This week’s question comes from Cody, who drives a 1966 Chevrolet Impala Station Wagon. Cody is curious about the differences between the three rear springs listed for his model. It’s likely that Cody’s wagon is a 2-seater, as this model typically uses three different types of springs, whereas the 3-seater version only uses two. Cody […]
Leaf Spring Tech Articles, Videos, and More
Since 1937, we have manufactured leaf springs for the automotive industry, restorations, street rods, NASA, and even Oscar Meyer Wienermobiles. If you have a question about leaf springs, odds are we answered it below or would be happy to help.
Browse dozens of tech articles, videos, and answered questions from our Ask The Spring Guru page.
All About Ride Height in Leaf & Coil Spring Vehicles
Just because the manufacturer of your ride designed it with a specific stance in mind doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it. How your vehicle sits—whether it’s the factory look or something that matches your personal style—is entirely up to you. So, let’s explore the possibilities and considerations for customizing your ride’s height and stance. The […]
How To Install (And Remove) Your Leaf Springs
Like most things in the automotive world, removing and installing leaf springs is simple in theory, but can be difficult in practice. So watch these videos, set aside an afternoon, and keep your band-aids and favorite cuss words nearby. Until you get your new leaf springs on, it will be a bumpy ride. Removing Leaf […]
Powder Coating Vs Painting Leaf Springs
Paint is paint, and I sure hope you do not need an explanation. Powder coating, on the other hand, is kind of like paint, but the finish is harder and tougher. How To Paint Your Springs With paint, once the spring is been cleaned of rust, dust and other junk, you simply hang the spring […]
Five Reasons Car Springs Break
When Is It Time To Replace My Vehicle’s Springs?
Should Leaf Springs Be Smiling or Frowning?
How To Measure U-Bolts For Your Leaf Springs
Why Lowering and Lifting Blocks Can Cause Axle Wind-Up
We all know the quickest and cheapest way to change the ride height of a leaf spring equipped vehicle is by using blocks between the axle and a spring. Heck, it can’t get any simpler. Remove the U-bolt, slip a block in, bolt her back up, and, wa-la, a new stance. But there’s a price […]
Torque Your Leaf Springs U-bolts Properly
The best way to describe torque is by saying it is the force required to twist off the cap of a beer bottle. And this theory applies to nuts and bolts also, but in reverse. In other words, torque is the force required to keep a nut and bolt tight. U-bolts provide the clamping force […]
How To Fix Squeaking Leaf Springs
You’ve just spent some time installing your new set of Leaf Springs and you’re ready for a cold one. But when you push on the bumper, you hear a squeak! This makes you stop and think: Did I order the springs with the mouse option? Boy, I sure hope not. Is my rubber ducky stuck […]
Measuring Leaf Spring Free Arch
Measuring your current leaf springs right will ensure your replacement springs fit and perform just as you need. First tip: Don’t measure the arch from the floor! When measuring the free arch of a leaf spring, you want to be sure of doing it the right way. While standing the spring upside down on its […]
Rubber Vs. Urethane Suspension Bushings
Bottom line: if you prefer comfort, go for rubber. If you need performance, go for urethane. Today’s subject is rubber versus urethane suspension bushings, and which are better. That answer depends on how the vehicle is to be used and what type of performance you desire. Rubber Bushings Rubber bushings are more compliant that is […]
Got Driveline Vibration? Check Your U-Bolts
One of the leading causes of driveline vibration is the over tightening of the U-joint U-bolts. The proper way to tighten these U-bolts is to turn the nut until the lock washer is flat, then turn the nut one-eighth of a turn and no more. Any more pressure will deform the bearing. If your U-joint […]
Which Direction Should Leaf Springs Be Bowed?
Leaf springs do their job whether they’re smiling or frowning. Some do their job with a completely flat expression. They all do their job well, if that was how the manufacturer designed it. A question we get asked many times is what way should my leaf springs be bowed on my vehicle? Should it be […]
How Leaf Spring Lowering Blocks Cause Axle Wind Up
Lowering a leaf spring suspension should be done correctly to avoid handling issues. Here’s why lowering blocks aren’t the magic bullet. Last week, we explained how reversing leaf spring eyes can lower a vehicle. This week, we’ll explain how using lowering blocks is not a good way to lower or raise a vehicle. Where the […]
Measuring Ride Height Drop From Reversing Leaf Spring Eyes
Reversing your leaf spring eyes will provide a drop, but exactly how much of a drop? Here’s how to calculate ride height drop when you reverse your spring eyes. Ride Height Difference From Reversing One Leaf Spring Eye If you have one eye reversed, the drop will be one half of the diameter of the […]
How To Fix Squeaking Leaf Springs
There are two causes of leaf spring squeak: tight eye bolts or shackles, and mis-torqued u-bolts. You’ve just installed a new set of leaf springs, and you hear a squeak! The squeak could be coming from the springs, or they could be coming from somewhere else. But for now, let’s focus on how leaf springs […]
Rebound Clips Group Leaves To Make Them Stronger Together
Multi-leaf springs resist breaking thanks to rebound clips. Here’s why. What are those bands that are around your leaf springs? They are called rebound clips. A leaf spring does not break when it is being compressed, it breaks when the load is suddenly released. As the spring is being compressed with a load, each leaf […]
All About Leaf Spring Centerbolts
Ever wonder the function of a leaf spring centerbolt? There are several more than you’d imagine! Have you ever noticed on every leaf spring there is a bolt holding all the leaves together? Even though on most springs the bolt is not in the middle of the spring, it is still called the center bolt. […]
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