Mopar Performance S.S. Leaf Spring Questions.....

[threewood]

Looking at getting new leaf springs. Mine are shot, sagging and the pads are eroded away. Specifically looking at MP Super Stock springs for 3400 lb vehicle (1962 Belvedere, 318 4bbl). The specs are a 20" front section, 36" rear and 56" total.

My stock ones measure 20" front section, 35" rear, 55" total length. My question concerns the stated need for MP front hangers? Why are they needed if the front segement is the same as what I have? Also, is 1" longer going to throw off my rear shackles?

Looking at them on Summit, http://m.summitracing.com/parts/dcc-3690456

 

[miller]

In a nutshell...main things that matter are...

1) Where the new springs locate your axle once bolted up. 20" front segment to the front mounts will keep the axle located right, without shifting the axle to the rear by an inch.

2) The rear shackle angle is important, for the spring wind-up to work right, and not put 'em in a bind. There's kinda a range that's okay, once mounted up, and back on the ground, the rear shackles need to be at 90 degrees to the spring, or more. Means the lower bolts need to be aft of the upper shackle bolts, if that makes sense.
The springs should come with mounting instructions, that say just that. At least mine did.

You won't know how it sits, until you mount them. I used my stock 64 front hangers on mine, and it slapped right in.

 

[threewood]

Thanks for the response. I figured out the "need" for front hangers. The SS springs are made for A bodies, which happen to be the same size as 1962 and 1963 B Bodies. I ordered a set with new shackle bushings. Should bolt up just fine (fingers crossed lol)

 

[terzmo]

I went to calvert mono and suspension on my 67 B body...very happy

 

[Schober Motorsports]

If you decide to get another pair of S/S Springs, I have some for sale.

 

[383man]

Thanks for the response. I figured out the "need" for front hangers. The SS springs are made for A bodies, which happen to be the same size as 1962 and 1963 B Bodies. I ordered a set with new shackle bushings. Should bolt up just fine (fingers crossed lol)

Yep the SS springs that I put on my 63 Sport Fury are the same size as the ones on my sons Dart. Ron

 

[threewood]

Thanks for the help. I have the new springs in and have a question. I'm using the stock rear shackles and they have a tab that looks like a limiter stop for shackle rearward travel. Right now they are touching the frame. Do I need to cut it off so the shackle has more rearward travel? The shackles are at a good angle with the lower shackle tward the bumper. I haven't tightened all the bolts down yet but it is on the ground.

 

[miller]

Threewood...no...does not sound right. Are you saying the rear shackles are toward the rear, almost level with the frame?

Was there any kind of instruction sheet with the springs? Should show you the mounting angle limits. Something is wrong.

- - - Updated - - -

Suppose you did compare new springs to old, for front segment measurement.
What about the front spring mounts? Stock ones will have one set of bolt holes.

 

[miller]

These might help a little...



Something to keep in mind on SS springs, their designed for spring 'wrap-up' control, used along with a pinion snubber.
When you 'hit it', the rear axle tries to twist, the snubber comes up, the springs wrap-up, and that rear shackle angle allows the needed movement. That movement is normally spring pulling the rear shackle toward the front.

 

[threewood]

Thanks Miller. Yes, they are setting at the correct angle. But the stock shackle has a steel tab that holds it at the correct angle so it doesn't go any further back if that makes sense.

I took it for a run and it rides much better than the worn out stock springs. Raised the back up (to stock height maybe). Hard to tell because it was sagging so bad. No noises and it seems to spring without issue. It also feels as if there is less vibration mid rpms that I was getting. I have a magnetic angle locator on the way to check pinion angle.

It is a street car but I think I will get a pair of longer shocks for it just in case. (anyone have part numbers of shocks that are long enough?) May just get Mopar Perf shocks so there is no guesswork.

These pictures are all at ride height. U bolts torqued to 45 ft/lbs. Love em so far! These are the 456 and 457 3400lb springs.

 

[miller]

Ah...okay. To be honest, never have seen shackles like those, so don't know the reason for those tabs.

I'd say if you think you want those tabs off...cut 'em. Anyone else chime in? Ones I've always had were plain jane two piece, stock shackles. But, if it ain't broke...don't fix it! Your call.
Otherwise...cool! Looks great.

Funny thing is, my first car already had SS springs mounted up, 63 SF ragtop. Have had SS springs on just about every Mopar I've owned.

 

[Darter6]

I must say I have never seen that on the shackle before and have owned dozens of early "B's".Hummm ?

 

[threewood]

Here it is on the stock 14" rims. I have a rear set of 15x8's that need rubber going on the back and 15x6.5's for the front

Edit to add: Ordered longer shocks, should work hopefully. KYB 344070, compressed 14.76", extended 25.2", stroke 10.43" Same mounting eyes as stock.

 

[threewood]

KYB shocks work perfect. I added 4 degree spacers to the rear end to get a good pinion angle but ride height is about the same. I really like these springs!
Pic with new wheels and tires...