Leaf Springs

[Brass]

Has anyone used the PST leaf springs?  At $400/set, they're ~$180 more than the XHD springs Mancini sells for $220.  Eaton springs are even more, at $478/pair + another $70 or so for the installation kit.  I'm wondering if either of those are worth it.  At a glance, Eaton is the only one that provides the rate and load numbers which are 130/800 respectively.

Any other recommendations for a stout, stock ride spring?  Maybe Firm Feel?  I don't want SS springs which seem taller, or anything from Mexico...

Thanks for the input!

[Brass]

Okay – I'm reconsidering the SS springs.  They don't look as high as I thought and I like a little rake.  I came across this thead:

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,33318.0.html

Any more pics of 2nd gen's w/SS springs?  Also, can SS springs be used with Bilstein RCD shocks?

Input still welcome on PST (or others) too.

Thanks again.

[472 R/T SE]

Looks like your car already has a little rake to it so the SS springs shouldn't make much of a difference. 

Are those air shocks doing that?

[HPP]

There is a lot more to leaf springs that lengths of steel strapped together. Good high quality leaf springs will have a smooth taper in the ends, consistent material thickness through the body of the leaf, good interliners, and the harder parts to discern, quality steel with good memory, maybe even shot peened with a leaf arrangement that supports each succeding leaf without creating bind or interference.

Without any first hand experience with any of those listed, except the mopar xhd,  I can't say why exactly they have such a wide price variance. I can say that there is alot of bad press about the quality of the mopar offerings, whcih may be reflective of or driving the price difference. I have read good reviews of Eaton and Espo. I'm impressed that Eaton advertises an actual rate and load number. A lto of reps do not have this information when inquiring.

SS springs were created as a solution to high powered drag launches. That doesn't mean you can't use them on the street, but they will have varying amounts of arch to them, which may create a little to a lot of rake. The high camber of these is not the best solution for handling purposes and the stiff front segment may produce harsher ride charateristics. However, if you're putting down a fair amount of power and ever like to do higher rpm launches, they are effective.

[Brass]

472:  That picture is with the front dropped on the torsions to 24" at the fender opening.  I really like the straight-forward look and I *thought* the rear end was stock height.  But I recently replaced the shocks and the rear dropped a little.  The old shocks I replaced (which were on it when I bought it) had coil-overs for added reinforcement and I think that's what brought the ass up a little.  Now it tends to rub if there's a dip in the road and I want to replicate the stance I had before.

HPP:  Thanks for your input!  I'm starting to think the SS springs will suit my needs for now.  I was worried they would raise the car too high but if I can vary the arch then that's probably what I need.  I don't mind a little harsher ride either.  On the other hand, I HATE sagging rear ends when someone is in back.  For now, they probably won't help my launch much with the power I'm putting down but it will definitely get there.  

One question:  Can I use Bilstein shock absorbers with the SS springs or do I have to get something longer?  

Kindly appreciated, guys!

[HPP]

I'd check with Bilstein before dropping coin on them with the SS springs. Typically you want to add a longer shock to match the added arch and increased travel the SS spring will allow (the rear of your car will lift 3-6 inches under accelleration with SS springs), so a stock length Bilstein will not have adequate travel, and I think a number of the shocks are actually desigend for lowered set ups. Rancho RS adjustables for a half ton pickup are actually the hot ticket for a lot of SS using drag set ups.

FWIW, the stock light duty or even the XHD set ups actually don't sit the rear up real high In their installed height they may only have a couple of inches of arch in them.

[bull]

I went with these guys for $180: http://www.springsnthings.com/chrysler-suspension-parts

For my wants/needs they had to be taken apart and painted. I also bought new (real) zinc interliners and the correct bands from Frank Badalson at Roger Gibson Restorations, but if that's not an issue you can just plug and play. Had not one side of my original springs been sagging I would have just done all that to them, but alas...

[Brass]

Thanks, Bull - I'll definately check these guys out!   

[70sixpkrt]

I have been running the SS springs for the last 2 years and I like them. I am using Rancho 9000 shocks for the rear. The SS springs did raise my rear aliitle and I like the look. I ended up lowering the rear by switching from the top hole to the bottom hole on the extended spring hangars.

[70sixpkrt]

[charger Downunder]

I have SS springs Kyb rear shocks. Rear tires  295/50 15 by 8 inch rims front 245/60 15 by 8 inch rims.

[poppa]

Who's got the SS springs?

[Brass]

I think Mancini carries them.

[Ghoste]

And any Chrysler dealer.  For that matter, anyplace that sells Mopar Performance parts.

[resq302]

Unless the Mopar Perf has had their process changed, they suck! I got my Mopar Perf ones (HD, not the SS type) and they sagged within 3 years.  The springs actually look more like a w now instead of the U.  I now have an original set that I am rebuilding.  Hopefully they will be done by next spring at the rate Im able to get to work on them!

If you are not concerned about original numbers on them, you can get new ones from Espo Springs n' Things or Eaton springs.

[Chryco Psycho]

The SS springs are better quality than the other HD mopar springs

[b5blue]

Unless the Mopar Perf has had their process changed, they suck! I got my Mopar Perf ones (HD, not the SS type) and they sagged within 3 years.  The springs actually look more like a w now instead of the U.  I now have an original set that I am rebuilding.  Hopefully they will be done by next spring at the rate Im able to get to work on them!

If you are not concerned about original numbers on them, you can get new ones from Espo Springs n' Things or Eaton springs.

I'm glad they are being restored!    I put a lot of happy miles on them, they have seen 120+MPH more than a couple times! 

[Ghoste]

Neil, are the HD ones and the SS ones even made in the same facility?

[b5blue]

Most likely (?) I'm testing a set of new Mopar HD's and looking for sag. 2 years and they and the Mopar big block T bars doing fine.

[Ghoste]

I hope they work out for you.  Really haven't heard too many (any?) success stories with the HD ones.

[bill440rt]

I hope they work out for you.  Really haven't heard too many (any?) success stories with the HD ones.

Most likely (?) I'm testing a set of new Mopar HD's and looking for sag. 2 years and they and the Mopar big block T bars doing fine.

I've had the MP HD springs on my '68 for at least 10-12 years now, they're still doing fine.

[Ghoste]

Awesome!  I would rather start hearing good reports about them instead of more bad news from MP.

[HPP]

I have never had a set of bad XHD springs on my cars and I've installed three on my own vehicles since the early 90s. When I was a retailer, I sold about a half dozen sets with similar results. But then again, I knew they would go into the install in a basically flat position. Prior to closing any sale I usually went through a review of objectives with the buyer because if you are picking up XHD springs with the intent of lifting the rear, you will be disappointed. I did have guys who chose not to buy XHDs after doing this review with them. However, I was a small fry in a big retail world and providing that level of service means I wasn't moving as much product and eventually had to quit the retail business because too many people simply shop price and I couldn't cut margins any more to be competitive.

[resq302]

There had been a problem with MP's quality of them back around 2005 or there abouts.  I am not the only one who has complained about the sagging metalurgy as I was just replacing what had been in my car when I got it.  I was not trying to upgrade the stance or anything like that.  Yes, it did raise up the rear end a little but its to the point where the car is like it is under throttle even standing still with the back end sagging a little.  Maybe they have fixed their issues since then, maybe not.  I dunno.     All I am going by is experience.

[Ghoste]

Yeah, my understanding was not of whether the springs could raise the back but that they sagged after a period of time.