CalTracks - Rear Leaf Spring Question

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Cazbah362

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I need to install new leaf springs in the rear of my 71 Demon, 8.75, 727 and 5.7 Gen III swap. I am looking at using the Caltracks single mono leaf. I like the idea of adjustable ride height, loss of 28 lbs and vehicle stance. I have priced them and they are roughly $180 more than a pair of MP leafs (Summit).

My rear has a DocDiff 1/2 shackle offset

Has anyone used used only the springs without the bars? Pro's, Con's and insights would be greatly appreciated.

Car may see track time, but really a cruiser, some spirited driving and the occasional ingestion of tuners or other roadworthy prey.

Thanks
 
I haven't, but doubt a mono leaf will fair well without a traction device. YOu could try it and add the bars later.
 
Call caltracs tech line. I'm betting they will advise against just using the monoleafs. I would agree.
If you don't want to use bars, I would suggest mopar hd springs, or maybe ss if you want the rear up a little.
 
Wasn’t it common a few years ago (10-15) for guys to use the mono leaf off of some minivan or something? I remember reading about it in one of the rags.
 
If you go SS springs, buy 2 lefts or 2 rights or else they sit a little crooked
 
Rocco, thanks - when buying the two lefts or rights is there any issues doing this? and which side is the lower side? I do like the lower rear stance, not the "stink bug." Which would you use, Summit picture included. why?

Also, yes called Caltracks - non-committal, they say ANY spring without a traction device is going to get spring "wrap." So.... buy the entire package or not, that is the next question or just MMP springs.

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Caltrac springs are pretty stiff as is the SS springs. Unless you plan on drag racing often, I'd skip the Caltrac springs. Pete Bergman at Bergman Autocraft sells springs, you may want to chat with him. I have the Hotchkis springs, and while I was concerned initially about them being too low and also not having a strong enough front segment, I'll have to say I'm very happy with them. Ride quality is great, and I don't get any wheel hop (I have a pinion snubber). If you drive your car on the road a lot, do yourself a favor and look for springs that aren't drag racing springs.
Avoid SS springs like the plague!
 
All,
Thanks, seems like there is a mixed bunch of opinions and views. Again, really not interested in the MP springs other than the price.

Racerjoe, yes, I have talked with ESPO and Bergman and Calvert, they all say the same thing, you will get axle wrap. To me this is a disclaimer and a CYA thing, and I get it. Your insight sounds from experience, and I appreciate that, thank you.

I have used ESPOs (70 Cuda w/470 and Gen III), Caltracks (71 BB auto) and Hotchkis (68 GTX BB/4 speed) in the past, all have done well. But I have not used only the Caltracks without the bars.

Right now I am leaning more towards ESPO's. They have done well for me in the past, and they are about $330 shipped. A tad more than the MP's (about $40), but no stink bug and crazy stiff ride, and unfortunately not a drop in 30 lbs of weight or newer technology.

Still pondering
 
All,
Thanks, seems like there is a mixed bunch of opinions and views. Again, really not interested in the MP springs other than the price.

Racerjoe, yes, I have talked with ESPO and Bergman and Calvert, they all say the same thing, you will get axle wrap. To me this is a disclaimer and a CYA thing, and I get it. Your insight sounds from experience, and I appreciate that, thank you.

I have used ESPOs (70 Cuda w/470 and Gen III), Caltracks (71 BB auto) and Hotchkis (68 GTX BB/4 speed) in the past, all have done well. But I have not used only the Caltracks without the bars.

Right now I am leaning more towards ESPO's. They have done well for me in the past, and they are about $330 shipped. A tad more than the MP's (about $40), but no stink bug and crazy stiff ride, and unfortunately not a drop in 30 lbs of weight or newer technology.

Still pondering

I used to drag race often and started with the SS springs- I just hate the look and the car rode like a 1 ton truck. When I got more serious about drag racing, meaning that was the only thing I did with the car, I switched to Caltracs. At that time I didn't care how stiff it was because I was only driving 1/4 mile at a time. I did a major rebuild after that with the intent to make the car a "drive anywhere, handle decent" type car. I started with the MP "circle track" springs- those were a nightmare and bent almost immediately- (details on that in my build thread). I landed on the Hotchkis and while not cheap they are good. I have no expience with EPSO but I have heard people discuss on them on here.
 
I need to install new leaf springs in the rear of my 71 Demon, 8.75, 727 and 5.7 Gen III swap. I am looking at using the Caltracks single mono leaf. I like the idea of adjustable ride height, loss of 28 lbs and vehicle stance. I have priced them and they are roughly $180 more than a pair of MP leafs (Summit).

My rear has a DocDiff 1/2 shackle offset

Has anyone used used only the springs without the bars? Pro's, Con's and insights would be greatly appreciated.

Car may see track time, but really a cruiser, some spirited driving and the occasional ingestion of tuners or other roadworthy prey.

Thanks
Your profile says Nevada, what part? I’m in Nor cal. I just pulled a set of Hotchkis springs from my 71 Duster. Approximately 2k miles on them. I went with SS springs. May be able to meet half way or something. PM if you’re interested.
 
Momsduster - Thanks, but I pulled the trigger on the ESPO's today. I live south of Reno, if your in the area or heading to the area, let me know.

Really, the Hotchkis are almost as much as the ESPO's

Thanks for the offer
 
If the car is going to see track time and you decide on SS springs, I wouldn't get two of the same side. That defeats the purpose. The SS springs sit higher on the right side to help launch the vehicle straight. They flat out work. If you get two of the same part number, you'll be forever chasing traction issues at the track and never hook as strong as you could. Just my opinion.
 
If the car is going to see track time and you decide on SS springs, I wouldn't get two of the same side. That defeats the purpose. The SS springs sit higher on the right side to help launch the vehicle straight. They flat out work. If you get two of the same part number, you'll be forever chasing traction issues at the track and never hook as strong as you could. Just my opinion.

Factory springs hook up fine for me and they aren't different per side. THe theory behind SS springs is clear but the ride and the look (unless you play with front preloads and a lowering blocks is definitly stink bug as someone put it. I always called it the lifted 4x4 look.
 
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