ESPO plus 1" springs

[Righty]

So i just pulled the trigger on a set of springs from ESPO for my 69 Barracuda, about a 3 month lead time and then the joy of paying the same agin for shipping and UK taxes! I did try looking for someone in the UK who could build a set of springs, but didnt really have much luck. Anyway if I'm going to replace the springs, I will probably also replace the shock absorbers. Given that a lot of folks on here have used +1" springs from ESPO any thoughts on good quality replacements. I'm setting this up for purely street and long distance driving so comfort and handling over pure performance. Thanks.

 

[v8dve]

Following this as thinking of doing same thing for my Duster.

But before I do, I'm not sure how much sag my existing springs have, so will asking if anyone with a +1" spring can advise their height from road to the lip of fender so I can compare

 

[v8dve]

Re shocks, I'm going to look at Bilsteins.

Put in vehicle details and see what comes up

Bilstein

 

[abodyjoe]

any thoughts on good quality replacements.

shocks? Bilsteins. for sure. not cheap but man whata difference.

 

[jbc426]

So i just pulled the trigger on a set of springs from ESPO for my 69 Barracuda, about a 3 month lead time and then the joy of paying the same agin for shipping and UK taxes! I did try looking for someone in the UK who could build a set of springs, but didnt really have much luck. Anyway if I'm going to replace the springs, I will probably also replace the shock absorbers. Given that a lot of folks on here have used +1" springs from ESPO any thoughts on good quality replacements. I'm setting this up for purely street and long distance driving so comfort and handling over pure performance. Thanks.

I went through a bunch of different leaf springs on the rear of my '70 E-Body in search of a spring that rode well and could handle the additional power I added over the years before finding the ESPO +2's. The ride quality is second to none, they didn't raise the car too much, and when combined with a set of properly adjusted slapper bars, they hook up very well. Those are 28 inch tall 325/50-15's on the back.

 

[MobileCustoms]

I went with the ESPO +1 springs with Bilstein shocks on my '67, and at the time, I felt they raised it too much. eventually, I added some adjustable front perches to help lower it a little bit to my liking. I LOVE the ride of the Bilsteins.

 

[Righty]

I went through a bunch of different leaf springs on the rear of my '70 E-Body in search of a spring that rode well and could handle the additional power I added over the years before finding the ESPO +2's. The ride quality is second to none, they didn't raise the car too much, and when combined with a set of properly adjusted slapper bars, they hook up very well. Those are 28 inch tall 325/50-15's on the back.

View attachment 1716377918

That’s a beauty, I reckon the 2+ work well with that size tyre.

 

[Righty]

That looks about ho

I went with the ESPO +1 springs with Bilstein shocks on my '67, and at the time, I felt they raised it too much. eventually, I added some adjustable front perches to help lower it a little bit to my liking. I LOVE the ride of the Bilsteins.

View attachment 1716377924

That looks about how I’d like mine to sit. Are they 275/60 r15s on the back. I had come to the same conclusion that if I order 1”+ I can always drop them a lot easier than the other way round.

 

[MobileCustoms]

That looks about ho

That looks about how I’d like mine to sit. Are they 275/60 r15s on the back. I had come to the same conclusion that if I order 1”+ I can always drop them a lot easier than the other way round.

Initially, I was running BFG 295/50/15 on the rear. the ones pictured above are now 295/55/15 Drag radials. I also ended up shimming my front perches back 7/16" to help center the wheels in the opening better while I was installing the GV overdrive and having my driveshaft shortened to fit.

 

[v8dve]

I also ended up shimming my front perches back 7/16" to help center the wheels in the opening better

Please can you explain this a bit more, as I guess shimming the front perch back 7/16" puts a slightly more downward curve in the spring?

 

[Righty]

Would it depend if the diff moves back as well so then the shackles would rotate backwards to accomodate the 7/16 horizontal movement to the rear?

 

[BrianT]

These are new (a year ago) ESPO +1 springs on my Duster. I think they have settled to their final height which is 28 1/2" from pavement to the bottom of the wheel well. I have bought a couple sets of springs from Laura and have no complaints at all. Hope this helps.

 

[HPP]

Following this as thinking of doing same thing for my Duster.

But before I do, I'm not sure how much sag my existing springs have, so will asking if anyone with a +1" spring can advise their height from road to the lip of fender so I can compare

That measurement is impacted by the tire's aspect ratio as well, so take that in to consideration when evaluating.

 

[toolmanmike]

So i just pulled the trigger on a set of springs from ESPO for my 69 Barracuda, about a 3 month lead time and then the joy of paying the same agin for shipping and UK taxes! I did try looking for someone in the UK who could build a set of springs, but didnt really have much luck. Anyway if I'm going to replace the springs, I will probably also replace the shock absorbers. Given that a lot of folks on here have used +1" springs from ESPO any thoughts on good quality replacements. I'm setting this up for purely street and long distance driving so comfort and handling over pure performance. Thanks.

You will love them.

 

[MobileCustoms]

Please can you explain this a bit more, as I guess shimming the front perch back 7/16" puts a slightly more downward curve in the spring?

Not really, because the rear shackles also pivot back a little at the same time. I couldn't measure any difference in the ride height after shimming the front perches back.

 

[v8dve]

That measurement is impacted by the tire's aspect ratio as well, so take that in to consideration when evaluating.

Thank you HPP, good point. I guess measuring from lip to the centre of the axle would give a better perspective of spring sag (depending on loading in boot also)

 

[RustyRatRod]

I have 340 +1 springs on my car with regular old gas charged Monroes and it drives and handles very nicely.

 

[Righty]

You will love them.

Yes I’m hoping it will make a big difference. I’m looking at a set of Spax shocks for the rear, price wise they sit between Monroes and Bilsteins, they have a good reputation among the British classic car crowd.

 

[Righty]

I have 340 +1 springs on my car with regular old gas charged Monroes and it drives and handles very nicely.

I’ve ordered the 6 leaf springs so I guess that’s the same, How did you find the length of the existing shocks with the taller spring? I have air assist Monroes in there at the moment so if they fit OK I will see how they feel with the new springs. I’m not racing, just want a combination of pliable ride with good road handling.