Rear spring....what going on here?

[Michael G.]

In an effort to improve the physical appearance of my rear spring of my '66 big block removed and purchased (at a local swap meet) another rear spring cosmetically nicer. Both are dimensionally the same, knurled leafs (slightly more prominent on top spring) and 45 degree cuts on main leaf. Top spring in image is original spring, lower spring is the newly purchased spring. Top 3 leafs on original spring stand straight out w/o load on spring while newly purchase spring all leafs follow the contour. What's going on here? Does having the big block option make the differnce. Lastly does it make any difference should I choose to used the newly purchased spring? Thanks in advance.

Top spring is original to car, lower spring-newly purchased

[Jack H.]

Re: Rear spring....what going on here?

The 9-leaf spring with all leaves bent/contoured was used in '63 only when Corvette had a constant vs. variable rate suspension system. This is a relatively rare version of the part. Also, I've seen the 'same' geometry of this spring (all leaves arched) but in wider, 2.5" versus 2.25" format, that agrees with later Shark cars (post 1977)....

[Chuck S.]

Re: Rear spring....what going on here?

...Also, I've seen the 'same' geometry of this spring (all leaves arched) but in wider, 2.5" versus 2.25" format, that agrees with later Shark cars (post 1977)...

That's what I was wondering, Jack, thanks for the info...if my calibrated eyeball is working properly today, the swap meet spring in the photo appears to be slightly wider than the original, i.e. 2.5 inches in width.

[Michael G.]

Re: Rear spring....whats going on here?

With what you have to say Jack it would appear what I have here is a '63 rear leaf spring.....would that seem to be the case? btw....it's worth rementioning the swap spring is 2.25" wide.

Any one like to purchase a '63 spring....LOL.

[Joe L.]

Re: Rear spring....whats going on here?

With what you have to say Jack it would appear what I have here is a '63 rear leaf spring.....would that seem to be the case? btw....it's worth rementioning the swap spring is 2.25" wide.

Any one like to purchase a '63 spring....LOL.

Michael-----


If the swap meet spring is 2-1/4" wide and with NINE leaves, then I'd say it's almost certainly the 1963-only spring. I believe it's possible to use the lower 6 leaves of this spring as replacements for the lower 6 leaves of your 64+ 9 leaf spring. However, I wouldn't do it. If the 63 spring seems to be in good shape, I'd let someone with a 63 use it.

[Michael G.]

Re: Rear spring....whats going on here?

Believe your right, would be best the '63 spring be passed on to a '63 owner who may in need of very nice rear spring. Thanks to all.