Rear springs

VGVIP · Post by **VGVIP** » Tue Sep 10, 13 5:07 pm

Questions...

Are the Aussie Valiant VE, VF, VG, VH etc. leaf springs all the same dimensions?

Are these the same as US A-bodies? Certain years?

What about the U bolts to suit the BW axle tubes?

From what I have read they probably are but I would like to know for sure before trying to find a decent usable set.

I am sure Dave will have all the answers I need.

Dave999 · Post by **Dave999** » Mon Sep 16, 13 12:59 pm

VE VF VG the same i believe

VH and later got very very flat springs.... and the chargers were different again.

i have a set of charger springs if you need the shorter leafs

i.e with a Charger i can't go to the US to get a new set of mexican springs for $160

which is why i put may faith in good old aussie steel and had mine fettled via Anton at the forge where he had his done.

i got my plastic sliders through WASP ($20 for 6 rather than $16 AUD each) and purchased Zinc in 0.8 mm and cut it to length for the liners between. aussie springs had no zinc US springs did and still do but the replacemnet zinc interliner sets are just galvanised steel plate....rrrrrrrruuuubish, and cost $110 a set.

zinc plate of ebay cut same width as spring drilled a hole (1 full length of plastic slider from end of zinc)
covers the clamp bolt area and go forward to about 1/2 to an inch from the forward spring clamp. i have a completely smooth a silent rear end

clamps are clamps are clamps so either anton or the spring place sorted that

think the u bolts are the same for any mopar with the same diameter axle tube...i just can't remeber what it is, easy to measure

you can spot orginal chrylser U bolts, they are flat round the U and have a cross hatch pattern

designed not to crush tube and not slip. so unless completely corroded or the threads are done in, i'd try to keep the originals, unless they have been tightend by a complete animal they should be ok.

i'd suggest 2 door dart in the US, springs would fit 2 door aussie VF VG

if you know that 2 door is the same as 4 door (that bit i don't know) you could probably use any plymouth dodge spring for an A body from about 67 to 71.

your axle length and spring perch setting is per US A body on a VG. mine is same as mid 60s B body

unless you have snapped spring leaves i'd get the orginals done.

heat em, bend em, heat em, you choose ride height and sprig rate...stick in extra leaf if you want to tow, avoid watching somthing new, expensive to ship, and possibly substandard, sag faster than the orginals did.

dave

VGVIP · Post by **VGVIP** » Mon Sep 16, 13 3:10 pm

Hi Dave.

Thanks for the info.

This is what I have gathered so far...

Parts book. Does not include VG and there was little to no difference between VF & VG VIP... and I know my code is P-41 looks like they were a different spring to the other VF. I guess this is only to cater for different body types and loads so will be spring rates and number of leaves rather than dimensions.

Going by specs on the VG range that I can find:
They all take a 55" x 2.5" spring.
At 3235lb VG VIP is 120lb heavier than the VG Hardtop. I expect the VG hardtop will be almost identical to the late 60's Dart hardtop in weight.

So these may be an option from Summit:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dcc-4510268
and
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dcc-4510269
or this pair:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hss-24385

Total including shipping and import duty comes to about US$680, roughly £430

This in Oz makes me think they are the same as the mopar performance XHD springs from Summit. Anyway it suggests that all Aussie mopar except for Charger (as you said) can use the same US a-body spring.
http://www.pentastarparts.com.au/store/ ... ail&p=5715

Got to admit I don't know why there is a difference in Left to Right spring in the top pair for street but I would like to understand if someone knows.... I thought they just had to be matched not handed.

Roughly how much did your spring rebuild cost and how long did it take you.... Have to balance cost and time more carefully with second baby on the way now.

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Mon Sep 16, 13 8:45 pm

If regular A Body flavour is what you need, I will have the springs from the Valiant available at some point, they still have a decent arch on them.

VGVIP · Post by **VGVIP** » Mon Sep 16, 13 9:04 pm

Hi Blue.

Very kind of you to let me know.

Just had a look at some pics of your Valiant and it does seem a bit higher than mine but is hard to tell as the rear arch is a slightly different shape I think... that and there is probably more weight over the rear axle of mine.
Do you have any better pics than the ones I just saw when I followed the link on your name?
Why are you changing, are you settling it up to race?
When are you planning to change them?
I am in no mad rush.

Cheers

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Mon Sep 16, 13 9:26 pm

Steve, I will try and get you some better pictures. I'm going to be changing to Cal tracs and mono leafs for drag racing. I'm thinking it will be a few months yet before I have the parts, don't know how that fits in with your time frame.

VGVIP · Post by **VGVIP** » Mon Sep 16, 13 9:45 pm

That's good for me.
Passed the mot last week but I may have to at least replace the bushes next year. But the tired old springs have been anoying me for a couple of years.
So if your springs are better and have a bit of life in 'em I'll re-bush them and just swap them in.

Was just trying to find weight specs for your Valiant and couldn't find any.... did see that the 318 4 speed had a higher rated 6 leaf spring than the other engine and box combos.
My VG VIP came with and does have 5 leaf springs.

VGVIP · Post by **VGVIP** » Mon Sep 16, 13 10:03 pm

Forgot to ask...
If anything else falls of your Valiant in the process that may be of interest give me a shout.
Like a diff if you are going for something larger or lower ratio.
Or original radiator, fuel tank etc.
Anything that may be of no use to you but may make a good spare.
Money paid of course.

Dave999 · Post by **Dave999** » Tue Sep 17, 13 2:41 pm

I believe that left and right spring different due to the right spring having to cope with the reaction of the diff housing in relation to the action of the prop shaft.

put em on wrong way round and you spend you life rear steering slightly 1 way or popping 1 wheel skids at inoppotune times

dave