Are 1972 and 1973 rear springs same size? Can I buy XHD springs for my 73?

[russg]

Can I buy the XHD mopar springs (pre 73 non spring padded) for my 73 and use with the spring isolators / pads?  Should they be able to drop right in?

[FLG]

I dont think so. I just got springs from

http://www.springsnthings.com/

Very helpful. When i spoke to the lady on the phone i told she actually asked if i was going with a 73-74 rear or am i using a older style (non isolated rear). I told her i was switching to the older style and she told me that i need to get 71-72 springs because im no longer using the isolator setup. Same length but i guess they mount differently.

Also if you ask for the Mopar XHD springs she will tell you that they arent really true XHD springs. I then asked her for her recomendation and she advised me to go with (ill count when i get home) but i think it was 6 or 7 leafs.

Got em 280 or so shipped.

Didnt install them  yet so dont know how they are, but seem good.

[flyinlow]

I put Mopar XHD on my 73. Howerver Installed an 8 3/4 axle from a '71 RR at the sametime. No Isolators and differrent shock mount plates.

The '73- 8 1/4 axle I took out had a larger button that locates the spring to the stirups on the axle . About 1 1/4 inch in diameter if I remember correctly. The pre 73's just had an acorn nut on the bottom of the bolt that goes thru the leafs. About 5/8 in.

[Nacho-RT74]

talking about STOCK SPRING ITSELF is the same size and everything. Center guide stud and the related parts is the diff... and front bushing ( just the bushing, not the spring loop )

front hanger is diff too due the diff bushing size, changing the bolt size then so the bolt hole at hanger. Bushing is different being thicker isolation, making smaller center bushing

here a diagram I made recently to ilustratre both assemblies. Matching everything from right year setup you want, you shouldn't have problems

[russg]

I see the difference for the Isolator mounts, decided to pick up stock style from ESPO (Springs and Things) and go to poly isolators to firm things up, Edelbrock performers for shocks.

[Nacho-RT74]

non iso uses 5/16" studs... iso uses 3/8"... forgot to say that

[FLG]

Ive seen that diagram before!! LOL!

I got the 6 leaf from ESPO. But wont be installing them for awhile, if you get to it soon please take some pics of ride height and how they ride.

[Nacho-RT74]

Ive seen that diagram before!! LOL!

really? 

[russg]

Will do FLG

[russg]

In the process of changing them out....Hope I never have to deal with rusty u-bolts again!

[russg]

Done!

[ACUDANUT]

 What kind of shocks are those ?. Lets see the stance. (pic of the ride height)

[Nacho-RT74]

IAS Eddys shocks. not available to 73/74 fronts, just rears because they are all the same to all the years

[russg]

Weather finally cooperating to take the cover off (damn I hate Winter!)  NOTE: I eneded up installing a 1" lowering block to get the look you see here.  It was just way too high for me.  I'm assuming once I can get some miles on it it will settle to about the perfect riding height,  I have not had the opportunity to get a good drive with it since we've been under attack by Winter storms since installing these.  The car has a good firm bounce to it and I know will be far better than what I just took off.

[Nacho-RT74]

I'm curious about... how did you install the lowering block on the iso assembly?

[russg]

Found this picture from an online article from Car Craft magazine and pretty much copied what they did here and works good, you mount it between the top isolator and the spring.  I had to modify the aluminum block a little bit by carefully drilling out a larger hole for the longer post thats on our 73 springs to fit in but aluminum is pretty easy to work with.  Just need to trim the longer ubolts I have on it now when it gets a bit warmer.

[Nacho-RT74]

more less what I did then



just that I fit aluminium pipe spacers between top and bottom brackets at U boltd to save the isolators from being squeezed.

mods I made is remove the spring guide stud top bushing, and fit it on top guide of the block

[Paul G]

My 72 rides like a log wagon, and the rear is a bit high. Where did you get a lowering block from?

[russg]

Believe it or not my local Autozone had a bunch of differnt sized kits on the shelf.  Will drive it like this for a short while to see if it settles more, might try a 2" block

[ACUDANUT]

 Cool Stance, I love the rear in the air and the front lowered a tad bit.