I'm thinking of a quick fix rather than doing all new springs. One of my project cars came with (Auto Zone?) coil helper (overload) springs that attach under one u-bolt and on top of the rear axle, each side. For a daily driver that runs low loads, that seems like an OK idea for $32.00 a pair. Or the Monroe rear "Load Leveler' rear shocks with external coils. I really don't want air or gas shocks. I've had the Monroes on an old Buick, but they broke the shock mounting brackets repeatedly. Don't know how a Dart would fare. The Autozone (Geez I hate that place) springs just ride against the underbody, not sure about that idea either. Your thoughts, anyone?

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"Louise", a 1976 Dart Custom project, (now sadly reverted to being just an "organ donor" to our other project Darts.)

Same is true for your Mopar. Some say same mount problem can happen with air shocks as well.

I don't know anything about bolt on leaf helpers if they do much. I can't believe one strip of metal on one section of weak spring can somehow restore ride height, and ride wroth a damn. But I do know if your leaf spring is fatigued, dearched, from too many miles or just old and tired from holding up the rear for forty years the best and cheapest fix in the long run is to just replace them.

With replacement one gets new bushings, friction pads, smooth rust-free flexing at proper ride height.

Having purchased my Dart equipped with worn out rear suspension propped up by coil-overs (that rubbed gas tank and other spots), which produced crappy bottoming out ride and handling as if there were a big hinge between front and rear seats connecting both ends of the car, I decided there was no quick fix.

After ripping all that mess out replacing it with six leaf stock ride height springs and fresh bushings, the car felt like new... I must add that I also installed 0.940" torsion bars and all new bushings up front, a sway-bar, and sub-frame connectors at the same time as the front end was all shot as well.

I know this is not quite what you asked for... But I had to toss in my 2 cents anyway.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

I have had zero problems with air shocks on A-bodies. I think if the shock mount bolts are loose up top, you will hurt it. Monroe Max Air are best.

I have also used the bolt on helper springs and they work fine.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Thanks guys. One thumbs up, one thumbs down.
"I'm stuck in the middle with you..."

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"Louise", a 1976 Dart Custom project, (now sadly reverted to being just an "organ donor" to our other project Darts.)

Air shocks and overload coil springs on regular shocks are a bad idea unless the upper shock mount is reinforced on an a body (or designed for it from the factory). The half-leaf clamp-on $40 "helper spring" kits you can get from JC Whitney or at Autozone help a smal small amount, but not much.

Your money is better off spent on either set of new or re-arched springs, or buying an add-a-leaf kit that actually adds another sping to the spring pack, or buying a full length helper spring kit that clamps onto the full length of the leaf spring pack.

I know you are in Seattle, but Right Way Spring Co. in Tacoma can set you up with everything you need for very reasonable prices.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

Cool, thanks Reed.

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"Louise", a 1976 Dart Custom project, (now sadly reverted to being just an "organ donor" to our other project Darts.)

Do you have any parts cars you can steal some extra leaves out of?
It's not hard to add a leaf or two from another set of springs.

I usually mix and match, even turning some backwards so they come all the way to the front eye - a poor man's Super Stock, if you squint just right.

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O==\=/==O

"A mechanic is Somebody."
- Jim Preston

This is why I like this Forum. No matter how deeply a person wants to get involved in an issue, like saggy springs here, or other stuff, and no matter what his level of experience or budget, many great ideas flow out for all of us to chose from and make our own. Thanks guys for the input. Now I need to choose....

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"Louise", a 1976 Dart Custom project, (now sadly reverted to being just an "organ donor" to our other project Darts.)

I would just get the old springs re-arched; works fine. But I would look at all the leafs carefully before disassembling to make sure I did not have a broken leaf or 2; it not uncommon.

Just my 2 cents, for what its worth! I had put air shocks on my 71 Valiant when I still had it. Bad mistake. The ride was horrible, and felt odd on bends.
I didn't keep them long enough to know about breaking the uppers though.