leaf spring opinions pls

[ron72charger]

I am looking to replace leaf springs on my 72 charger 440 4spd. A lot of people like springs n things so I asked them for a quote. Came back at $250/pr for the  6 leaf HD. Good price but it seems like its half the price of many other places, even local shops(Burlington,Ontario). I love the fact that they are built in America. Is there something I am missing? Am I comparing apples to apples?

Thanks

[Nickrc3]

Ron72 - this morning I myself, E-mailed them for price quotes, as I need new leaf springs, shackles & bushings for my 68' Charger.
Laura quoted me some really great prices, especially for new U-bolts, shackles, etc.
My return questions to her were if their springs are new (made in the US) or rebuild/re-arched units. Also concerned with the OEM specifications, and if theirs have the same 7-pass/6-drv. leafs.
If I get positive clarification, I'll be ordering a set immediately. Probably will go with the 1" additional lift (an extra $20.00).

I'll let you know...

[Bronzedodge]

ESPO has a good rep from what i have heard over the years.  I bought springs from them when I had my 71 Fury Custom Suburban station wagon.  They were great - towed with the car a bit.  They did "settle" a bit after a week or two but all new leafs will do that.  You should ask for more arch if you want more height in the back.  Ever read the FSM chapter on springs?  It states they should be just about flat with normal weight in the car on a level surface.  FWIW.   

[ron72charger]

Nickrc3 - I'll be looking forward to Laura's answers. I'm also leaning towards a + 1.

[Nickrc3]

Ron, here's her response to my questions below. I'll likely place my order next week.


      Nick,  The leafs are new and are the correct ones for the 440 cars.  It's a 6 leaf for the left and 7 leaf for the right which is actually a 5 and one half on the left and 5 and two halves on the right same as Chrysler did originally.  They are similar design to the Mopar Performance XHD since those are the ones they make that are taken off the original 440 spring.  The Super Stock is a drag racing spring and you have to use a different front hanger and they sit 2-3 inches in over stock and crooked since they are made for drag racing and launching and running straight, not corners.  We don't have a spring comparable to that one, Mopar Performance is the only one that makes that. The ubolts come with the special deep nuts and are $16 for the set of 4.  We don't have sway bars or torsion bars.  I've attached a picture of them (the front half anyway) so you can see what they basically look like.

Laura
ESPO Springs n Things
800.903.9019 or 570.672.9413

Closed June 19-26, July 10


On 6/2/2015 7:31 PM, Nick wrote:

    Hi Laura, thank you for your prompt reply. Your quoted prices appear very attractive.

    Laura, please describe the following regarding your products:

        Are your leaf springs new or rebuild/re-arched? If new, are they manufactured here in the US?
        Do your springs match or exceed OEM specifications and do they have the identical number of leafs as I described earlier (7 pass. side & 6 driver side)? No modifications are required to the vehicle?
        Are your quoted springs similar to a Mopar Performance XHD spring or a Mopar Super-Stock spring?
        Your U-bolts - is $16.00 (set of 4) correct? Do they include nuts?
        Lastly, do you sell front torsion bars and sway bars for this specific vehicle? Pricing?

[Shakey]

Good Morning All,

I ordered springs from Eaton in Detroit.  Way back when, I was able to pick them up at the factory which saved on the freight costs.  They were pricey but many folks told me they were the best a guy could get, at least back then.

Build to factory specs.

http://www.eatondetroitspring.com/

A link to my thread about the trip picking them up with a few pictures.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,8647.0.html

The car has only been on the road for less than a year so I can't comment on how they will hold up.

[ottawamerc]

I bought my springs from them also (springs and things) plus new shackles and bushings. I give a  for this store and their products.

Scott

[Nickrc3]

Got received my order from ESPO Springs & Things - very impressed.

[303 Mopar]

Got received my order from ESPO Springs & Things - very impressed.

Did you order stock, the Hemi/440's or add any extra arch?  Please post pics of your car when you get them in as I'll be ordering some soon too.

[Nickrc3]

Did you order stock, the Hemi/440's or add any extra arch?  Please post pics of your car when you get them in as I'll be ordering some soon too.

...yes, I received the Hemi/XD springs with a 1" lift. Supposedly, the SS springs require frame/spring perch modifications which I'm not interested in performing.

As far as getting them installed on the vehicle, well, I've got a long way too go. I'm simply ordering as much as I can afford in my pre-retirement.

[HPP]

Supposedly, the SS springs require frame/spring perch modifications which I'm not interested in performing.

SS springs only require a new, longer style SS front hanger and longer stroke shocks. Otherwise, the are a direct bolt in, but can raise the rear ride height 3-4 inches over stock.

For a street car, you will probably be happier with the Espo springs.

[1970Moparmann]

Word of advice, don't by Mopar Performance ones.  I bought some 5 years ago and had to replace them this year.   The car all of a sudden started to bottom out. 

[suburbanfireman]

Mine too!  My mopar springs were made in Mexico.

[70-500-SE-EXPORT]

I have the MP super stock springs and like them.

[Back N Black]

I have the MP super stock springs and like them.

Do you have a picture with the SS springs installed?

[Hard Charger]

I also have the SS springs, gives the car a bit of a lift in the back. I like that. ride great.

if you like stock height these may not be for you.

[303 Mopar]

Did you order stock, the Hemi/440's or add any extra arch?  Please post pics of your car when you get them in as I'll be ordering some soon too.

...yes, I received the Hemi/XD springs with a 1" lift. Supposedly, the SS springs require frame/spring perch modifications which I'm not interested in performing.

As far as getting them installed on the vehicle, well, I've got a long way too go. I'm simply ordering as much as I can afford in my pre-retirement.

Hey Nick,
Did you order the Hemi springs with the 5 and one half on the left and 5 and two halfs on the right OR the HD springs with 6 full leaves?

[GMP440]

      I bought similar leaf springs from ESPO back in 2004 for my 68 Coronet 440.  These were the 6 left and 6 right HD leaf springs.  Very happy with them.
   The ride comfort is excellent.  Felt just like the stock 4 1/2 leaf springs that originally came on the car.
     Each spring leaf looked identical to the original leaf springs.  Only difference was that they didn't come with any zinc spring interliner that are in the middle of the stock leafs.   
   Laura was working  with ESPO back then.  She was able to answer questions for me.  She told me the same thing that they were new, not rebuilt/reached springs.
     I remember when I finished the installation, lowered the car on the ground.  I thought they shipped me the wrong springs because car sat too high in the back.
  The raised height looked to be 3 to 4" from the top of the rear tire to the top of the rear wheel opening.  Within two weeks, the springs settled down to about 2" between
  the top of the tire and the top of the wheel opening.
   Now, 11 years later; the springs are still holding their arch