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PostPosted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:35 am 
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2 BBL ''SuperSix''
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Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2007 7:40 am
Posts: 18
Location: Paducah, Ky
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For just an everyday driver, is there much of a difference?


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PostPosted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:55 am 
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Board Sponsor & Contributor

Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2002 5:39 pm
Posts: 24486
Location: North America
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I prefer thoughtfully-selected five-leaf springs. The 4-leaf items are really a "beancounter special" kind of deal, like 13" wheels and 9" brakes.

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PostPosted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 4:42 pm 
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3 Deuce Weber

Joined: Fri May 11, 2007 8:12 pm
Posts: 58
Location: Ohio
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Leaf springs, especially aftermarket-made can have various degrees of stiffness and initial arch. I have a set of 5 leaf aftermarket springs now which are stiffer than the o.e.m. 6 leaf heavy duty suspension springs. If the car sits level, and you don't load it heavily, it's probably ok. Four leaf springs can be made into 5 leaf by adding a leaf (simple), and early 273 V-8 cars have 4 1/2 leafs.

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1964 Dart 225 1966 Valiant 225
1966 Dart 273 1966 Barracuda 273
1969 Dart 225
'64-170 engine '66-170 engine
(two) 198 crank/rod sets in custom-fitted wooden boxes

wooden motor scooter with hybrid-electric drive


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PostPosted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 6:49 am 
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EFI Slant 6

Joined: Wed Nov 07, 2007 9:34 am
Posts: 340
Location: Upstate NY
Car Model:
I have original 4 leafs on my '74 Dart. They wer sagging when I got the car back in the mid '80s already. I added a helper spring but I would prefer the 5 leafs in the future.

Were would I get a 5th leaf from and how easy is it to add. Also if my springs were already sagging is it worth adding another leaf or better to just get a new set of 5 leafs?

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Grandpa's 1974 Dart Custom 4 door 225 auto, Aluminum Radiator, 1920 Holley.


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PostPosted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 10:38 pm 
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Turbo EFI
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Joined: Tue Nov 12, 2002 2:50 pm
Posts: 1742
Location: Spokane Valley, WA
Car Model:
I'm planning on a set of ESPO 5-leaf springs when I replace mine. My factory 4-leafs are sagged so much you could take a straight-edge to them, and I've heard good stuff about ESPO's products.

I just wonder if the sagging springs affects the geometry enough for me to wait until I have new springs installed before welding in the subframe connectors.....

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 6:22 am 
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Turbo EFI
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Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2005 1:50 pm
Posts: 2353
Location: Pertneer Nashville TN
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I have read (believe it or not) JCWhitney sells made in America HD springs at a great price and are pretty good.

Where are ESPO made?

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'72 Duster 198 stock cam, 3:23's Hookers on jack stands for 8 years in the driveway
'79 Maxivan 360 Offy Qjet Comp RV cam/rusting in the driveway.
93 D350 160HP Cummins Auto :-( Dually Clubcab needs a injector pump
2005 Golden Couch Buick


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:16 am 
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EFI Slant 6
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Joined: Sat Jun 17, 2006 9:15 am
Posts: 458
Location: Gainesville, FL
Car Model: 1964 Plymouth Valiant 225, 1977 Dodge D100 225
Here is a handy thread about ride height, springs and such. There's even mention of where J.C. Whitney gets their springs. (John R. Spring Service)

I'm waiting for a call back from ESPO about their springs. I'll ask them where their parts are made and get back with you.[/url]

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PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 11:30 am 
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Turbo EFI
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Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2005 5:35 pm
Posts: 1044
Location: Maine
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I've heard good things about ESPO through this thread.

I bought the 5 leaf "Hi-Lift" springs from JC Whitney and was very pleased with them. I was able to time my purchase with a free shipping offer.

