Re-arching leaf-springs

[Rob M.]

Is it possible to re-arch a (C3 '69) leaf spring and how would this process been done. Mine is not stiff enough anymore and the car stands therefore to low on its rear wheels. I'm looking for a Ducth company to do this but I would like to understand the process better before selecting the company to do the job.

greetings,
Rob.

[Dave Suesz]

Re: Re-arching leaf-springs

It is possible to do this, but you cannot simply have the spring bent to a new arch, it will not last. You need to find a spring outfit which understands they need to anneal the spring, re-arch it, and then heat treat it.

[Terry M.]

Re: Re-arching leaf-springs

Rob,
Before you get to the spring try replacing the rubber bushings that are in the picture. That may correct your ride height issues, and is a lot easier than re-arching. You can always re-arch later if the bushings don't correct the issue, and it looks like the bushings need replacing anyway.

[Wayne K.]

Re: Re-arching leaf-springs

Rob,

Terry and Dave have given you good advice but from what I see in the photo changing the cushions is not going to make up for all those washers someone put in there to bring the height up. Check to see if the bolts used are the correct length and even if they are I'd still get new bolts and cushions before putting all those washers back in there. Shorter bolts of the correct grade would make more sense. If the spring is still the problem with that much sag I'd consider a new spring before re-arching that old one.

Wayne

[Wayne K.]

Rob, I might add that from......

the picture you posted the other day unless it is the positioning of the car if anything it looks like your ride height is on the high side. Find out the proper ride height for your car and see where your at and go from there.

Wayne

[Rob M.]

Re: Rob, I might add that from......

Wayne,

that picture showed the car still having the shims (rings and piece of iron) attached as showed in the picture above. Without the shims it is definitely to low...

greetings,
Rob.

[Terry M.]

Re: Re-arching leaf-springs

Good catch Wayne. I had my screen size too small to see the bottom of that photo, and missed all those washers and that piece of iron. You are right -- unless that bolt is too long, rubber bushings will not make up for all that.

[Mark #28455]

at resting ride height is the spring flat?

A normal spring at resting ride height is pretty much flat across, if the arch is bad, the spring will flex upwards at either end.
Mark

[Kent K.]

Re: Re-arching leaf-springs

Rob ---
On my '67, we rebuilt the spring with new liners and new bushings while reusing the original bolts. The car sits higher, more closer to factory ride height. If that does not work for you, Eaton spring has some replacements that are very close to original configuration.
Kent #6201

[Joe R.]

Re: Re-arching leaf-springs

Hi Rob:

I want to reinforce what Mark said about the loaded arch of the spring. With the car resting on the tires the spring should be fairly flat with maybe a slight downward curve. If your spring looks like that the problem is with the bolts and/or cushions. If your spring is arched upward under load, then indeed it needs to be re-arched or replaced.