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Leaf spring questions

Started by 66FBCharger, January 25, 2016, 08:10:31 AM

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66FBCharger

I just started looking into buying new leaf sprigs for my wife's 1973 'cuda 340. If I order 340 springs with a +1" arch, does that translate to a full inch in increased rear height? Does the spring rate having any effect on rear body height? If I put a spring that is for a 440 car (spring rate 125#) vs, the 340's spring rate of 110#, will the rear height be the same?
'69 Charger R/T 440 4 speed T5, '70 Road Runner 440+6 4 speed, '73 'Cuda 340 4 speed, '66 Charger 383 Auto
SOLD!:'69 Charger R/T S.E. 440 4 speed 3.54 Dana rolling body

303 Mopar

If your Cuda's current springs are old, you will notice a bigger difference in height with new springs.  The 440 springs will be a little higher and stiffer with the additional leafs.  Add +1" raises the rear "approximately" an additional inch, more like 7/8".  You should also consider replacing all hardware (eye bolts, U bolts, shackles) and bushings, depending on how old.  These have a tendency to fall apart or break when you are replacing the springs. I would highly suggest calling Laura and ESPO, she is great to work with and can answer all your questions.  http://www.springsnthings.com/
1968 Charger - 1970 Cuda - 1969 Sport Satellite Convertible

66FBCharger

Yes the springs are old. I would replace all the hardware. I am just struggling with the standard springs or the +1". I don't want the rear of the car way up high.
Thanks for your response. I contacted ESPO for a quote and they are lower than Eaton. They responded quickly. I will probably buy from them.
'69 Charger R/T 440 4 speed T5, '70 Road Runner 440+6 4 speed, '73 'Cuda 340 4 speed, '66 Charger 383 Auto
SOLD!:'69 Charger R/T S.E. 440 4 speed 3.54 Dana rolling body

Back N Black

I orderd springs from the dealer on Friday, $240 for the pair.

66FBCharger

Quote from: Back N Black on January 25, 2016, 12:29:19 PM
I orderd springs from the dealer on Friday, $240 for the pair.
Back n Black,
What kind of springs did you order? $240 a pair is an awesome price.
'69 Charger R/T 440 4 speed T5, '70 Road Runner 440+6 4 speed, '73 'Cuda 340 4 speed, '66 Charger 383 Auto
SOLD!:'69 Charger R/T S.E. 440 4 speed 3.54 Dana rolling body

Back N Black

I ordered the Mopar XHD springs. Stock for a 2 gen R/T.

303 Mopar

Quote from: Back N Black on January 25, 2016, 02:30:57 PM
I ordered the Mopar XHD springs. Stock for a 2 gen R/T.

The XHD's are going to raise the rear end.  IMHO ESPO are the best springs out there, made in the US, and are at a great price.
1968 Charger - 1970 Cuda - 1969 Sport Satellite Convertible

Back N Black

Sorry, I was thinking you were looking for stock stance.

HPP

Quote from: 66FBCharger on January 25, 2016, 08:10:31 AM
I just started looking into buying new leaf sprigs for my wife's 1973 'cuda 340. If I order 340 springs with a +1" arch, does that translate to a full inch in increased rear height? Does the spring rate having any effect on rear body height? If I put a spring that is for a 440 car (spring rate 125#) vs, the 340's spring rate of 110#, will the rear height be the same?

Typically, adding +1 will add an inch of ride height, but it may settle a bit above or below that.
Spring camber (arch) and rate are two seperate features of a spring and will not be identical. Camber impacts height, rate does not, so yes, a 440 and 340 spring should be at the same ride height.


Quote from: 303 Mopar on January 25, 2016, 03:03:49 PM
Quote from: Back N Black on January 25, 2016, 02:30:57 PM
I ordered the Mopar XHD springs. Stock for a 2 gen R/T.

The XHD's are going to raise the rear end.  IMHO ESPO are the best springs out there, made in the US, and are at a great price.

I wouldn't bet on the XHDs lifting the rear unless your original springs are in really, really bad shape adn have negative arch. In stock position, mopar leafs are nearly flat with minimal arch. XHD restore the original ride height of 440 and Hemi cars. But I agree Espos might be the best choice for the OP if he wants an increased ride height.