New rear leaf springs

[moparjohn]

OK, I am thinking of replacing my rear springs as they are the orignals and need help to keep the car level.  I would like to know how do I go about getting a pair of leaves that let the car sit right AND perform well.
                                Here's what I want;
                                The car should have a slight rake to it-rear being higher but not too high, around 27.5-28" from floor to center lip of
                                 wheelwell. (255/60/15's)
                                 the springs  should not sag with 4 people in the car (too much anyway)
                                 do I get/use rubber or poly bushings?
                                 New shocks KYB's probably
                                                                          Thanks John

[resq302]

John,

If I remember correctly, there is a place in Patterson (not certain) that will either beef up your existing springs or recurve them to fit your needs.  As for going with poly, I tried going that route on my Jeep and will never install them again as they were a pain to get in, and even with using the lube they supplied, they squeeked like hell.  Rubber also absorbs much of the shock if you should hit a hole in the road or a bump.  Polys will only transfer the shock to the body which can lead to welds breaking or sheet metal tearing.

Just my opinion but when I redid my suspension, I chose to go rubber all the way.  Hell, the originals lasted 30+ years.   Why change a good thing?

[moparjohn]

I was thinking of using the XD springs from mopar, but I don't know where they will "sit" Thanks Brian, I'll see if I can find the place. John

[resq302]

John, if you are referring to the Heavy Duty leaf springs that came on the 440s and hemi cars, that is what I currently have on my car.  I found the cheapest place to get them from was Summit Racing.

Brian

[Chatt69chgr]

Summit Racing lists them for close to $200 for the pair and added to that is their $11 handling charge and $6ea extra shipping for a total of $223.  The MSRP on these from Dodge is between $109 each to $112 each plus tax depending on which dealer you look at.  No shipping or handling.  If you can get your Dodge place to give you a better price than MSRP, that might be a good place to buy.  I have seen wholesale prices listed between $87.40 and $92.40.  Assuming the second figure, that would be about $202 assuming an approximate 9% tax rate (it's high where I live).  I can't find them any cheaper anywhere else. 

I have heard these were a lot cheaper as late as December 2006 (don't really know) but I think DCC has had a price increase on a lot of items in their "performance" line beginning in early Jan 2007.  Does anyone know how often DCC has price adjustments?  Once a quarter? Semi-annually? Or on an annual basis?  Or whenever they want to?  Would be interesting to have an idea when the next "hit" might occur so you could plan your purchasing accordingly--------assuming that you won't need the item for a while.

[moparjohn]

Brain, can you measure the cars hieght from the ground to the center of the wheel arch? and do you have 14"s or15" tires?? Thanks 

[y3chargerrt]

John, This is my Charger with the xhd Mopar springs and 255 60 15s.

[moparjohn]

Looks good Ron, thats about what I'm looking for. John

[resq302]

John,

My charger has stock F70-14 bias ply tires.  I probably wont have a chance to get to my parents house to measure it for you for another couple days.