Hi All

I'm contemplating replacing my rear leaf spring in my 1978. It rides low on the drivers side.

I've been given a list of things to checkto make sure it just not installed incorrectly etc and it looks like it has just worn out.

I was on Corvette America today looking for a replacement to get shipped down here and came across two units, both covering the 1978. Can any body help with which model is likely to be in my Vette. I find it hard to tell when my existing one is installed and flattened.

Two models shown below. The top one is 1963 to 1978. The bottom one is 1978-1979. I'm thinking the 1978-1979 will be the one, but I have nothing to base that judgement on.

I just replaced my spring on my 72 with the fiberglass spring from VBP. I will never put a steal spring back on, the drive is much better and the handling is great. It was a very easy install, and weight is about 30lbs lighter.

I used the KYB gas adjust shocks also with the spring. Count the layers in your spring and see which matches. I think it was 1980 when GM put the mono spring (fiberglass) as standard.

Give a look at vette brakes products. Good luck!!!

I'm going to bet you have a 7 leaf spring in the back as I did, but I agree with fp above.  Try the monospring...my guess is you won't be disappointed.

Remember though, as fp stated you will need to change your shocks to match the damping rate of the spring, otherwise the changeout isn't as good.

I used KYB II shocks, built specifically for use with the monospring.

Good luck and let us know what your final decision is.

the difference between the two is that the early 78 models had the 2-1/4" wide leaf spring, and the late 78 and later had a 2-1/2" wide leaf spring

measure the spring in your car and that will be the answer as to which you will need. the split is from july on of that year (not sure)

No matter the size, replace it with a fiberglass spring.  Trust me.  I haven't heard of one Corvette (mainly C3 or older) owner that has regretted it.  I didn't notice any handling difference, but the ride was sooooooo much better.

* Note that the fiberglass spring also recommends newer shocks too to gain maximum efficiency of the spring.

Good luck.

My wife, Colleen had a new 9 leaf spring put on her 78, Ian. that what was originally on it.  So if you are looking for original get the same as you have. so measure the width too. Her Vette rides so much better and smoother now.  We had to put 8 inch bolts on it to get the right height in back. My 76 has a fiber glass mono spring on it and it rides smoother and better on corners.  So go with it if you better handling.  It just depends on what you want being original with everything you can or want a  mover.

I would also suggest switching to a monospring if you don't mind straying from what was original.  I put a 360# spring in my '77 and the ride and handling greatly improved.  I'd go with a 330# if you would like a softer ride.

1981 was the first year for the fiberglass spring.[QUOTE=fp_vetter72]

I just replaced my spring on my 72 with the fiberglass spring from VBP. I will never put a steal spring back on, the drive is much better and the handling is great. It was a very easy install, and weight is about 30lbs lighter.

I used the KYB gas adjust shocks also with the spring. Count the layers in your spring and see which matches. I think it was 1980 when GM put the mono spring (fiberglass) as standard.

Give a look at vette brakes products. Good luck!!!

[/QUOTE]

Thanks for all the tips. I'm still undecided about straying from an original type part. I measured it though, the rubber layers in between had me scratching my head until I took a closer and realised what they were. I found mine to be a 7 leaf 2.25 inch spring.

Just two more things I'd like to ask cos I was told buy someone else that replacing the spring will fix my drivers side height problem, it is slightly lower on the left than on the right. The previous owner replaced all the shocks with Koni adjustible shocks. I asked him whether they had anything to do with the body height, he said no. Would this be correct? What part of the suspension controls the body height, in this case on the left?

 

The springs effect the ride height.  If you ever wanted to lower the front you can either get shorter coils (the 550# coils would lower the front about an inch) or cut stock coils.  For the rear you would adjust the spring bolts... trying to remember if tightening made it higher or lower though... been two years since I replaced my spring.  I'm thinking the lower the nut on the bolt the lower the car will be, based on the fact that I know they sell longer bolts for lowering the ride height.  Also, as far as keeping your car original or going with a composite spring, the good thing is there are no permanent modifications, so you could always easily go back. VTHokie77Vette38741.7458333333