Author Topic: New leafs  (Read 1370 times)

formula46two

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New leafs
« on: November 29, 2022, 08:56:24 PM »
Hi all! The last time I was on here was 2008, about the time I was starting my project. 2022 and I am finishing up the suspension with new leafs. Husky 5 leaf and don't think I'm going to like the ride height plus having a hard time to get the shocks to bolt up. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated. The tank and interior are not in yet but not sure how much it will settle.
« Last Edit: November 29, 2022, 08:58:44 PM by formula46two »

FormTA

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Re: New leafs
« Reply #1 on: November 30, 2022, 05:22:42 AM »
If that is on the ground with weight on it, then not much more. I think mine dropped maybe an inch once everything was installed.  I used the PTFB GT spring which are a tiny bit low for my liking.  But still a great spring.
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roadking77

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Re: New leafs
« Reply #2 on: November 30, 2022, 06:56:05 AM »
Back in the 70's the 'stance' was high in the rear, low in the front. That would have fit right in. Something is def awry with those. Maybe the wrong ones, wrong rate .......... Like Luke said, I dont think they are going to settle that much. If possible I would send those back.
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rkellerjr

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Re: New leafs
« Reply #3 on: November 30, 2022, 08:54:29 AM »
I agree with the others. here is my stance with stock rear springs. I also used the Pro-touring GT suspension but didn't like the rear springs because they were too low. I bought a set of stock springs which put the stance exactly where I wanted it.



tinpusher

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Re: New leafs
« Reply #4 on: November 30, 2022, 09:51:18 AM »
Make sure that all the hardware is loose and on the ground with weight on it before you tighten the shackles and front support. If you tightened everything on a lift or stands you will have this issue. I snugged everything up and drove mine for a bit before giving it a final torque.

Re: New leafs
« Reply #4 on: November 30, 2022, 09:51:18 AM »

tinpusher

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Re: New leafs
« Reply #5 on: November 30, 2022, 09:58:58 AM »
If it has adjustable shackles, make sure that you use the holes closest to each other.

FormTA

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Re: New leafs
« Reply #6 on: November 30, 2022, 03:00:27 PM »
Great advice.  I forgot that I did the same, left it semi tight and drove it and then snuggled it down.
79 Trans am low buck LS swapped
79 Formula 301 (Work in progress)
67 RS Camaro (waiting it's turn)
69 Dodge charger on late model charger chassis
49 Ford F1 on a 2003 Chevy ZR2 Chassis (current project)
Names, Luke. If I hear anyone telling me they're my father....

formula46two

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Re: New leafs
« Reply #7 on: November 30, 2022, 05:14:37 PM »
Good advice, I will loosen everything and make sure it has all weight on it and see what happens. I have a feeling I will be sending them back.

JJ 109

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Re: New leafs
« Reply #8 on: November 30, 2022, 05:15:46 PM »
That’s miles away, looks like a 4x4 sorry. They only “settle “ a tiny amount

I’d be looking for new springs
JJ
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formula46two

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Re: New leafs
« Reply #9 on: November 30, 2022, 05:22:20 PM »
Lol, maybe just slap some big knobbies on there and go muddin. I think I will be sending them back.

Wallington

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Re: New leafs
« Reply #10 on: November 30, 2022, 05:36:37 PM »
That won't be settling. Or every photo of a new Firebird in the brochures would be similar. Who knows what the specs of the spring was. There's no weight in the back of a Firebird, compared to many other cars that could possibly also use the same leaf spring.
« Last Edit: November 30, 2022, 05:38:39 PM by Wallington »

79T/Aman

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Re: New leafs
« Reply #11 on: December 03, 2022, 07:50:39 AM »
If that is on the ground with weight on it, then not much more. I think mine dropped maybe an inch once everything was installed.  I used the PTFB GT spring which are a tiny bit low for my liking.  But still a great spring.
The PTFB shackles have two holes, the bottom hole will raise the back 1/2"
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FormTA

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Re: New leafs
« Reply #12 on: December 03, 2022, 10:34:55 AM »
I ended up making new shackles with the hole 3/4 lower to raise the car a bit more. I also ordered air shocks to help lift it a bit more. Not ideal but I don't want to pull the leafs at this point.

Even at this height I still drag the trans cross member over speed bumps.

« Last Edit: December 03, 2022, 10:38:16 AM by FormTA »
79 Trans am low buck LS swapped
79 Formula 301 (Work in progress)
67 RS Camaro (waiting it's turn)
69 Dodge charger on late model charger chassis
49 Ford F1 on a 2003 Chevy ZR2 Chassis (current project)
Names, Luke. If I hear anyone telling me they're my father....

JJ 109

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Re: New leafs
« Reply #13 on: December 03, 2022, 11:04:23 AM »
Looks way high to me.

Go slow, avoid speed bumps, big curbs. Par for the course
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76 pro tour project
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Detroit

Re: New leafs
« Reply #13 on: December 03, 2022, 11:04:23 AM »
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