Thoughts on leaf removal???
10-19-2018, 11:16 AM
#1
2nd Gear
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Thoughts on leaf removal???
I’m thinking about removing a couple of leafs from my c3. Has anyone done this??
I cant source the material that goes between the leafs, but the stuff I can get is slightly thicker… making a higher stance. My thoughts are, it will soften the ride and still get original height. Will I need to get a rear sway bar if I go this route???
cheers
I cant source the material that goes between the leafs, but the stuff I can get is slightly thicker… making a higher stance. My thoughts are, it will soften the ride and still get original height. Will I need to get a rear sway bar if I go this route???
cheers
10-19-2018, 11:33 AM
#2
Race Director
Purchase the proper composite spring from Van Steel.
You can soften, firm up or keep the standard ride depending on the spring.
Adjust your ride height buy using 8" spring bolts.
If you plan to use your car for street cruising only, you probably would never need a rear sway bar.
You can soften, firm up or keep the standard ride depending on the spring.
Adjust your ride height buy using 8" spring bolts.
If you plan to use your car for street cruising only, you probably would never need a rear sway bar.
10-19-2018, 11:40 AM
#3
Melting Slicks
Purchase the proper composite spring from Van Steel.
You can soften, firm up or keep the standard ride depending on the spring.
Adjust your ride height buy using 8" spring bolts.
If you plan to use your car for street cruising only, you probably would never need a rear sway bar.
You can soften, firm up or keep the standard ride depending on the spring.
Adjust your ride height buy using 8" spring bolts.
If you plan to use your car for street cruising only, you probably would never need a rear sway bar.
Search for info on the 'glass spring and matching shocks. You will be surprised how much better the ride will be!!
10-19-2018, 03:05 PM
#4
If you are trying to save the $$ and that's why you're considering relining with a thicker material, how much will the stance really change? If not a lot, you could go to 8" bolts on the ends and drop the rear -- a lot of people do that when they install an aftermarket spring and stance is too high. Keep in mind, though, that if you thicken the spring/liner stack by much, you may need different bolts in the bottom of the center spring plate, into the rear end. Also remember, when reinstalling, to set the weight of the car on the spring before tightening those 4 bolts into the rear end, or you may crack the cover.
As noted above, though, and an investment isn't out of the question, many of us highly recommend Van Steel composite springs. They provide a really nice ride, coupled with a fresh set of shocks. I am running a Van Steel 330 composite and Bilstein shocks, and it handles excellent + rides comfortably. The original, rusty, steel multi-leaf was like riding on a 2x6.
As noted above, though, and an investment isn't out of the question, many of us highly recommend Van Steel composite springs. They provide a really nice ride, coupled with a fresh set of shocks. I am running a Van Steel 330 composite and Bilstein shocks, and it handles excellent + rides comfortably. The original, rusty, steel multi-leaf was like riding on a 2x6.
Last edited by JoeMinnesota; 10-19-2018 at 03:11 PM.
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titanle (10-19-2018)
10-19-2018, 05:21 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
good information, I've been thinking of changing out the old rusty stock rear leaf too.
10-19-2018, 09:01 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
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I’m thinking about removing a couple of leafs from my c3. Has anyone done this??
I cant source the material that goes between the leafs, but the stuff I can get is slightly thicker… making a higher stance. My thoughts are, it will soften the ride and still get original height. Will I need to get a rear sway bar if I go this route???
cheers
I cant source the material that goes between the leafs, but the stuff I can get is slightly thicker… making a higher stance. My thoughts are, it will soften the ride and still get original height. Will I need to get a rear sway bar if I go this route???
cheers
1)cost nothing
2)lowered the car
3)looked cool
4)Rode like crap!!!
Get a fiberglass spring.
Richard
10-19-2018, 11:06 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
For street use with the Bilstein hd shocks would a 330 or 360 be better?
10-19-2018, 11:12 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
Thank you for that. My car still has the old steel springs, how drastic of a difference is it switching to composite?
10-20-2018, 01:35 PM
#10
Melting Slicks
I have cut 550 lb springs up front and a shortened 360 lb spring in the rear. Cut springs raises the rate. I have Bilstein Sports all the way around and modern 18" tires. The first thing everybody says when they ride in is it rides nice, a lot better than they thought it would. Everyone has their own idea what a good ride is. You will never get a Cadillac ride out of one of these cars, even is you soften it enough to ruin the handling.
Mike
Mike
10-20-2018, 04:09 PM
#11
Burning Brakes
I don’t expect it to ride anything like a modern car but it’s good to know that it’s at least comfortable. I ended up going with the 460 front springs and now I’m trying to find a decent price rear spring to complete the setup.