spring ? Does this match your new 6/3 ??
1971 350 4 speed
|URL|http://members.rogers.com/kbl/index.htm |/URL|
They were the measurements from my old 9 leaf spring.I did'nt measure my new one.Check out Corvette Central they have new springs for $139.00 with mount kits thats cheap. The spring shop where I worked for 16 yrs. was going to charge me $210.00 just for a spring.
Dave
Dave
In case someone archives this info or was following the thread, I found a used 6/3 spring. The smallest leaf (number 9) is 11 inches. Will pick the best leafs from the two bundles, clean, paint and install the new liners I already have. Can hardly wait to get her back on the road 

1971 350 4 speed
|URL|http://members.rogers.com/kbl/index.htm |/URL|
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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