Slant Six Forum
https://slantsix.org/forum/

Adding a leaf to the rear springs
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44564		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Reed [ Sat Apr 16, 2011 2:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Adding a leaf to the rear springs
My brother's 74 Duster came from the factory with the anemic four leaf rear leaf spring packs. 37 years of use has caused the springs to sag. Nothing is broken, but the springs have lost some arch.

Last year I replaced the original springs in my brother's 83 Dodge van. I now have an extra set of Dodge van leaf springs laying on my garage floor.

I got the idea to take one of the leaves (leafs?) from each of the van spring packs and add them to the Duster spring packs. The van springs still have a fairly nice curve to them, and I figure putting the van leafs/leaves into the Duster spring packs will both add some stiffness and some lift to the Duster springs.

Question: How do I do this? Is it just removing the rear axle, removing the center bolt in the spring pack, sliding the extra leaf into the spring pack, reinstalling the center bolt, and reattaching the rear axle?

Any pointers on where in the spring pack the new leaf should go?

I assume I will want to use the longest new leaf possible to maximize the lift and load capacity increase, and that it should go as close to the top of the pack as possible, correct?

Anybody done this who can offer some pointers?

I figure adding a leaf from springs I already have is cheaper than ordering up a whole new set of springs.

Thanks!
Author:  sandy in BC [ Sat Apr 16, 2011 2:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
Replace the 2nd leaf (next to the main leaf) with a similar length leaf from the van.

.......or replace the 2nd and 3rd....for more

If they are different widths yer hooped.
Author:  slantzilla [ Sat Apr 16, 2011 3:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
You may need a longer center bolt too. :D
Author:  Reed [ Sat Apr 16, 2011 3:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks. Both sets of springs are 2.5 inches wide. I'll get a longer grade 8 center bolt to replace the ones I am taking out.

"Hooped." Never heard that one before. :)
Author:  sixsignet [ Sat Apr 23, 2011 6:57 am ]
Post subject: 
I think checking the pinion angle before and after would be a good precaution.
Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC-08:00
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Limited
https://www.phpbb.com/