Leaf spring difference.

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circlepilot

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Are the factory leaf springs in a 65 Barracuda 273, (180hp) 3 speed manual, heavier (stouter) than the factory springs in a 65 Barracuda Super 225, A904? Both of my two cars have a 7 1/4 rear end.
Norm
 
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Must be a tough question, by the amount of responses.:rolleyes:

In fairness, it's a tough question for you too! :)
Someone has posted up the shop manuals for pretty much all of the a-body models. I am pretty certain that this would clear up the question.
 
Pretty much. You have to have a '65 Parts Book. Then look up the Leaf Pack for each. Then if the p/n are different, look at the main leaf part number and see if they are the same or different. From that the differences, if any, can usually be figured out. The shop manual sometimes will throw in some clues as well.
You can also see what Stengel Bros, with one of the most complete aftermarket listings, shows on their website.
But even they do not have a complete factory reference on-line. And most of the others show the typical "one size will substitute for most" listings.

Chrysler used different thickness leaves, free arch, and number of leaves or half leaves to get the springs to do all the things they needed to do. I have no idea what you mean by stout. If its going to be used for drag racing with slicks, then a high ratio spring with a thicker main leaf is what will survive best. Extra clamps on the front can also help.
 
Count the number of leaves on both cars. They are probably the same. I think there were only 2 options. 5 or 6 leaf. Only your build sheets will tell for sure.
 
many combos. its not just the number of leaves. Free arch and spring rate together relates to the weight it will carry. The spring ratio varies based on torque. Chrysler used at least two different main leafs on a-bodies.
 
Thanks for the input. It clears up a lot of what I was wondering about. I have the manual and the build sheet. I've got plans for both of my cars 7 1/4 to a 8 3/4 and other drive train changes. The question on spring choice came up and as usual, the forum has the answers and advice I was looking for.
Thanks
Norm
 
I looked up options. I only found standard and HD suspension package and the Formula S should include that package.
 
If I remember correctly, in general manual rear springs are a higher rate. Heavy duty were 6 leaves. Station Wagons were +1 in lift. I have always run HD manual 6 leaf springs on all my A Bodies. My 66 and 68 cars still have the original Formula S rear springs.
 
If I remember correctly, in general manual rear springs are a higher rate. Heavy duty were 6 leaves. Station Wagons were +1 in lift. I have always run HD manual 6 leaf springs on all my A Bodies. My 66 and 68 cars still have the original Formula S rear springs.
I have a parts book on disc around here somewhere if I can find it.
 
For the Barracuda in 1966 the standard spring is 2525474 which is the standard A Body V8 spring. These are the same for both sides. The Heavy Duty Barracuda spring is 2495086. Same as HD Valiant and Dart. Station Wagon springs are different for /6, V8. The HD Station Wagon are different for the /6 and V8 and they use different springs left and right. It is also interesting to notice that for A Bodies there are different standard springs for 170, 225, V8, and 4 barrel Carb. So I would guess that in 65 the /6 and V8 springs would be the same unless one or the other was Heavy Duty. 7 1/4, auto or manual does not enter into the equation when looking at early A Body rear springs.
 
There you have it. I was just going by the options available but different springs for different powertrain makes sense. I never did find my parts book disc. Thanks for the info update.


For the Barracuda in 1966 the standard spring is 2525474 which is the standard A Body V8 spring. These are the same for both sides. The Heavy Duty Barracuda spring is 2495086. Same as HD Valiant and Dart. Station Wagon springs are different for /6, V8. The HD Station Wagon are different for the /6 and V8 and they use different springs left and right. It is also interesting to notice that for A Bodies there are different standard springs for 170, 225, V8, and 4 barrel Carb.
 
There you have it. I was just going by the options available but different springs for different powertrain makes sense. I never did find my parts book disc. Thanks for the info update.
Thank you Mike and everyone else that chimed in. Just got in the door, been turning airplane wrenches off station all day...I'll take a closer look at my springs in the morning.
Norm
 
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