Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

[Jack P.]

Hi, L79 66 Roadster

I have read the manuals for changing rear spring bolts. My ride is too high, newer rear spring did not give right ht.

I have the longer bolts and wanted advice on the safest way to change the stock bolts for the longer ones.

Any tips or advice would be welcome. I need to lower the rear by 2 ".

Any photos of the jack setup and chain and clamp setup would help. I have two jacks, 4 jack stands etc.

Jack

[Michael W.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

There's an excellent article in the current Restorer on this subject.

[Jack P.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

Thanks, I forgot about it. Just got the article off the coffee table.

Jack

[Jack P.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

Thanks, I forgot about it. Just got the article off the coffee table.

Jack

Update. I changed the 6" for 8" bolts to lower rear. I used a shop floor jack with a big cup. I did not take off wheels. Just jacked up spring until bolts were loose. Changed them out. I used poly cushions which are thicker than rubber. I wanted to lower rear by 2 1/2 inches, but only got 1 1/2 " . I may use 10 " bolts and cut off any extra if clearance is an issue. It only took 1 hour to complete job. See photos of before and after.

Jack

[Kenny C.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

Okay correct me if I'm wrong but by using the thicker poly bushings didn't that make the issue worse? The object is to allow a greater distance between the spring and the trailing arm thus allowing the body to settle lower and reduce the space between the tire and wheel well lip. By using a thicker bushing you lost some of the effect of installing a longer bolt, and likely made ride a bit stiffer to boot.

[Alan D.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

First try using rubber cushions, it may help a little more besides much smoother ride. The after market spring may be your problem source. Believe in the past the hight of the spring has been discussed, try a search Are those the correct size tires?

[Jack P.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

First try using rubber cushions, it may help a little more besides much smoother ride. The after market spring may be your problem source. Believe in the past the hight of the spring has been discussed, try a search Are those the correct size tires?

The spring was the problem. The longer bolts did lower the ride. I can't tell difference in ride smoothness. I have rubber cushions and may put them on to see if I can get the height to 26 " at back wheel well.

It was a very easy job, so I won't hesitate to change the cushions out.

Jack

[Jack P.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

First try using rubber cushions, it may help a little more besides much smoother ride. The after market spring may be your problem source. Believe in the past the hight of the spring has been discussed, try a search Are those the correct size tires?

215 R70 15 , I use to have 205 r70 15 . The rear spring was changed for me about 5,000 miles ago. The car came back sitting up. It is only in the last year, (started restoration ) that I noticed the noise ( I think the haft shafts did not like the angle ) . The noise (squeaking at 12 ' position of u-joint ) has gone away with the new longer bolts. I did not know that the poly cushions were thicker until I put them on.

Jack

[Timothy B.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

Jack,

The rubber cushions are softer and will provide a better ride.

On my 63 the rear lowered about 1" after bouncing around on the road. I remember reading there was a shake down at the factory where the car settled to ride height.

I use a jack like in your picture with a thick piece of rubber between the spring and jack cup so it does not slip.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

As an added safety device, I clamp a C-clamp to the spring just inboard of the cup of the floor jack to absolutely be sure the cup won't slip on the spring.
Jeff

[Jack P.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

Jack,

The rubber cushions are softer and will provide a better ride.

On my 63 the rear lowered about 1" after bouncing around on the road. I remember reading there was a shake down at the factory where the car settled to ride height.

I use a jack like in your picture with a thick piece of rubber between the spring and jack cup so it does not slip.

I have a replacement spring and have noticed 3 screws (see photo) that are holding 4th + 5th + 6th + 7th leafs together . In other posts and in Restorer Mag, I do not see them. Are they only in replacement springs or are they part of the shipping bands etc that are to be removed before installation. I just took of the bands, after a member noticed them. My shop never removed them.

Jack

[Sander B.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

I have a replacement spring and have noticed 3 screws (see photo) that are holding 4th + 5th + 6th + 7th leafs together . In other posts and in Restorer Mag, I do not see them. Are they only in replacement springs or are they part of the shipping bands etc that are to be removed before installation. I just took of the bands, after a member noticed them. My shop never removed them.

Jack

Jack these are not screws, these are plastic rivets that hold the linings in place

Sander,

[Terry M.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

Jack these are not screws, these are plastic rivets that hold the linings in place

Sander,

And Jack, and others, don't see them in pictures on this site and in The Restorer Magazine because they were NOT installed on the original springs installed at St. Louis.

[Jack P.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

Jack these are not screws, these are plastic rivets that hold the linings in place

Sander,

The rivets do not seem to be in slotted holes so that they can allow the springs to flex. I will go and take a better picture of them. They felt like metal, but I will check this out .

Jack

[Jack P.]

Re: Safest method of changing rear sping bolts

And Jack, and others, don't see them in pictures on this site and in The Restorer Magazine because they were NOT installed on the original springs installed at St. Louis.

Just went out and looked at them closer and yes there are four of them and they are made of plastic and hold the small liners in place. Thanks for you reply. My orginianl springs if I remember correctly, had rubber? liners that went the length of each leaf, yes?

Jack