i have been noticing that the left rear end sits lower than the right. i pulled out a tape yesterday and it was 1" lower. could this be due to a bad leaf spring? they are still the originals as far as i know. if this is the problem then is there a better place (and price) to buy a set other than autokrafters? they have them priced at 269.95 per set.
Jason, I have the same problem...1-1.5" lower on driver side. PM or post thread if new springs fix the lean.
Think about it.....Nearly all circle track racecars go in a left hand circle,look at the rotation of your engine.......
A oval track racer will look at the geometrics of the wheels on a track...when the car goes into a turn,lets say this turn is banked at 35 degrees.....looking at centrifugal force(which will take over at high speeds),tremendous down force is on the right side tire .They will try to equal this pessure(distribute the load) by running a taller tire(usually mismatched as to the left).Now that you have somewhat of an idea of what takes place let's open the hood.....the rotation of the motor has a huge amount of centrifugal force,ever notice how the motor will raise on the left side under acceleration.Under hard accelerations I've broken several motor mounts....thanks for the solid mounts this force is more under control. Now to the rear springs.....There is a huge amount of centrifugal force present at the wheels ,by the rotation of the differential down the axles and to the wheels.While this force is present the leaf springs are trying to wrap around the axles.With no preventive measures I think,and will quote,"Over time your springs are going to get weaker and weaker"The TRACTION BARS not only look cool but they prevent this spring wind-up.With all of these force under control and with the proper tire compound,track temperature .you'll have a good hook and you'll catch some air..Here is an experiment you can try : You need a swivel bar stool (I would prefer one without casters..No one needs to get hurt)and a bicycle wheel.Sit on the stool holding the wheel with both hands on the axle. Hold your arms away from your body and spin the wheel...You will be amazed at what happens. Now spin the wheel the other way.......That is "Centrifugal Force" in action. I hope this has somewhat given you a better idea of what take place. Hotrod-Daddy
To add to this, ever notice an open rear almost always loses traction on the right rear tire? This is because the pinion tries to climb the ring gear in turn taking weight off the right rear tire causing it to lose bite while the left side increases bite. This also tend to make the body twist (by engine/ trans mounting) as an oppisite reaction to the direction of force put to the rear end.
Originally Posted by hotrod-daddy Think about it.....Nearly all circle track racecars go in a left hand circle,look at the rotation of your engine....... and this relates to "rear spring question" how? ...frank...
I think what he is getting at is that one spring is getting just the weight of the car all the time, the other spring gets the weight of the car plus a constant extra "weight" of the downward force exerted from the rotational centrifugal force of the spinning engine and drive train. IE, when you are moving, weight is being taken off the passenger side spring (allowing less tractions, and easier breaking loose on that side) by the engine, tranny, and driveshaft twisting and putting that weight onto the driver side spring. This will cause the driver side to lean after years and extra weight and pressure. Is that it, in a nutshell?
