56 Springs - How Many Leaves?

[Mark P.]

It's dumb question time....My 56 springs need to be re-worked/re-sprung and as I have looked at various forms of documentation out there, I'm a little confused as to how many leaves the spring is supposed to have. Mine has the correct part number on it for the standard spring and a correct date code, but sometime during the life of the car, a previous owner added a leaf or two, plus a mechanism to "beef it up" a bit. They all look like original components, except for the obvious add-on.

The bottom line is, how many leaves is the standard spring supposed to have and does the number include the small plate on the top (bottom?) and the main leaf that is affixed at both ends to the car?

Anyway, before I get them reworked, I want to make sure I have the right number of components. Also, any ideas on how to make sure they don't go too tight and create the dreaded "stink bug" effect with the rear end jacked up too high?

As always, thanks for the help and advice!
Mark

[Mike M.]

Re: 56 Springs - How Many Leaves?

four per side. mike

[Mark P.]

Re: 56 Springs - How Many Leaves?

One more dumb question, Mike....does the four include the main spring and all of the leaves including the little short leaf?

Thanks for the response!
Mark

[Mike M.]

Re: 56 Springs - How Many Leaves?

the main leaf , two intermediate length and the short one on bottom constitute the 4 leaf design used in 56 and 57 non-rpo vettes. good luck,mike

[Mark P.]

Re: 56 Springs - How Many Leaves?

Thanks for explaining it to me. I wanted to make sure I understood what the final configuration is. Besides, ignorance is overrated...as my wife tells me.

Thanks again!
Mark

[Roy B.]

Re: 56 Springs - How Many Leaves?

My 55 Corvette springs are weak also ,but been told having them redone they don't last long and as you said may raise the rear end .Because I'm not a 100% correct Corvette fanatic I installed AIR shocks 30 years ago and have never never had a problem , and I pull a tear drop trailer in which I can also control the height of the Corvette rear end . Best things I ever added .