Replacement Leaf Spring Bands--Should They be Removed??

[Paul C.]

The replacement rear leaf springs have a one band on each end that is not present on the original. Should those be removed? I read one post that said these prevent damage when the springs rebound and that the original would have been better if they had them. I can remove them to prevent judging points deduction but the question is: will the spring function and last longer if left on? Thank you for your help.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Replacement Leaf Spring Bands--Should They be Removed??

Paul,

Just remove them. They are essentially only present for shipping purposes to keep the leaves from rotating/spreading.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: Replacement Leaf Spring Bands--Should They be Removed??

The replacement rear leaf springs have a one band on each end that is not present on the original. Should those be removed? I read one post that said these prevent damage when the springs rebound and that the original would have been better if they had them. I can remove them to prevent judging points deduction but the question is: will the spring function and last longer if left on? Thank you for your help.

Paul------


Does the replacement spring have plastic spring liners with raised edges that align the leaves or are the liners completely flat?

[Paul C.]

Re: Replacement Leaf Spring Bands--Should They be Removed??

They are completely flat.

[Gary B.]

Re: Replacement Leaf Spring Bands--Should They be Removed??

Paul,

If the liners don''t have the H profile, they are not correct from the judging perspective. Proper liners with the raised edges are available from Quanta Products, I think. And from Eaton Detroit Spring.

Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: Replacement Leaf Spring Bands--Should They be Removed??

They are completely flat.

Paul------


In the case of flat spring liners, you may need the end bands to ensure the leaves stay aligned. It is true that the spring clamp bolts (i.e. from center plate to differential cover) serve to maintain leaf alignment. However, they will still allow slight misalignment if flat spring liners are used.

[Paul C.]

Re: Replacement Leaf Spring Bands--Should They be Removed??

Thank you. Would someone please post a picture of an original 1971 or close year of the correct spring with the correct liner. Thank you.

[Lawrence M.]

Re: Replacement Leaf Spring Bands--Should They be Removed??

Thank you. Would someone please post a picture of an original 1971 or close year of the correct spring with the correct liner. Thank you.

Hi Paul,
Attached is a photo of an original 1969 spring restored with NOS GM liners.

[Paul C.]

Re: Replacement Leaf Spring Bands--Should They be Removed??

Lawrence--THANK YOU for taking the time to post the pictures. It is greatly appreciated. Paul

[Joe L.]

Re: Replacement Leaf Spring Bands--Should They be Removed??

Lawrence--THANK YOU for taking the time to post the pictures. It is greatly appreciated. Paul

Paul------


The 9 leaf spring was essentially unchanged from 1964 through 1974. So, your 1971 spring should appear identical to the 1969 spring pictured.