1970 service replacement rear spring?

[D S.]

Grant Wong asked me to photo the rear spring on my '70 which I gladly did and emailed him the photo. After receiving the photo he remarked that the spring shouldn't have band clamps and showed me the reference on page 103 of the 1970-1972 JG. I have owned the car since 2003 and did not have the rear spring replaced but there were at least four previous owners including Corvettes of Dallas when they were in Irving, Texas. Going on the premise that it is a service replacement I assume that there would be no differences in performance than the original spring. If original springs didn't have band clamps what held them together? Why are band clamps on service replacement springs and can they be safely removed?

Thanks,
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

[Michael W.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

The band clamps are for shipping purposes only, no need for them once the spring is installed on the diff.

[Paul O.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

Scott

At the Differential what are the size of the bolts for the spring mounting are the larger originals or has the differential cover been replaced with the later design cover with smaller bolts and wider spring mount?

Paul 18046

[D S.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

The band clamps are for shipping purposes only, no need for them once the spring is installed on the diff.

Thanks, Michael. What would I expect to feel in performance once the clamps are removed? Like a ride in a luxury car? Kidding.

[D S.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

Scott

At the Differential what are the size of the bolts for the spring mounting are the larger originals or has the differential cover been replaced with the later design cover with smaller bolts and wider spring mount?

Paul 18046

Paul, I wouldn't know that as the spring might have been replaced before I bought it. Or I had it re-arched around 2005 maybe. Would clamps be installed after re-arching? I know that my mechanic and I talked about the rear spring about six years ago and he strongly advised against Fiberglas springs but can't recall what we did. Here is a photo that I hope will help.

[Michael W.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

Thanks, Michael. What would I expect to feel in performance once the clamps are removed? Like a ride in a luxury car? Kidding.

No difference in ride, the leaves move inside the band.

[Paul O.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

Scott

Thanks for the photo it appears you have an original differential cover for a 1970 corvette but the spring is a service replacement. The configuration of the spring is not typical for a 1970 and the liners are also not typical.

The reason I asked about the bolts is that a later replacement cover had smaller diameter bolts due to a wider spring seat area and spring. If you reinstalled the original spring you would have to install shims between the bolts and the spring to make up the difference.

The clamps as Mike has indicated may have been used of shipment but they could also help prevent the spring from splaying at the outermost leafs when installed.

Paul 18046

[D S.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

Scott

Thanks for the photo it appears you have an original differential cover for a 1970 corvette but the spring is a service replacement. The configuration of the spring is not typical for a 1970 and the liners are also not typical.

The reason I asked about the bolts is that a later replacement cover had smaller diameter bolts due to a wider spring seat area and spring. If you reinstalled the original spring you would have to install shims between the bolts and the spring to make up the difference.

The clamps as Mike has indicated may have been used of shipment but they could also help prevent the spring from splaying at the outermost leafs when installed.

Paul 18046

I read that Eaton provides reproduced springs. Would they be as close to appearances as originals?

[Paul O.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

Scott

Yes from what I have seen but the spring rate is a problem the rear ride height becomes an issue car sits to high. If you can find an original spring that is in good condition refinishing the spring leafs and replacing the liners and bushings tend to return the car to the proper height.


Paul 18046

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

The ride height of the Eaton spring is way off and a much longer end bolt is necessary to achieve the correct height. Also the configuration of the ends of the leaves is very different. As Paul suggests, a good used spring is the way to go. This is what I did on my '69 and the ride height is perfect.
Jeff

[Alan D.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

Scott,
PM at my email vet77@bellsouth.net.
About your spring.
Thanks,
Al Dieterle

[D S.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

Is '69 rear spring the same as a '70? I found a local source who pulled his original spring out of his '69 in favor of a composite spring, says he's not going to need the original.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

Is '69 rear spring the same as a '70? I found a local source who pulled his original spring out of his '69 in favor of a composite spring, says he's not going to need the original.

Yes! to get > ten characters

[D S.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

Yes! to get > ten characters

So, that's how to get past one word replies. Thanks.

The owner of the '69 spring says it was in great shape when he pulled it out but what would be recommended to do with it before it is installed? New liners? Should it be re-arched?

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1970 service replacement rear spring?

If it's in as good shape as the guy says it does not need to be re-arched. New liners, painting is all that is needed. It may have been removed from a '69 but do you know for sure that it is original or just another replacement?
Jeff