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| Four leaf vs Five leaf springs https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=32342 |
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| Author: | Steel_Drivin_Man [ Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:35 am ] |
| Post subject: | Four leaf vs Five leaf springs |
For just an everyday driver, is there much of a difference? |
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| Author: | SlantSixDan [ Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:55 am ] |
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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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| Author: | Dusty Desks [ Thu Nov 20, 2008 4:42 pm ] |
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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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| Author: | MichaelS [ Sat Nov 22, 2008 6:49 am ] |
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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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| Author: | Jopapa [ Tue Jan 13, 2009 10:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
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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| Author: | Rug_Trucker [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 6:22 am ] |
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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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| Author: | armyofchuckness [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:16 am ] |
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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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| Author: | Slanted Opinion [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 11:30 am ] |
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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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| Author: | armyofchuckness [ Wed Jan 14, 2009 12:47 pm ] |
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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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| Author: | Aggressive Ted [ Sun Jan 18, 2009 10:17 am ] |
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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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| Author: | armyofchuckness [ Sun Jan 18, 2009 3:33 pm ] |
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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! 
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| Author: | Rug_Trucker [ Sun Jan 18, 2009 4:51 pm ] |
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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 
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| Author: | bbbbbb9 [ Thu Jan 22, 2009 8:21 am ] |
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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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| Author: | 62Signet [ Sat Feb 28, 2009 6:36 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
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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| Author: | slantfin [ Sun Mar 01, 2009 3:25 pm ] |
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Or you can de-arch them for more neutral handling. |
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