CRG Discussion Forum
Camaro Research Group Discussion => Restoration => Topic started by: GI JOE on August 01, 2011, 05:30:08 AM
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Can anyone advise me on rebuilding my multi-leaf springs? How do I tell if they are worn out or still good? What aftermarket springs have seen good reviews? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks much.
GI Joe
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Hi Joe,
I'm rebuilding mine and have already tore them apart. Friend of mine purchased the well done repro's from Heartbeat but he purchased the repros because of broken plys in his originals. Since mine are original, and many have the "GMC" logo (both main plys and some others) I wanted to keep them. It's some work! Guys I have talked to asking about the height etc. said you gotta put them in and just see how it sits. Seemed to sit OK when I took the rear out so we will see. Somewhere in my restoration thread I have info on our leaf springs. By the way, getting ready to get back on them soon.....
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584
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The leaf springs in my 69 Z were sagging so I took them out and had them re arched at a local spring shop. The shop knew the specs, and the ride height is now dead on. The car looks great and it has been three years since the work. Some guys have reported the original springs will eventually go back to their saggy state. So far mine are ok. Apparently Eaton makes the repro springs and they are good quality some guys report.
Measure the ride height at the quarter panel above the wheel and compare to what is spec.
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if you go with reproduction you can contact Eaton directly (as stated above) they made the original IIRC. I had a pair of springs re-arched years ago and within a year and a half they started sagging. Maybe it was the company that did it, or maybe there is a better process now, but that was my experience.
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The spec on where to measure is in the 69 chassis service manual,section 4.5 fig.7 if you need it.
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if you go with reproduction you can contact Eaton directly (as stated above) they made the original IIRC.
Many of the original springs were made by the Eaton Corporation, which is still in business today; however, there is no connection between the Eaton Corporation and Eaton Detroit Spring - they're two completely separate businesses. Eaton Corp. is a HUGE multi-national business, and Eaton Detroit Spring is a family-owned Detroit spring service shop with full manufacturing and metallurgical capability.