Rear leaf problem / question?
This is a 72 LT-1 9 leaf rear. On re assembly it became evident there is a crack on the bottom leaf. What should i do? Can i just replace the bottom leaf? For judging purposes what years will work?
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Re: Rear leaf problem / question?
Robert,
Eaton Detroit Spring should sell you just a main leaf. They've done that for others, but at times they've said they won't. With shipping, it won't be cheap. Also, I've measured the Eaton Detroit main leaf to be 0.237" thick, which is slightly thicker than the GM original of 0.214", but that's not a big deal, and not easily detectable by eye.
The exact same 9-leaf spring was used from 1964-1974, and there are used springs out there if you want to buy a used GM original. Personally, I wouldn't bother going that route. The Eaton Detroit main leaf will work fine.
Gary -
Re: Rear leaf problem / question?
Gary,
thank you. Would you or anyone else know how a non OE bottom leaf would affect shore in judging?Comment
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Re: Rear leaf problem / question?
Robert,
I recently purchased a main leaf for my '64 from Eaton. They will sell it to you. As Gary stated, they at times say that they don't sell individual leafs any more. I was persistent and finally spoke to a person that apparently has a lot of authority in the operation. He said that he was the guy that actually wrote the work orders for the shop workers and had no problem in making and selling a single leaf. But he said that I had to wait a bit until they finished their current work load, about 2 weeks. It was not cheap, about $180 if I recall, including shipping. As for how do they judge, haven't had mine judged yet but the cut angle is perfect and unless you get a caliper it is impossible to eyeball the difference in the thickness. What might give you away are the non original retainer cups for the bushings - they are available - but not cheap - Gary might be able to help you find a set. You will also need a new set of liners - Quanta's are nice - the right shape and length. Good luck.EdComment
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Re: Rear leaf problem / question?
Ed,
thank you. Yes i have new liners. The crack was discovered after everything was painted and re-assembled on re-installation. Happy to have discovered this way instead of on the road when it finished breaking but disappointed to loose the original embossing and didnt know if this is something i would get dinged on at chapter judging. Never plan on going past that but need all the points i can get/keep.
courtesy of AlanComment
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Re: Rear leaf problem / question?
The Eaton main leaf passed judging at the 2016 Nationals for my car I think it is your best optionComment
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Re: Rear leaf problem / question?
Robert,
You will not lose points for not having the GMU embossing. Many original GM springs don't have the GMU. Several people on e-bay sell the GM retainer cups (GM # 3910701) as NOS items.
GaryComment
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Re: Rear leaf problem / question?
Thanks Bob, that makes it an easy decision!Comment
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Re: Rear leaf problem / question?
Thank you all for the help the other day I ordered a new spring from Eaton todayComment
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Re: Rear leaf problem / question?
Just the main leaf, or the whole enchilada? You'll lose a point or two if you put on the whole enchilada.Comment
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Re: Rear leaf problem / question?
Don,
They wouldn't sell me just the main leaf so i picked up the whole thing. I will likely rob the main leaf off and use it with my rebuilt unit until judged. I'm under time constraints and this was part of the trailing arm project...the trailing arms were while i waited for my cam and machine work to get doneComment
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Re: Rear leaf problem / question?
Robert - First, I am surprised they wouldn't sell you just the main leaf, I had no trouble getting one just a few months ago. Second - and please read this completely. If you have not removed and reinstalled a rear leaf spring assembly before BE CAREFUL - the center bolt that holds the spring together that comes with the spring from Eaton or is included with the spring refurbish kit from Quanta DOES NOT FIT - the head is too tall - if you install it and then torque the spring down the oversized head will crack your differential case. You need to grind down the bolt head so it does not interfere with the diff case.EdComment
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