I installed a new set of leaf springs in my '67 Camaro. I'd liked the stance as it was but the leaf bundles had separated so I measured it up and found it was 1" lower than stock and ordered a new set with a 1" drop. The problem is that the car is a convertible and the extra weight must have them compressed more than they'd be in a coupe. Now I need to raise the suspension back up to get rid of tire rubbing issues.
I think I've got two options ... longer shackles and the bad handling I'm reading about or get the springs re-arched.
Are there any other options? Does anyone know of a shop that can bend the springs in the Sarnia area?
If you can find a good spring shop, they should be able to re-arch the springs (and add an extra leaf too, if you or they think it could use one).
You asked for other options ... "adjust" the part of the car the tire is rubbing on or swap to a smaller tire (either in height or width) or sell off the new springs and buy stock height ones.
-- Edited by chips on Sunday 17th of April 2016 07:45:38 PM
It's not difficult to re-arch them yourself, just time consuming. You will need access to a hydraulic press though. It doesn't have to be a big press either, one of the bottle jack style will do it just fine. Google "reversing leaf spring eyes" and you will have the info you need if you want to tackle the job yourself. Your not looking to reverse the arch, only increase what you have, but it's the same procedure.
With re-arching is there anything I need to worry about? I guess the spring rate will be unchanged and the shackle pivoting will make up for any change in their length by the new radius. Is there any real compromise?