- Mac


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 12:47 pm 
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EFI Slant 6
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Joined: Sat Jun 17, 2006 9:15 am
Posts: 458
Location: Gainesville, FL
Car Model: 1964 Plymouth Valiant 225, 1977 Dodge D100 225
I just followed up on ESPO and five leafs are $205 a pair for '64 Valiants. Six leafs are $265 a pair. I'm assuming that's without shipping. The bolt on '64s is 7/16", so they're more expensive. If you drill out the hole and use a 5/8" bolt, you'll be looking at about $40 less.

They are stock ride height, made in the USA (though they declined to specify by whom), and they can be curved for increased ride height for about 30 bucks each.

I spoke with Laura and she was very nice and helpful. I think they'd be a great company to deal with.

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Chuck and the Flying Valiant
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PostPosted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 10:17 am 
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Supercharged
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Joined: Mon Jan 15, 2007 5:05 pm
Posts: 3767
Location: Black Diamond, WA
Car Model:
I went through Laura at ESPO a few years ago. Bought the 5 leaf which just made the car sit level. Then I had them send a extra spring, a full length spring so they are actually 6 leaf. My 74 Dart is kind of heavy in the back, has a hitch from hell on it that came with it when I bought it. The springs worked out great!
Car sits just a little above ride height with a nice rake to it. We can use the car like a truck and fill the trunk up with bags of sand, dirt of fertilizer, etc... and she rides level or with five large adults.

Great folks to work with at ESPO!

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Aggressive Ted

http://cid-32f1e50ddb40a03c.photos.live ... %20Swinger


74 Swinger, 9.5 comp 254/.435 lift cam, 904, ram air, electric fans, 2.5" HP2 & FM70 ex, 1920 Holley#56jet, 2.76 8 3/4 Sure-Grip, 26" tires, 25+MPG


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PostPosted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 3:33 pm 
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EFI Slant 6
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Joined: Sat Jun 17, 2006 9:15 am
Posts: 458
Location: Gainesville, FL
Car Model: 1964 Plymouth Valiant 225, 1977 Dodge D100 225
Good to know. I would like the car to sit a little higher than stock, so I'll be asking about the six leaf numbers. I'm all about my Valiant being a utilitarian machine. When they drop the big one, my Valiant will be ready to fend off roving bandits Mad Max style! :twisted:

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Chuck and the Flying Valiant
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PostPosted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 4:51 pm 
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Turbo EFI
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Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2005 1:50 pm
Posts: 2353
Location: Pertneer Nashville TN
Car Model:
Still have the stock worn out ones on my Duster. I have hauled 2 complete 8 3/4's 1 '66 B body, 1 Ebody, with several swap meet TQ's.


65lbs in the Monroe Max shocks, it didn't squat.

blah....blah....blah.... air shocks are evil.......etc :P

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'72 Duster 198 stock cam, 3:23's Hookers on jack stands for 8 years in the driveway
'79 Maxivan 360 Offy Qjet Comp RV cam/rusting in the driveway.
93 D350 160HP Cummins Auto :-( Dually Clubcab needs a injector pump
2005 Golden Couch Buick


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 8:21 am 
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EFI Slant 6
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Joined: Thu Apr 28, 2005 2:09 pm
Posts: 488
Car Model:
Well guys I just got my 6 Leaf (High lift) springs from J.C. Whitney.

Fast service and the Springs are from John R. (near where I grew up BTW).

I know some call them JC Witless but it was less than a local shop quoted me for a re-arch and addition of a leaf.

Total to my door was $237.95


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PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 6:36 pm 
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TBI Slant 6
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Joined: Sat Jun 14, 2008 3:03 am
Posts: 131
Location: Orange County, CA
Car Model:
Does anyone know if ESPO or JC Whitney have leaf springs for a 62 Valiant? JC Whitney only lets you pick down to 64' under Plymouth and I couldn't find anything on leaf springs on ESPO's site. And I don't want to assume I can buy them for a 64 and get them into a 62, I want to know they will work.

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-Anthony
1962 Plymouth Valiant Signet 200


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PostPosted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 3:25 pm 
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Turbo Slant 6

Joined: Tue Dec 12, 2006 7:44 pm
Posts: 790
Location: New England
Car Model:
Or you can de-arch them for more neutral handling.


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