Any reason these wouldn't work on a '63 Dart?
https://www.classicindustries.com/product/1963-1976/dodge/dart/parts/h24385.html
https://www.classicindustries.com/product/1963-1976/dodge/dart/parts/h24385.html
Hotchkis leaf springs on a'63?
- Thread starter 63Dart170
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None whatsoever, but I'd purchase them elsewhere.
Learning moment maybe?? If these work for cars previous to '67, then why would they not list them for the earlier cars?? Just curious.
MMissile
Well-Known Member
I have Hotchkis springs on the rear of my 70 `cuda. Under hard acceleration with traction...the front segments wrap terribly, throwing the pinion angle off a bunch and creating a huge vibration. Changing them out for new factory HD leaves is a one of this winter's projects. Just sayin'.....
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That probably says more about Classic Industries than the springs.
If whoever they have on this forum notices this thread and updates the listing, that will also say something about them.
as @MadScientistMat noted, it's more of an overall industry element. the pre 67 cars seem to fall into an either/or category: either they totally forget they exist OR they just lump them in with the rest and everything is wrong.
Running a properly adjusted pinion snubber?
Different length and spring rate for a ‘70 cuda though…
abodyjoe
Well-Known Member
i'd call pete at bergman autocraft and see what he offers in the way of springs. i remember a bunch of complaints on the hotchkis springs over the years here..
Which parts?
I know their springs have had mixed reviews, I think they’re pretty application specific. Definitely don’t seem to work well with higher horsepower cars.
Hotchkis hasn’t really been the same since they moved
Last I knew he was selling an Eaton 6 leaf spring that was 130 lb/in. They’re a nice spring but they’re pretty pricey.
But so are the Hotchkis springs and they have had some mixed reviews. Aren’t you running the Hotchkis springs? But pre-move right?
abodyjoe
Well-Known Member
not anymore.. he has some that he spec'd out and is selling because eaton got so expensive.
abodyjoe
Well-Known Member
me? no never ran those. i went with the eaton pete used to sell.. at the time they cost about what those hotchkis springs cost.
Ah crap that was autoxcuda that was running them, sorry.
Yeah the Eatons are crazy expensive now. Good springs though.
More than one company selling Mopar parts that knows little or nothing about early A bodies.
Or even those who put on Mopar shows. I went to one quite a few years ago with my 63 Valiant convertible and they had a class for 64-66 A bodies. So I showed up with my 63 and they were like, "What do we do with this?" I think they created a special class for me rather than put me in the 64-66 A body class. Anyway, they were certainly nice enough to me, but I was surprised they didn't know about 63 A bodies.
One more thing Classic doesn't know: The A body springs also fit a 62 B body. They have a 20 inch front segment, same as A bodies. That's what my brother put in his 62 Polara 500 convertible. 63 and 64 B bodies have a 21 inch front segment and neither A body nor later B body rear springs fit.
Finally, I'll second the reports that Eaton springs are really high quality but really expensive. With shipping and installation kit (u bolts and shackles), we're talking about almost $1,000.
dmopar74
Well-Known Member
You can buy just the springs for $350 from summit and free shipping. The front bushings are 1/2" so if you have 5/8 hangers the front bushings can be replaced. Rear bushings must also be bought
Hotchkis Sport Suspension 24385WH Hotchkis Sport Suspension Leaf Springs | Summit Racing
Hotchkis Sport Suspension 24385WH Hotchkis Sport Suspension Leaf Springs | Summit Racing
The springs are the same from 63-76. Might be for 60-76, I'm not sure. Course the 62 Dart may be an exception, since it's a B body.
Caution, '63 likely has the small front bushing bolt that was increased in diameter in '64 in up I think. Call Laura at ESPO Springs and Things to get springs that will fit assuming the spring perches have not been changed over to the larger bolt size in the past.
I'm sure of it. My 64 had the 1/2" bolts originally. Super easy to drill the front hangers to 5/8" when I got my XHD sprAngs.
I forgot all about the bushing bolt. I recently installed 340 rear springs on my 63 Valiant without any issue, but I'm thinking I also replaced the 63 spring front hangers when I did so, just because the 340 hangers came with the springs and I just used them.
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