Tech Question - Adding Leaves

Mike,

The car in question is a 1954 Studebaker Champion Regal 4-door, six cylinder 169 engine. I would like to raise the back of the car 1 to 2", and I am considering adding a leaf on each side since I have to pull the rear springs off anyway for some work. - Ron

Ron,

While adding a leaf or two will raise the rear, doing so will also increase the spring rate. Rate is the amount of weight required to deflect a spring down one Inch. Increasing the spring rate will stiffen the ride.

The best way to increase ride height is to increase the free arch of the spring. There are 2 ways this can be done. Provided the springs are in good shape the springs can be rearched/retempered with a higher arch.

If the springs are not good enough for rearching, then new springs will be needed to get the rear up where you want it. - Mike