Leaf springs, modify for extra separation on launch?

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gregsdart

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I am thinking that it might be possible to add a modified leaf above the main leaf to increase rise in the rear. This car is a 65 Dart, will have a 500 plus hp Gen 3 Hemi of 392 cubes in it and will need all the help it can get on the street. That means lots of chassis rise on both ends.
Has anyone tried adding a partial leaf to the springs, above the main leaf and with the rear half cut off, clamping the front to give the springs mopre bias to the front? I have a set of stock rear leafs off another 65 DartI would like to try this on. The 3400 lb SS springs I bought are so stiff the car just lights up the tires, and all it has at present is a lowly 318!
 
No, but I did install a set of SS springs in a 69 AMX before. Reused main leaf and added the other special leafs, after redrilling the center pin with special drill bits. It did not help so set it back to stock, both the AMX's spring and the SS springs. The SS springs ended up on a 65 Coronet as a daily type driver.
 
If you are going to add a leaf, IMO it would be best to put it on the bottom of the spring pack, not the top. Also, you do not want the spring pack to separate. You want them tightly together.......at least the half of the pack in FRONT of the axle housing. The pack behind the housing you can unclamp to help the rear end rise on launch.
 
Greg, what is the cars race weight?

With S/S springs, the factory suggests only the following, unclamp the rear section, clamp the front section, not to use extra long rear shackles, no issue with lowering blocks, correct angle for the rear, measure at the center section.

The only time I have seen a top leaf added is when Camaro guys used MoPar S/S springs. (And sometimes the 8-3/4 rear.) I have seen the S/S springs run into the high 9's.

The springs are for the weight of the car. So the #3400 lbs. springs would be best for a Cuda/Challenger or lightened B body. If the '65 is the Dart, *I think* the 002/003 springs would be the ones. There is a lighter set under the 002/003's.

I know you want to get it right OOTB but this may take trial and error. I think equipping the car with the widest stickiest tires to start would be a step in the right direction.
 
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