I've been trying something new with the leaf spring rear. Just for fun, I cut some off the back of each leaf on my new $100 car.
It's a 68 Ranchero and it sat way too high in the rear. I'm to busy to take it apart so I thought, why not cut some like we do on the front. It worked.
These photos are of our 65 Ranchero I just got done doing it too. It lowered the rear about 3/4" with no loss in ride quality or added noise.
I used a pry bar to separate the leafs and used a cut off wheel. Super easy and free. I'm sure it takes away some of the spring rate but that's OK with me.
I only cut the rear, I dont think cutting the front is a good idea.
I'll be doing this some more for sure. It saves a lot of time.
THis is how much I cut off. I cut a lot more off of my 68 Ranchero.
Just a tip: cutting leafs a great, free way to tune your spring rate, but you really, really need to grind a taper into the leafs so they don't gouge each other. Also, look for rolls of poly plastic sold at street rod chassis places that's designed to go in between leafs to help them slide when assembled. It makes a huge difference and is cheap.
If by the top side, you mean the top of the lower leaf, then yes, that's what I meant. The sharp edge left by cutting will dig into the next leaf over time, so even a quick pass across it with a grinder is better than nothing.
Each piece is 8.5" long and yes, it can be done to a street car. Both of the cars I've done it too are street cars.
I have some pictures of the procedure to reverse the springs. I didn't buy another set of spring as there was an extra full length spring installed by a previous owner. I lowered the car from 16.5" to 13.5" by reversing the middle and smallest spring.
Picasa Web Albums - Jorge - Lowering BackEnd
What do you do about the clamps that are on the spring, just reuse them? How easy are they to get off and then replace?
I have just put new 41/2 leaf reverse eye springs on my 66 fastback and I have a massive gap like you had - don't want to use the blocks if possible.
Do I just reverse two springs on the springs I have or use more leaves - it's a bit unclear.
Thanks for the reply. I can't drive the car as it has no engine in it!
I had the car on axle stands, replaced the spring each side and left the bolts front and back quite loose, then put the wheels back on and let the car settle for a bit - however, there is no weight in the car at all - no glass, no interior, no full gas tank, no seats etc, engine, gearbox etc.
I should maybe get all that in and then access the height. I am not against using 1" oowering blocks if I have to - the car is s weekend cruiser and so wheel hop ain't gonna be a problem - it's not like it's going to ripped at the track.
Do you think all the weight of everything once back in will have an effect?
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