Bad leaf springs?

[1966XP29]

I've been running with air shocks for probably a decade! I decided to put back the correct shocks and the back-end slammed (well almost). The shocks were brand new ten years ago, can they go bad from being uncompressed on the shelf for that long, or did I kill the leaf springs?

 

[dadsbee]

Regular shocks have no ability to "lift" the car. They are dampeners and nothing else.

 

[khryslerkid]

Regular shocks don't support the vehicle. (Hold it up) They just dampen the up and down movement of the suspension.

 

[khryslerkid]

Regular shocks have no ability to "lift" the car. They are dampeners and nothing else.

 

[69L48Z27]

It’s like there’s an echo, echo, echo, echo in here.

 

[dadsbee]

Kid's either a copy cat or a slow typist !!

 

[khryslerkid]

 

[493 Mike]

If they were stored in a dry area the shocks should be fine to use and running with air assist you probably took some of the load off the leaf springs which probably extended their life.
Mike

 

[Nate S]

Are these original leaf springs? Looking down their length with the weight of the car on them how flat are they?

 

[slepr1]

Leaf springs are toast.

 

[1966XP29]

Yes, original springs and they're pretty flat! I guess using air shocks all this time did them in! So I'm probably not going for new springs before the season is over, any suggestions on what do use to get it to factory level? Thanks.....

 

[Nate S]

Yes, original springs and they're pretty flat! I guess using air shocks all this time did them in! So I'm probably not going for new springs before the season is over, any suggestions on what do use to get it to factory level? Thanks.....

Remember that factory leaf springs sit pretty flat, even a tiny bit of reverse arch. An "arched" buggy spring shape makes for oversteer. Sag with a bunch of reverse arch (1+ inches) means they are shot. Best fix is new springs, I've put them in in under an hour. After that, same old air shocks until you get to the springs.

 

[1966XP29]

I DID have a bit of an oversteer, always thought is was from the air shocks........even though I never had then that high up. I don't know how much you can see from the pics, but my springs are not "reverse arched", right? Regardless I obviously need springs, can you recommend a good manufacturer for a stock application? Thanks...........

 

[Nate S]

Those actually don't look that bad. These sit lower in the rear when stock than you'd think. I've used new front mounts (lower hole) to lift them a little when needed, more arch is not the way to do it as already discussed.

 

[1966XP29]

I guess a test drive will help, which I can't do until some parts come in............but pushing down on the rear bumper compresses the shocks maybe an inch or two, and I have to push pretty hard!

 

[Nate S]

Didn't see your note on a good manufacturer. I've used regular Mopar Performance XHP (440/426) springs many times in the past with good results. Some builders will arch them higher, great if you want the look but as mentioned you'll get oversteer too.

 

[440 4 speed]

Mopar Performance springs can’t be trusted. Quite a few people have just added a leaf. I had a set of MP (440/426) springs put them on the car, it dropped about an inch more than the old springs. Made in Mexico. Supposedly no warranty. Parts Manager at the dealership refunded all of my money, told me to keep the springs. This was after the Chrysler rep failed to show up for 3 bookings.
Friend had the same problem with his 67 Satellite. We added a single leaf and that worked for him. I had a spring shop make my new ones.

 

[Nate S]

Mopar Performance springs can’t be trusted. Quite a few people have just added a leaf. I had a set of MP (440/426) springs put them on the car, it dropped about an inch more than the old springs. Made in Mexico. Supposedly no warranty. Parts Manager at the dealership refunded all of my money, told me to keep the springs. This was after the Chrysler rep failed to show up for 3 bookings.
Friend had the same problem with his 67 Satellite. We added a single leaf and that worked for him. I had a spring shop make my new ones.

I’ve heard this reported. Haven’t had the issue myself in 5 sets. Many think, incorrectly, that there should be a positive arch to the springs as they sit. This isn’t the case, they should be flat or with a little negative arch. Several companies do good business selling springs with 1 or 2 inches of extra arch. This is fine if you don’t care about the car’s handling or want oversteer.

 

[1966XP29]

Mopar Performance springs can’t be trusted. Quite a few people have just added a leaf. I had a set of MP (440/426) springs put them on the car, it dropped about an inch more than the old springs. Made in Mexico. Supposedly no warranty. Parts Manager at the dealership refunded all of my money, told me to keep the springs. This was after the Chrysler rep failed to show up for 3 bookings.
Friend had the same problem with his 67 Satellite. We added a single leaf and that worked for him. I had a spring shop make my new ones.

Okay, thanks for the help!