Rear Leaf Springs

Maier Racing also develops these springs. They are a 4 1/2 leaf spring rated at 160lbs. and have an extra 1/2 leaf at the rear of the spring to control axle wind-up and the hop.

Link: http://www.maierracing.com/

No problem with wheel hop unless you approach the 350 to 400 horsepower area if you use the standard 4 1/2 leaf spring.

HistoricMustang
www.historicmustang.com

Looking at my previous post... I believe the extra leaf is towards the front, not the rear of the leafspring. Maier states this takes the place of the need for an under-ride traction bar.

Yeh, I was about to blast you about being incorrect too, you're lucky you corrected yourself.

Those that are interested/have thought about it, do you see any real benefit of traction bars and standard type leafs against the above offset leafs?

Route666 said:

Yeh, I was about to blast you about being incorrect too, you're lucky you corrected yourself.

Those that are interested/have thought about it, do you see any real benefit of traction bars and standard type leafs against the above offset leafs?

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Well, this style of leaf would affect how the spring bends under normal loads, IMO. A traction bar would only act to prevent wrap-up under hard acceleration. I'm guessing here, but wondering whether the motion of the axle during jounce would be changed. I see the front, stiff part of the leaf creating more movement of the axle in a front/rearward direction. Could this exaggerate any rear-steer tendencies of the car? I don't know, but that would be my first concern.

Yes, it would tend to move the axle back as the suspension compresses.

I don't have that much faith in its ability to control wheel hop either. While the front will be stiff, the rear is a fair bit less still, so it still has the propensity to flex a lot. I suppose the rear half flexing is still limited by the front though, they both have to flex to get axle wrap.

Hack said:

Well, this style of leaf would affect how the spring bends under normal loads, IMO. A traction bar would only act to prevent wrap-up under hard acceleration. I'm guessing here, but wondering whether the motion of the axle during jounce would be changed. I see the front, stiff part of the leaf creating more movement of the axle in a front/rearward direction. Could this exaggerate any rear-steer tendencies of the car? I don't know, but that would be my first concern.

Click to expand...

Both the traction bar and additional leaf help not only in hard acceleration, but also in braking.

Although not significant, there may be a slight weight advantage to the springs over the traction bars.

There should be minimal front/rear movement with any leaf spring setup. This is because the leaf essentially acts as a control arm. If any is measured, it is probably due to flex in bushings and/or rotation of the pinion under accelleration and braking.

Maier also makes the main spring thicker than most other manufacturers. So even though the rear may seem thin, it still provides more material over stock and other aftermarket springs. In addition, having the additional 1/2 leaf in addition to the thicker main spring material, should help out in any lateral deflection.

As far as making the decision to use the Maier leaf springs or traction bars is probably dependent upon the current condition of your rear suspension. For me, I have a GT Coupe with fresh HD rear springs. Although I like the Maier setup, I have no need to replace the springs. I will probably choose the traction bar approach with lowering blocks only because they are a less expensive option than replacing the springs. On the other hand, if my springs were shot, I'd get the Maier springs and call it a day.

I have the original springs on the Mustang. I do not have any wheel hop issues??? I re cammed it and all it will do at WOT is spin both tires. It did it to me at 25 mph in second gear. Maybe mine are sagging so much they allow this?????

I have 5 leaf reverse eye, 450HP in a 66 coupe with a 9" Currie rear end.

Spin the street tires all day long through first and second 245/50's, Hook hard at the strip with Hoosier 26X9.0X15 slicks, no wheel hop in either....

No traction bars, cal tracs or anything. Is this because of the 5 leafs being so stiff?