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Topic: spring length

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


spring length

Posted: 4/15/04 7:24am Message 1 of 11
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 4/15/2004
Posts: 18
Vette(s): 71 350 4 speed coupe
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 |headscratch|


1971 350 4 speed |URL|http://members.rogers.com/kbl/index.htm |/URL|
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spring length

Posted: 4/15/04 12:54pm Message 2 of 11
Former Member
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Portland, TN - USA
Joined: 4/29/2003
Posts: 805
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.


spring length

Posted: 4/15/04 6:16pm Message 3 of 11
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 4/15/2004
Posts: 18
Vette(s): 71 350 4 speed coupe
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


1971 350 4 speed |URL|http://members.rogers.com/kbl/index.htm |/URL|

spring length

Posted: 4/15/04 6:17pm Message 4 of 11
Former Member
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Easton, PA - USA
Joined: 11/6/2003
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1973 Coupe 350 Auto.T-Tops L48,65450 miles.
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


spring length

Posted: 4/16/04 3:45pm Message 5 of 11
Former Member
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Easton, PA - USA
Joined: 11/6/2003
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1973 Coupe 350 Auto.T-Tops L48,65450 miles.
Hope this helps my spring is 10 leaves.
#6- 15x15
#7- 13x13
#8- 10 3/4x10 3/4
#9-8 1/2x8 1/2
#10 6 1/2x6 1/2
Dave |thumb|


spring length

Posted: 4/16/04 6:16pm Message 6 of 11
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 4/15/2004
Posts: 18
Vette(s): 71 350 4 speed coupe
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 ??


1971 350 4 speed |URL|http://members.rogers.com/kbl/index.htm |/URL|

spring length

Posted: 4/16/04 7:19pm Message 7 of 11
Former Member
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Easton, PA - USA
Joined: 11/6/2003
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1973 Coupe 350 Auto.T-Tops L48,65450 miles.
I'm sure someone added 1 extra leaf.All measurements are from the centerbolt hole out.My new spring I put in has 6 arched leaves and 3 flat leaves.
Dave


spring length

Posted: 4/17/04 8:37am Message 8 of 11
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 4/15/2004
Posts: 18
Vette(s): 71 350 4 speed coupe
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 ??


1971 350 4 speed |URL|http://members.rogers.com/kbl/index.htm |/URL|

spring length

Posted: 4/17/04 6:14pm Message 9 of 11
Former Member
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Easton, PA - USA
Joined: 11/6/2003
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1973 Coupe 350 Auto.T-Tops L48,65450 miles.
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


spring length

Posted: 4/26/04 8:17pm Message 10 of 11
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 4/15/2004
Posts: 18
Vette(s): 71 350 4 speed coupe
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 |rollysmile|


1971 350 4 speed |URL|http://members.rogers.com/kbl/index.htm |/URL|

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


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