Topic: rear leaf spring
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Brand new spring bending upwards! Had a 10 leaf rear spring with zinc liners. i replaced it because the fourth leaf from the bottom broke off 3 inches from the end. I was going to rebuild it but could not find a leaf for a reasonable price. I bought a 9 leaf x 2 1/2 inches spring. Replaced all the end bolts and rubbers etc. Tightened the castle nut just far enough to put the cotter pin in. The bolts that hold on the spring were tightened after the weight of the car was on the spring. The springs arch is gone and now the ends are bending upwards. What do you think?
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It is a brand new spring directly from the manufacture! Rather not mention a name but they advertise it is made from the original GM blue prints.

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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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The rear spring should be almost flat when installed, and the weight on the car. It shouldn't normally bend upward at the ends at rest, unless the car is over loaded, or the springs are not correct(too soft).
Can you get a pic of it from the rear, so we can see the spring?
btw...Eaton is the ONLY GM licensed company that makes springs for Corvette, and they make them from the original specs, on the original equipment.
|UPDATED|6/19/2015 9:46:51 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Can you get a pic of it from the rear, so we can see the spring?
btw...Eaton is the ONLY GM licensed company that makes springs for Corvette, and they make them from the original specs, on the original equipment.
|UPDATED|6/19/2015 9:46:51 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Joel Adams
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I know about eaton that's why I can't understand why the spring isn't right. Unless the shipped wrong spring or made it from the wrong print.
Hope the pic loaded
Spring Pic
(modified large image to link-aapple)
|UPDATED|6/19/2015 2:44:09 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Spring Pic
(modified large image to link-aapple)
|UPDATED|6/19/2015 2:44:09 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 916
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.
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I know from experience that longer bolts will make the car set lower and cause the spring arch to be flatter.
1973 L-82 4 spd
Appreciate the response. I used factory correct length bolts. I have a set of the longer bolts in case the car sat to high so I could lower it.

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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20218
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
I see a heat shield on there....is this an automatic trans car? If so, then it SHOULD have a fiberglass spring on it to begin with....
The pic is at a weird angle, but it looks like it is close to "correct", as far as arch. How much fuel is in the tank, and is there a load of stuff in the back of the car?
The pic is at a weird angle, but it looks like it is close to "correct", as far as arch. How much fuel is in the tank, and is there a load of stuff in the back of the car?
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Yeah that don't look right at all.
What is the height from the center of the wheel arch to the ground?
I'll take a look under mine today and see how flat the spring is. Although I do have a 7 leaf HD Eaton spring in mine it might sit a little different.
I would talk with the manufacture, even send them a pic and see if they can rectify the problem.
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in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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