New leaf springs or rebuild originals?

[brianz426]

I'm replacing all my brake lines and detailing the rearend housing on my '69 383 A/T Road Runner. My rear springs are sagging so I might as well do all of this at the same time. I noticed there is a big difference in some of the prices of new springs. Eaton , ESPO, any pluses or minuses to either brand? I'm reluctant to have originals rebuilt because I here some companies add a leaf. I'd prefer the stock look and ride height. What do you all think? Any other brands or suppliers to recommend.
Thanks

[HPP]

Well, springs do fatigue with time, so I'd vote for new ones. Espo and Eaton both have good reputations, but Espos are priced a little better.

The re-arch with add a leaf will not look obviously different than original and may only add 1-2 iches in ride height. However, prices can also be an issue as I've seen some companies charge as much for a re-arch as you can buy new springs. Shopping around pays off here.

[68X426]

Brian: you may want to consider leaving the originals out and going to a mono spring/CalTrac setup. As an upgrade, it has been awesome on my Hemi RR. Lots of info and opinions available here on the forum regarding CalTracs.

http://www.calvertracing.com/index.php

[Mike DC]

Re-arching without heat is a waste of money.  But if you get the re-arching done correctly then it'll work fine.


The MP replacement springs were shite for a while (sagged quickly) and I don't know whether they fixed them or not.

 

[roger440]

Depends if want a "correct" look or not. A monoleaf isn't going to look original.

Ive just rebuilt mine with new clamps, wear pads and zinc interliners. Come up really good. Painted the leaves too. Mine have sagged a bit, but i prefer it a bit lower so thats good too.