Rear leaf springs and shocks

[Moparman485]

Afternoon all!

After finally sorting out the ecm, radiator, and ballast resistor with y’all’s help, I have another beats to tackle

So, I am looking for recommendations on rear leaf springs and rear shocks .

1973 dodge dart custom, 360, 904, with soon to be 8.25 rear (but currently 7.25)

I have larger rear tires due to desired look, so previously used air shocks to get the added height.

However, I have decided to go with a standard shock type and better leafs instead.

So, what do you recommend. The factory ones are old and tired. I have seen references to super stock springs, but never have been able to pinpoint exactly which they are referencing.

As far as shocks, I am flying totally blind aside from oem (which I am unsure if they would be happy with the added leaf height/ridgidity.

Any experience, links, part numbers, or guidance would be very appreciated!

(The front suspension is also getting Revamp but the rear is easier to tackle for now)

Thanks and have a swell one!

 

[cudamark]

ESPO or General Spring, and a good set of Bilstein shocks.

 

[Oldiron440]

It totally depends on what you’re planning on doing with your car, road racing, drag racing, cruising or whatever. I know of road race Abody cars that are use two right side SS springs and they work well, I know of a Abody drag car that has tried both Abody and the heavier Bbody SS springs and stayed with the heavier ones and I know of several others who use the Abody SS springs for their drivers. Then there’s others that say not to use them at all.

 

[Moparman485]

The car will primarily be used on street, possibly very limited track/drag use, and likely juking and jiving on road race use when feeling froggy. Mainly want to improve handling, clearance, and stance.

 

[Kendog 170]

I run SS springs on the street but RS is side is up an 1" (Normal). Not the best ride. Street car go with Espo or General as suggested. Unless your dragging it. I think you can get Espo with added height.

 

[Moparman485]

I did discover these after a bit of searching, that purport to give 2.5 inch lift over factory? Would they be an improvement over factory (aside from just in height) or would other options possibly be better? These seem quite cheap as well at around $185 per side.

1964 - 1976 Dart, Valiant / 1964 - 1969 Barracuda rear leaf spring with 2-1/2" lift using 5/8" front eye bolt, 6 leaf

 

[Righty]

I put ESPO +1” 6leaf springs on my Barracuda, the original sprigs were very flat because overall they have lifted the rear nearly 2.5”. Obviously they will settle out over time. I anticipation of this I also installed a set of adjustable front leaf hangers with 3 sets of holes - stock -1” and -2” from Uncle Brian’s Speedshop. So I can drop the back down a bit at the moment but as the springs settle or if I put bigger diameter tires on I can set them back up again. I just put KYB Gas A Justs on front and rear they seem fine, I haven’t lost a filling since.

 

[Moparman485]

As an aside, if anyone has any pictures or side views of their 73 dart (or similar overall body stance dart) with the 2.5 or other leafs with lift that would be helpful. Mine are the oem and have functionally been sitting with no shocks buffering them for about 10 years. So it’s hard to compare how much lift is needed. My original Gabriel (or Monroe?) air shocks provided plenty of clearance, but I’d like to go with something that is more mechanical versus one loose hose from dropping down and rubbing the sidewalls again. Haha.

 

[abodyjoe]

Mainly want to improve handling, clearance, and stance.

springs, go with espo in stock, +1" or +2" depending what look ya want.. for handling stock would be best though... can also call pet at @BergmanAutoCraft and see what he has..

shocks. bilstein for sure.. not cheap but well worth it.

whats done with torsion bars and all?

 

[Moparman485]

This may sound dumb, but it’s been so long since I did any height modification on a older car so I want to be certain, if I did say the 2.5 lift springs, super stock springs, or any taller springs of any kind, would I need to buy some kind of “larger” shocks, or would any shock that was rated for my car work fine? Again, I think I know the answer but trying to avoid any “well, ****” moments of I can avoid them.

 

[abodyjoe]

depending how high ys go you may need longer shocks.

 

[Moparman485]

Is there a rule of thumb for when taller shocks would be needed or not? At most I would do the 2.5 springs from general spring, as I don’t believe I would need higher than that, as I also intend to cut back the fender lip a bit to clear the sidewalls better as well.

 

[abodyjoe]

not sure.. gonna have to install the springs and see where it leaves the shocks.. personally i think +2.5" is gonna be stupid high in the rear... not gonna help the car handle any either.