CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => Originality => Topic started by: onekidbill on February 13, 2019, 11:53:57 PM
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Hi ,
First time on the Forum,
I have a 69 Z28 that I've owned since 1976 and I'm in the process of putting the motor and a few other stock items back in the car. I'm from BC Canada and have GM of Canada Doc. on the car so I know its a true Z.My question is that will reading on the CRG site I came onto an article about the rear Leaf springs that there should be 4 and my car has 5. Can someone tell me if this possible as I know the rear end was changed but the springs came stock on this car.
Bill
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4 leaf springs were part of the z28 option as you probably know. Mabey when the rear was changed, the springs were changed along with it?
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Thanks Bill
I have a orignal 68 z28 and it only has 4 so maybe it was changed.
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Don't toss them too quickly! From the 1969 CAMARO VISUAL ID HYPERTABLE (http://www.camaros.org/diffs69.shtml#FNm) (Note 10):
Generally, Z28's used 4-leaf springs and the other multi-leaf spring applications used 5-leaf springs. However, the use of 4-leaf springs was not limited to just 68-69 Z28's. Spring selection was a function of weight and options - and this was fine-tuned in 1969. SS, LM1, L65, and COPO cars with 4-leaf springs are possible according to factory documentation and they have been observed on original SS, LM1, and L65 cars.
Factory documentation indicates that all 68-69 Z28's should have 4-leaf springs. One Z28 (a 69) has been found with apparently original 5-leaf springs. The 5-leaf spring usage on a Z28 should not be considered normative and CRG continues research whether 5-leaf springs were factory installed on the Z28.
Since that was written, we now have 6 1969 Z28's in the database with 5 leaf springs. Again, this isn't "normal", and we continue to research this, but we would LOVE to have data on your car.
You stated that the rear axle's been changed. What's the code stamped on the passenger side axle tube? This "might" help to confirm if the springs originally came on that particular axle.
Ed
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My car had a helper spring installed at some point prior to me purchasing the car in 1978, with 32,000 miles on it.
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So when counting the number springs, do you count the lowest one which sits directly on the spring perch? It is much shorter than the others. Is that a spring, or just for mounting?
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So when counting the number springs, do you count the lowest one which sits directly on the spring perch? It is much shorter than the others. Is that a spring, or just for mounting?
See attached.
Ed
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Hi Ed
Here are some pics
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Ed
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Hard to tell from the pictures (too small), it appears those "might" be originals. Can you post a higher resolution shot of the clamps and the ends of one of the leafs?
Ed
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Bill was the whole rear end housing swapped out? What gear is in it now?
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Thanks Ed, couldn't be much clearer than those pics. So my 69 Z has 5 springs, but it doesn't mean anything because I have a receipt from a previous owner showing that they were replaced. I'm guessing they were changed from 4 to 5 leafs at that point? Although the stance of my car seems to look to be the same as other Z's. Could be that the 5 leaf springs had the same effective spring rate as the original 4 leaf I guess.
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With the factory multi-leafs.....was the main spring a dual taper (width and thickness) like the mono leaf, or was it a continuous width along its entire length (I assume the thickness was tapered).
Just curious.
Mike
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Hi Ed'
When I restored the car back in 82, I installed a 12 bolt posi with an original set of 3:37 gears out 69 Z. But the springs were never changed.I'll get the numbers off the housing and let you know.
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More pice
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That fact that the spacing between the upper perch and lower perch bracket is not fully closed make me believe a leaf was added. I don't think the factory would leave a spacing like that.
Mike
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Well, either those springs have been modified/repaired, or they're not original. Every leaf should have the rectangular "pocket" at the end, and tapered (one of them appears to be just cut off). Also, the clamps (also known as straps) don't look original either. I agree, I think someone took an original set of 4 leaf springs and added another (incorrect) leaf!
And I'm assuming you mean a 3.73 gear, not 3.37, right?
With the factory multi-leafs.....was the main spring a dual taper (width and thickness) like the mono leaf, or was it a continuous width along its entire length
Mike, the only taper is at the end of each leaf. Approx the last 2 to 2.5" inches. The rest is all one thickness and width.
Ed
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Hi Ed
Sorry that was 3:73 gears I installed. The rear end looks like it was a 68 or 69 BS 3;31 12 bolt posi.
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Someone did the same thing to my 68 BITD. 4 leaf with the 5 added. I was told it was an old drag racer trick. Not sure how legit that really is.
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Someone did the same thing to my 68 BITD. 4 leaf with the 5 added. I was told it was an old drag racer trick. Not sure how legit that really is.
:) ...you're not sure how 'legit' it is ...from what perspective??? :)
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The rear end looks like it was a 68 or 69 BS 3;31 12 bolt posi
It's a 3.31 12 bolt posi alright, but it originally came out of a 1971 Nova! That axle was assembled at the Warren, MI plant on the night shift, Julian day 062 (?) which would have been Wednesday, March 3rd, 1971.
Ed
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Someone did the same thing to my 68 BITD. 4 leaf with the 5 added. I was told it was an old drag racer trick. Not sure how legit that really is.
:) ...you're not sure how 'legit' it is ...from what perspective??? :)
The racing theory.
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Thanks Guys. It will be nice to get it back on the road this regardless.
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Someone did the same thing to my 68 BITD. 4 leaf with the 5 added. I was told it was an old drag racer trick. Not sure how legit that really is.
It should stiffen the rear suspension up a bit... but your traction bars might do as well or better at putting the power to the pavement? :)
:) ...you're not sure how 'legit' it is ...from what perspective??? :)
The racing theory.