Rear Leaf Spring Question ...

-

Randy Miller

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2020
Messages
51
Reaction score
19
Location
Royal City, Washington State
I'm working on a 1967 Dart GT and I noticed the rear leaf springs are really soft with out the shocks on. Is this normal or do you suggest some new springs? This is my first Dodge build so I'm not very familiar. Chevy springs usually have some strength to them with shocks off. Any input is welcome. Thanks
 
Did you pull load-leveler shocks off it? They sometimes get installed to prop up sagging leafs. They are probably weak, you have options. New springs, add a leaf, re-arch, etc, lots of forum posts with good info.
 
There's been a lot of talk about this same thing. If you go to the search area (top right ) and type in rear leaf springs it will lead you to all of the chatter about your question.
 
The espo springs 6 leaf springs are pretty popular here. I went with afco super stiff springs I like them but they are 400$. Hope the dart coming along well was nice to meet you Randy.
 
The espo springs 6 leaf springs are pretty popular here. I went with afco super stiff springs I like them but they are 400$. Hope the dart coming along well was nice to meet you Randy.
Thanks for the insight. Yes, the Dart is coming along well. The guy I'm building it for is so impressed on all the work and even got his hands dirty today cleaning parts. I know this will be a enjoyment for him well after his retirement.
 
Don't be fooled by the apparent simplicity of the typical Mopar leaf spring. The front 20" section is kinda stiff and acts like a built in traction bar. The rear part is more flexible and springy for an acceptable ride.
Compare that 67 Dart to a 67 Camaro monoleaf spring. Dump the clutch and what happens? The Camaro wheel hops and the Dart lays the rubber down and is gone. Lots of leaf spring Mopar running in the 9s and 10s.

Inspect the leafs in the Dart. If they are not reverse bent or deformed, they can be disassembled and rebuilt with new liners. If numbers matching isn't important then they can be replaced. Add good shocks, poly shackle bushings and you're done.
 
I added a full leaf (now have 7) to our '65 Formula S. Without the glass, motor, and transmission installed it is definitely not soft without the shocks. Getting worried it might be way too stiff on the road. For some reason the passenger side height is about 3/4" higher than driver's side right now (185/75R-14 front tires, 215/70R-14 rear tires).

rallye wheels installed 7.JPG


rallye wheels installed 5.JPG


rallye wheels installed 4.JPG
 
Last edited:
-
Back
Top