Re: Rear Spring Question?

Posted by Bob Carabbio on November 30, 1997 at 00:05:56

In Reply to: Rear Spring Question?
posted by Fred Murphy on November 29, 1997 at 21:53:19

Does the term "Tighter than a bull's ears" ring a bell??
Actually the rear U bolts MUST be tight since that's where the lateral stability of the car comes from. the rear spring should become "ONE" with the crossmember.I went to just about 75-80 foot pounds on mine, and I've seen suggestions that even tighter is better, but 75-80 should be sufficient.
Loose U-bolts will cause broken leaves.
The center bolt should also be tight (20-25 foot pounds or so), but MUST also be Vertical with everything tightened. If it's off at an angle, then the spring isn't stacked straight and the rear of the car will be offset.
Repro U-bolts are typically too long. Cut the excess off and re-drill the cotter holes.
A lot of the folk in the Dallas club are installing the plastic liners in their springs, and leaving out the top leaf (so the stack doesn't get too high).You do have to re-tighten with the plastic, though, since it flows a bit.
Bob Carabbio

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