340doc
Well-Known Member
What's your experience? Did they raise the rear more than level? I'm leaning towards their stock height 6 leaf, but don't want a raised rear. Its a 70 Dart. Thanks.
Good info, thanks.If you order stock should be good. I ordered 1 inch plus. Does sit a little high but car is a bare skin. When reassembled it should be good. When you call talk to them. Very knowledgeable and will hook you up. Fast delivery as well
I love those steelies, nice! 65'I am using there stock height springs, and wish I would have gone with a 1" drop. These pics are with a 15x7 rim and 255/60 tires. Have almost 600 miles on them, so I don't think they will settle anymore.
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Height of the body over the rear axle depends on the vehicle weight, the weight distribution, and to a lesser degree the front ride height setting.What's your experience? Did they raise the rear more than level? I'm leaning towards their stock height 6 leaf, but don't want a raised rear. Its a 70 Dart. Thanks.
Interesting read, thanks.Height of the body over the rear axle depends on the vehicle weight, the weight distribution, and to a lesser degree the front ride height setting.
That's why Chrysler and many different stock leaf spring packs. They also tried to account for use, building in more rate, and/or ratio for cargo or torque resistance on some.
To get some idea of the selection of factory replacement springs without going through the parts books, you can just skim the offerings from Stanley Spring (Harrisburg Pa) being sold here
Dodge Lancer Dart and Swinger Leaf Springs - Stengel Bros Inc.
Plymouth Valiant Leaf Springs - Stengel Bros Inc.
The only rear height info I've seen from the factory is at Hamtramck Historical.
The 1970 Hamtramck Registry "Chrysler Passenger Car Bumper Heights 1965 thru 1976" Page
Not really sure the intended purpose of this document as these heights were never in service manuals, possibly for final check before or after delivery to dealers. Note on page two that these specs are for fully loaded cars (5 passengers, full fuel) but does not say what options. Also the bumpers are somewhat adjustable and the body has some uh slop so this isn't quite the same as suspension service reference.
Chrysler set the cars up so the leaf springs are nearly flat at normal loads. This is for handling as explained in Chrysler literature such as here. That said, springs will show the effects of over a million cycles. I figure 70-90K miles is a good average for typically used vehicle (occassionally fully loaded, some bad roads, etc). Sometimes they will be fine for longer, and under real abuse, less miles than that.
Yes, from what I understand they did. My 66 Dart had the HD suspension option. It had 6 leaf springs originally. I ordered them from ESPO over the winter when the car was locked up in storage. The gal asked whether it had 5 or 6 leaf. I said 5 and got a stock spring pack (no 1 or 2" over). Although the springs have settled and I added tall 15" tires I think it sets just right for the look I want.When I picked up my 65 the springs were so flat. The car had shackles lifting as high as they could and the car sat low even when empty. The formula s had an extra leaf spring I believe. Good luck with your decision
Sounds like just about what I have going onGo for the -1's. I purchased their stock height springs. I've added a 1" lowering block and it's still too high for what i want. I have also done a spring relocation and have it on the top of the three holes in the bracket. I hope it settles a good bit when it hits the road later this summer.