When I was building my 51 DeSoto I changed the trunk floor and gas tank configuration . I also installed a Ford Explorer 8,8 axle .

I cut the rear cross member out of the frame,,,,extended the frame rails and built a new crossmember outside the body but in front of the bumper. The bumper mounts to it as does my trailer hitch .

These changes meant I could no longer use the ancient 13 leaf 2" stock DeSoto springs.

I chose to use Chrysler B Body leafs . The front length of the new springs was very close to that of the stockers....the back part of the B body springs was much longer. I made a mount on the frame rail extensions where I could mount either shackles or sliders.

I chose to use sliders because it is easier to adjust ride height and they take less room than shackles.

Over time I have realized there are other advantages as well . These include improved handling.

Here is a link to a page that most sums up the methods and math of such an install http://www.bedfordspeedway.com/toolbox_leaf.htm

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Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

Thanks, Sandy! I saved that article. I have been meaning to try sliders on one of the cars, and this will likely push me over the edge.

How is the wear on those sliders on the 'Soto? I guess you have 10k+ miles on it or so...

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines

I have at least 12000 miles on them now.

I rebuilt the rear springs twice since you were here in the summer.....much improvement.

The sliders show no sign of wear....have been used on highway...off road....in the winter. even if they wear the parts are cheap and easy to repair. At least there is no cheesy chinese rubber like shackles.

I bought a set of shackles and was disappointed at the quality....the Afco sliders are the same price and a better item.

I have not angled my sliders like in the article...and can believe thats the way to go.

The ground height measurements are interesting....I blundered well there....mine are the same.

Sidebar : my shocks were purchased in 1979 (Monroes....stock 51 DeSoto)...while searching for new shocks I discovered they are the same as A body MOPAR.

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Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

Interesting article indeed.

Thanks for sharing Sandy!

Brian

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Flyin' Brian

74 Duster, 225, rear-mounted blow through turbo at 12psi boost, street/strip car
"Sixy Beast"

great stuff for us leaf spring equipped folks!


Greg

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http://www.youtube.com/hyperpack

Patrick is narrowing the springs on a Challenger for my transmission guy. E-body rear frame horns splay outward so fabbing a bracket for shackles was going to be a PITA. I talked Keith into letting Patrick use sliders. Makes life a lot easier in the fab department.

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Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

Sliders are a tidy answer for this kind of packaging problem.

My application is a lot like an E body....splayed , tilted springs and all. Hence the use of B/E body springs and hardware.

Mr Chrysler didnt change much between 1937 and 1980.

Is Patrick using split mono leafs?

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Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

No. Keith has a new pair of Super Stock springs.

Patrick got overruled on CalTracs and monos.

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Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

Good to hear on the sliders. I have not used store-bought shackles in a long time. I make my own from 1/2" bolts and thick strip steel and weld the bolt heads to one end. I use poly bushings. No flex at all.

Still, I need to try sliders. I need to do leafs on Project V, so this sounds like a good opportunity.

Lou

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