Leaf Springs - Your experience with replacement units.

I’m starting to shop around for replacement leaf springs for my '71 sedan. I have seen some old posting about purchasing upgraded four leaf springs from J.C. Whitney and General Spring. It appears that J.C. does not sell them anymore. General Spring rates their units at 807 pounds. I’m a little concerned that this spring is a little too stiff. The original specs for a ’71 are:

Sedan:
Standard three leaf 579 lb load rate.
Heavy duty three leaf 595 lb load rate. (wow 16 lbs!)

Four door:
Standard three leaf 660 lb load rate.
Heavy duty three leaf 708 load rate.

The originals are way too soft. I’m looking for a stiffer ride but don’t want it to feel like a one ton truck. I will be stiffening up the front and going to a V8. Also, I’m really looking to lower the stance of the car and not raise it. Anyone with experience with these springs or others, please chime in and give me your thoughts on them.

http://www.generalspringkc.com/product_p/42-695.htm

Thanks,
Micah

 

I don't have any real first hand experience to share.

However, I have been in contact with Eaton Spring http://eatonsprings.com. I didn't discuss any specific spring rate with them. But, they do make a three leaf replacement spring for our cars. They will also make it so it has a two inch drop to it for anyone that wants to lower their car without having to use blocks. I was quoted $519 for the 2 inch drop springs made to order.

 

I bought mine from Springs and Things, very well built, and a prefect fit.
http://www.springsnthings.com/

And half the price of Eaton, and I was going to drive to Eaton and pick them up...

 

I bought mine from Laurel Mountain Mustang. I am very satisfied with them. The price was about $125 for the pair.

 

springs

I bought mine from laurel mountain mustang 169.00 plus shipping Came to my door for right around 200.00. They matched up to each other well, installed perfectly and the ride height is good. They seem to handle weight like extra passengers well. I am a little concerned with spring wrap up when abusing the car at the track and will require either traction bars or modifications for that. In the tech section one of the guys found 1/2 van springs can be used to modify spring height and rate. This is the aproach Im going to take....I think changing the first leaf under the main leaf should correct my issues at least for what Im doing. That is modified V8/built C4 3.5 posi mostly street some track. Good Luck

 

you are right. I dug out my invoice. They were $169, and $203 total with shipping. I have slapper bars on my car.

 

I have the General's, they are to stiff for my taste. If I'd known what I know now I wud have removed the bottom leaf b4 they were installed on the car. I have heard others who have them do not share my opinion. My car is a driver, and for the street they are stiff. If u are using the car mostly for a smooth race track - then that's another story..

 

I have never heard thid term before. What are they?

 

That is pricey. I had not heard of them before. I just sent them an email. Let em see what they have to say.

Thanks,
Micah

 

The original spring is 42 years old...how can you remember how soft they were?
I replaced my leaf springs a couple months ago with 4-leaf springs from Laurel Mountain Mustang. The old spring, that was originally 488 lbs, had more arch than the new spring when laying on the shop floor. The old spring would smash flat with 200 lbs. I couldn't move the new spring if I jumped up and down on it. I was going for more of the original factory look and I came close...I think.

 

I just went to their site. No specs at all. Did anything come with the springs? I wonder if they are all from the same supplier.

I'm planning on a similar setup: Fi 302, AOD and 3.5 posi. Shooting for 350+FWHP and concerned with the springs not taking the abuse.

 

I got the J.C. Whitney 4-leaf Springs back in 2003 for $120. I never paid any attention to the load rating (if it was even listed at all), but they were just too dang stiff. I removed a leaf this past summer, but haven't driven the car yet to find out how much softer it is, but I'm sure it will be noticeable.

I think as long as you are going with 3-leaf, they shouldn't ride too stiff.

 

Explain FWHP, I'm confused

 

Fly wheel horse power.