wtk. suspention

snow · Pumpum Conqueror Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 21

what can be done to improve a leaf spring

snow · Pumpum Conqueror Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 21

MG Man · Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 6:23 am Post subject:

there is very little that can be done to improve a leaf spring setup. due to the inherent inefficency of the system
You can fit lowering blocks and lower the whole vehicle, thereby lowering the C of G, maybe fit an anti rollbar, better dampers, bot do not expect any drastic improvement
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Mr. Fixables · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 4:47 pm Post subject:

When I upgraded my suspension, my rear leaf springs became a challenge.

Fortunately, I have had a few Pickups which had been lowered. So here are the options.

Lowering Blocks - works good, but anything after a 2 inch drop, the ride becomes a bit stiff. Also, the shock plates becomes lower to the ground which can become a bit of an effort, if parking on the side of the road etc.

De-arching the springs - Corbin in Barataria is the only one who I will trust to do this as he has done all of my leaf spring mods with all of my cars. Just tell him how much you want to drop it by and he will make the adjustments to suit. Costs just as much as a set of lowering blocks. Seems to ride a bit smoother.

Because I race my wagon, I stepped up to stiffer shocks, even though this is not an absolute must. There are many shocks which can be used, just ask any part store and make sure it's a gas shock and prefferably one that is shorter than stock to facilitate the lower ride height and shorter shock travel.

Kirk
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MG Man · Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 7:59 am Post subject:

won't recommend de-arching springs, cus you are effectively messing with the spring rate......the MG club offers re-profiled parabolic performance leaf springs for the MGB (Illustration 2). I don't know if anyone else offers performance leaf springs.....

Thye also offer a single-leaf option (illustration 4)

best option might be to graft IRS or beam axle suspension from another vehicle and get rid of the leaf springs altogether......
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snow · Pumpum Conqueror Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 21

i look'n to drop 'bout 2", so i tink d lowering block is d ting for me.
were can i get em and the shorter shocks???????

MG Man · Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 7:41 pm Post subject:

^^^^^keep Kirk's advice in mind........u will run the risk of bottoming out......the shocks won't need to be shorter..........remember the blocks 'push' the axle up into the body so I don't think u need shorter shocks. The upper and lower shock mounting points should stay the same distance relative to each other
a good machine shop can make the lowering blocks and longer u-bolts
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I know it's so, for I told me so