C2 Spring Disassembly

[Michael S.]

Just received my new Eaton rear spring. I want to disassemble it to paint. The bands on each side- do I apply pressure with a clamp and bend the tabs with pliers to unwrap ? or is there another way ? Is it tough to reassemble with these bands. BTW I see the center bolt, that one is obvious I hope.

Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Spring Disassembly

Mike-----

The end bands were never used on original 63-77 Corvette leaf springs. So, if you want correct configuration, you need to remove the bands and leave them off. You can remove them by bending them as you indicated PRIOR to removing the center bolt. If you're not going to re-install them, then you don't need to be careful about removing them.

[Michael S.]

Re: C2 Spring Disassembly

Thanks you. Can I assume then that they serve no useful/structural purpose ?

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Spring Disassembly

Mike----

They may serve a useful purpose. However, apparently GM engineers did not consider that they were necessary for the application or they would have included them in the original design. I assume that GM engineers felt that the "H"-profile spring liners and mounting bolt configuration would keep the spring leaves aligned properly. They were right, too; my 69 spring never evidenced any leaf misalignment.

However, if non-original, "flat" spring liners are used, as is the case with many aftermarket SERVICE springs, then the spring end bands ARE necessary. Actually, I think that this is why the bands are used on many 63+ Corvette aftermarket SERVICE springs; the original style liners are RARELY found on such springs. However, the last Eaton spring that I received did have the original type liners and, I assume, that yours does too.