Leaf springs: L, R, or does it matter?

[bull]

This is regarding a base model 383 Charger with five leaves on each side, not the screwy extra-leaf-on-one-side cars. Is there any difference between the L and R side because I just don't see how there could be. And I really don't see a difference in the front hangers and the shackles side to side either. I really don't want to try keeping track of what came from where if I don't have to once I take everything apart.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I would think not....looking at a few '69 383 BS's they have "212" in both Lt & Rt boxes under springs.

My R/T has "795" for the left & "965" for the right...these are the last digits of the part #'s  

[bull]

I would think not....looking at a few '69 383 BS's they have "212" in both Lt & Rt boxes under springs.

My R/T has "795" for the left & "965" for the right...these are the last digits of the part #'s  

Ok, that helps. I'll look for part numbers when I take them apart and write them all down if I find any.

[Chryco Psycho]

even on even # leaf packs the bottom leaf extends further forward on the right side so I will bet if you look closely you will see there is a difference , so yes it matters , if you want extra traction put a square top U bolt over the front section of the leaf & clamp it tight , this will stiffen the front spring pack acting as a traction bar

[maxwellwedge]

I would think not....looking at a few '69 383 BS's they have "212" in both Lt & Rt boxes under springs.

My R/T has "795" for the left & "965" for the right...these are the last digits of the part #'s  

Ok, that helps. I'll look for part numbers when I take them apart and write them all down if I find any.

Bull - The number is visable if you lay on the floor and look up at the bottom of the leaf spring. It is on the end of one of the leafs and is stamped-in east to west......should have a pic somewhere on this machine........

[bull]

Like you say, the bottom leaf on both sides has the same p/n and they are the same length, as are all the leaves side to side. There are no major differences and they have the same numbers. They have to be interchangeable.

[Chryco Psycho]

There you go , you answered your own question !!

[bull]

Well, speaking of answering my own question, after taking everything apart and assessing the situation it appears that the passenger side springs have sagged more than the driver's side springs (you can sort of see it in the pic below). It looks like there's betwen 7/16" and 1/2" difference between the arch in the longest and second longest leaf from side to side. I could get them re-arched but that would cost me $250-$300 to get all ten leaves done, which is already more money than a pair of new MP ones through Firm Feel. Not to mention the cost of sandblasting, painting and $150 worth of front and rear bushings and the shim/strap kit to rebuild the originals. I'm not going to put these springs all back together only to have the passenger side sitting lower. Looks like I'll be paying a visit to Firm Feel pretty soon.

[Chryco Psycho]

you can always cross load the car by adding more load to the higher rear spring by adjusting the opposite Tbar higher

[bull]

you can always cross load the car by adding more load to the higher rear spring by adjusting the opposite Tbar higher

I also thought about doing a mix and match with the leaves side to side an see if it comes out even.

[bull]

Nah, forget that. I don't feel like messing around with this 43-year-old spring metal. I'm buying new.

[resq302]

I don't know if Mopar Perf. fixed their issues with their leave springs or not but a year and a half after I got mine installed on my charger, it is sagging big time.  The long springs actually look like a w with how they arch.  With money being tight right now, I can't afford to replace them at this point but I am thinking of going with Espo Springs and Things as they can give you a higher arch if you want the rear sitting up higher or not.

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree , I cannot recommend the Mopar springs , they will sag fast

[bull]

  Figures.

Well...

[resq302]

I agree , I cannot recommend the Mopar springs , they will sag fast

Yup! They'll sag faster than an 80 year old womans boobies!   

[bull]

I contacted Espo Springs and Things about it and they only charge $180/pair. Is Espo any good?

[Chryco Psycho]

Yes if you can figure out the height you need

[bull]

Yes if you can figure out the height you need

The price I asked for was on the OEM style so maybe they copy the stock height. Even with $72 in shipping charges Espo is still about $30 less than the saggy MP springs without shipping. At least through Firm Feel.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I have ESPO springs in my car for about 12+ years now with no sagging to speak of.

The MP stuff is made from Mexico crap steel.  ESPO used to be made in the USA with USA steel back in the day (hopefully they still are but for $180 they might not be?)

Another good USA company is Eaton Detroit Springs but a bit pricey....Stock height R/T springs are $240 EACH!!

http://www.eatonsprings.com/

http://www.eatonsprings.com/68-70dodge.html

[bull]

Thanks for reminding me to ask them about that. If they start throwing the word "global" around  when it comes to production and material sourcing questions you know they mean China or Mexico.

[bull]

Here's what I got back from Espo today (they have been VERY good about email replies):

Me - Where are your springs made and where does the metal come from? Is this some crappy Mexican/Chinese stuff or is it domestic? I don't want to see them sagging in a year or two.

Espo - They are American made and the metal comes from Canada. They will not sag in a year or two like the crappy Mexican ones that Mopar is making. The problem with those is that they are contract bid to the cheapest bidder.

Laura
ESPO Springs 'n Things
www.espo.com
800-903-9019 M-Th 10:00 AM-5:00 PM and Fri 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Eastern

So far I can't find anything wrong with Espo.

[Chryco Psycho]

Most people I have talked with have been happy with Espo
the problems usually involve ride height , when ordering a slight increase in height people have been disappointed with them either being too low or high compared to what they expected , Espo offer stock, +1 , +2 & +3 ride height , the problem is not all car sit the same height so you order stock but maybe your car sat higher stock or lower stock , so the +1 might put the car where you want it or 2 " higher than you want .
My chal had stock springs under it & sat extremely low , using their stock spring may have raised it properly , I doubt it would have sat as low as it did !!

[bull]

Actually, I liked the ride height where it was with these stock, 43-year-old springs so I'm guessing Espo's stock set would make it sit a little bit taller than that - which should be fine. I'm not into the jacked up look so I'll probably go with stock. I'm surprised that I can get these for less than I can rebuild my originals.

[Chryco Psycho]

Cool let us know how it works out

[FLG]

My espo springs looked just great, though i haven't put them in yet.