Leaf Spring recommendations

Post by **MattH** » Wed Jul 29, 15 12:56 am

I think I need to replace the rear springs on the Chally. It sags a bit and the air shocks dont hold air and i know they are a bad idea.

Where to get springs then? Is Hotchkiss the only option or are there others.

I will probably need shocks too, so any suggestions on a good all round set up, without going mad?

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Wed Jul 29, 15 6:54 am

Matt, I looked into this and it gets spends. Most U.S. Mopar sites don't rate the MOpar Performance springs arguing that cheap metal and poor quality control is a problem.
ESPO Springs do your springs and are well rated, but not cheap.
You can also buy Bilsteins for your car now which would suit the racer image.
At least Hotchkiss do suspension for your car, they don't for mine, sadly.

adrianp · Post by **adrianp** » Wed Jul 29, 15 7:05 am

This is one of the winter projects I've been looking at too as my rear leafs looks like they have had it. Eaton, ESPO, Hotchkis are all options here. With Eaton and ESPO you can specify exactly what you want - spring rates, specific height adjustments or just stock. FirmFeel do leafs as well but not heard much about them on the forums.

Eaton were pretty pricey and ESPO were cheaper but your still paying more than the MP springs. The other option is to re-temper your current springs and/or add-a-leaf which you can get from Summit.

This thread just started a few weeks ago on FBBO so may be worth keeping an eye on:

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforu ... SE-RESPOND!!

Shocks wise, probably the BILSTEIN from FirmFeel would be a good bet.

adrian.

Mick · Post by **Mick** » Wed Jul 29, 15 8:06 am

Matt, you can fit A body SS springs on an E body, you just need a longer front hanger which they sell as well.
Mick

ANTON · Post by **ANTON** » Wed Jul 29, 15 8:15 am

Matt
Remove your and get them re-arched and re-tempered. I did mine 6 years ago and they are still great. I add an extra leaf to stiffen up the rear.

sprintgtvgus · Post by **sprintgtvgus** » Wed Jul 29, 15 8:34 am

Give these guys a try:

Company: Brost Forge Ltd
Address: Unit 7
149 Roman Way
London
N7 8XH
Contact: Mr Chris Wann
Telephone: 020 7607 2311
Category: springs
Area scope: london

I used them to fix and make good a leaf spring from our 1939 Ford V8. They made a good job of it.

Bilko · Post by **Bilko** » Wed Jul 29, 15 8:57 am

I've just fitted Hotchkiss rear leaf springs to my car, along with Koni shocks and they are a great improvement. if you want Matt you are welcome to take it for a blast and see what you think?

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Wed Jul 29, 15 9:27 am

I think getting you old ones re-arched is the cheapest option - and you get what you want regarding ride height.

However, it means .....your car is up on blocks for a while...we could discuss Friday.

TW71 · Post by **TW71** » Wed Jul 29, 15 11:29 am

Go for what Anton recommended.

I fitted new ones, heavy duty 'Mopar' type years back, they seemed too soft even then. Wish they fitted coil overs, not a fan of arched springs I must say.

Dave999 · Post by **Dave999** » Wed Jul 29, 15 11:42 am

I had mine reset via Anton

lovely

I have the correct height and appropriately compliant springs for my chosen shock

i.e standard as, as standard is..proper and working right

I have some spare plastics if you want. let me know you may need more than the 4 i have

I used 0.9mm sheet zinc off ebay to make the interliners

cut sheet into strips as wide as the spring

drill hole 1 plastic length from one end

face strips forward

cut off after spring end but before anything gets in the way like the plastic spring end slider

sure beats $100+ per side for the mopar performance kit (galvanised steel rubbish)

self lubricating springs

Dave

morgan · Post by **morgan** » Wed Jul 29, 15 3:27 pm

Just fitted hotchkis. Easy bolt on. Rides really nice. They are supposedly 1" lower than stock, but they look lower to me. I was hoping for a little more up - although I must admit one of the hangers is damn near horizontal... (well, not quite, but its got a fair old lean on it)

cadboy · Post by **cadboy** » Mon Aug 03, 15 6:57 am

I am thinking of the changing mine this winter too as the rear spring is too soft so will be interested in finding the best way to get the correct ones.

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Mon Aug 03, 15 7:30 am

Almost nothing available for my car so I fitted an Add a Leaf set up yesterday. Works really well. Car sits 1,5" higher and rides much firmer. Cost about £35.

Post by **MattH** » Mon Aug 03, 15 8:23 am

MilesnMiles wrote:Almost nothing available for my car so I fitted an Add a Leaf set up yesterday. Works really well. Car sits 1,5" higher and rides much firmer. Cost about £35.

That sounds like a plan, I need to raise mine about that, do you have the details of where to get it?

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Mon Aug 03, 15 4:43 pm

Matt, these guys
http://m.summitracing.com/parts/EXP-13120
Easy fix just undo u bolts and drop front spring hanger