67' 9 leaf spring with 2 misaligned springs

[Dave K.]

Putting chassis back together and just installed the 9 leaf rear spring. I bought the spring new, took the holding clips off the ends and painted the leafs the correct color and put back together without the clips reattached. I noticed when I attached the ends of the spring to the trailer arm that the 7th and 8th spring is sitting slightly back (quarter of an inch) from the other springs. Is this a concern? The spring is 2 1/4 wide and I am using the 9/16 bolts so there is no gap at the diff end cover. Will these springs align themselves when there is full weight on the car and I torque the 4 bolts?

[Jim S.]

Re: 67' 9 leaf spring with 2 misaligned springs

Putting chassis back together and just installed the 9 leaf rear spring. I bought the spring new, took the holding clips off the ends and painted the leafs the correct color and put back together without the clips reattached. I noticed when I attached the ends of the spring to the trailer arm that the 7th and 8th spring is sitting slightly back (quarter of an inch) from the other springs. Is this a concern? The spring is 2 1/4 wide and I am using the 9/16 bolts so there is no gap at the diff end cover. Will these springs align themselves when there is full weight on the car and I torque the 4 bolts?

Did you check that the 9/16" bolts are the correct length? The height of the replacement spring may be lower than the original and the forward bolts may be bottoming out. Also some suppliers bolts are too long and need to be shortened for the forward position holes.

[Dave K.]

Re: 67' 9 leaf spring with 2 misaligned springs

I'm using the 4" long bolts with a Muskegan heavy duty rear end cover. The bolts are not toured yet. I just snugged them up so the spring is flush with the rear end cover.

[Jim S.]

Re: 67' 9 leaf spring with 2 misaligned springs

I'm using the 4" long bolts with a Muskegan heavy duty rear end cover. The bolts are not toured yet. I just snugged them up so the spring is flush with the rear end cover.

Did you measure the depth of the front holes in the case to insure the bolts are not too long? It's possible the bolts feel snug but may be bottoming out in the case leaving the spring able to twist.

[Dave K.]

Re: 67' 9 leaf spring with 2 misaligned springs

Here are some pictures of the spring. The 7th and 8th leaf are pushed backward by .25 inches. All the leafs are in good alignment at the center of the spring. It is just the last outer 3rd where the leafs start to slide back.

image2-2.JPGimage1.JPG

[Donald O.]

Re: 67' 9 leaf spring with 2 misaligned springs

Is your center bolt installed?
Have you thought of rotating the misaligned leafs 180*?