cheep/easy spring help

Nuttyprof

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Messages
85
Reaction score
7
Location
York NE
I have an 80 volare wagon and the rear leaf springs are so weak that empty there is only about 1.5" travel left. Is there a cheep easy way to boost the travel/ ride hight? The car is too rough to be worth spending the money to do it right but it is my only working car at the moment. Any ideas would be appreciated.
 

BudW

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 4, 2012
Messages
5,121
Reaction score
1,485
Location
Oklahoma City
I’m not a fan of air shocks or coil-spring over shocks (see thread https://www.forfmjbodiesonly.com/classicmopar/threads/xhd-springs-on-fifth-avenue.6048/#post-70096 post # 15, for explanation).

It can work – but I would recommend either to re-arch existing springs (google it) or get a spring shop to re-arch and add a leaf (which can’t be done with the Iso-clamp system).

It’s not much, but eliminating the Iso-clamp system will result in a better ride, will raise rear of car up about ½” and will allow additional leafs to be added to leaf springs – but that will cost about $100-125 (US) for shock plates and (plus) the cost of new rear shocks, and your labor.


I don’t recommend air shocks and/or coil-over shocks – but they will work in a pinch. A better long term approach is to get original leaf springs re-arched and/or Iso-claims removed.
BudW
 

Aspen500

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 14, 2015
Messages
7,030
Reaction score
2,759
Location
Rib Mountain, WI
I agree, not a fan of air shocks other than for occasional use when towing a trailer to level the vehicle BUT, it's probably the least expensive and easiest/quickest option in this case and it sound like the car can't be laid up with the springs out, etc.
 

Nuttyprof

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Messages
85
Reaction score
7
Location
York NE
I can't afford to put the car down for long ( my only working set of wheels ) but there is a lot of rust so air/ coil over shocks are probably out. I need to look into the shock plates because BOTH iso clamps have rusted out. I should post my emergency repair when I get a chance! I used a piece of tow chain, a 1/2" carriage bolt some washers and nuts. They don't shift but they sure LOOK UGLY!
 

Aspen500

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 14, 2015
Messages
7,030
Reaction score
2,759
Location
Rib Mountain, WI
Not sure if they're made anymore but there was those clamp on helper springs years ago. They're were like a half leaf (I believe) and used u-clamps to attach to the rear half of the vehicle leafs. The idea was was when the u-bolts were tightened, they arced the springs to raise the car. Might have gone on the front of the spring instead of the rear, I just don't remember for sure. As I said, it was years ago (like 25+).
 

F body Deconstructor Jim

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2011
Messages
557
Reaction score
135
Location
Phoenix, AZ
I may have a set of those "helper" springs on the shelf. I remember taking them off a wagon awhile back.
Also have some of the iso clamp pieces.
 

Nuttyprof

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Messages
85
Reaction score
7
Location
York NE
I may have a set of those "helper" springs on the shelf. I remember taking them off a wagon awhile back.
Also have some of the iso clamp pieces.

I do not think I have any interest in the iso clamps but the helper springs could be just the trick I need. what do you want for them shipped to York, NE 68467?
 

Nuttyprof

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Messages
85
Reaction score
7
Location
York NE
I'll look for the helper springs. I went to napa for the shock plates and they could not find them, any one have a part number?
 

BudW

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 4, 2012
Messages
5,121
Reaction score
1,485
Location
Oklahoma City
Chrysler part numbers are 1856346 & 1856347.

They fit ’62 and newer – up to the Iso-clamp design, A, B, C and E-bodies – EXCEPT for 7¼” differentials (smaller tube diameter) and EXCEPT for ’70 E-bodies.

In mid ‘70’s, Chrysler changed the 7¼” differential tubes to be same diameter as the 8¼, 8¾”. 9¼” and 9¾” tube size. Doing so, the newer 7¼” differentials (what is used in FMJ’s) are able to use the larger bolt pattern older style shock plates.

The older 7¼” shock plates have a smaller bolt pattern and U-bolts, and WILL NOT FIT around the larger tube diameter.

The ’70 E-body shock plates have shock mounting stud in different location. The two different styles will interchange - but are sought after by people with '70 E-bodys (ie: hard to find).

http://www.brewersperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=SPL (used)
http://www.firmfeel.com/fmj_body_mopar_shock_plates.html (aftermarket)
http://www.manciniracing.com/marilesishpl.html (aftermarket)
http://www.doctordiff.com/shock-plates-pair.html (aftermarket)
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_vxp=mtr&_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=mopar+shock+plates&_sop=15 (used)
On eBay, the picture of shock plate will need to resemble what is pictured in the first four web links. If it doesn’t – then don’t get it.

On eBay, this ad http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heavy-Duty-Racing-Shock-Plate-Mounts-3-x-3-5-Mopar-8-3-4-Dana-60-Ford-9-GM-/291892889154?hash=item43f62c0642:g:7hkAAOSwTA9X7Wvu&vxp=mtr in conjunction with http://www.manciniracing.com/reshst.html - might be a good combo.

I do see ad’s on eBay for shock plates around $50-75 (US), every so often. I have picked up two pair of plates on eBay for less than $75.00. Both sets are to be used for my two cars.

A person could pick up a pair used for less (in Craigslist or local salvage yards)
BudW
 

F body Deconstructor Jim

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2011
Messages
557
Reaction score
135
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Wagon should be an 8.25 with 5 leaf spring packs.
IIRC it was very late 70's on the 7.25 tube dia increase from 2.5" to 3".
I've elongated the holes in a set of a body 7.25 plates to fit a 3" axle tube.
Worked fine.
 

Nuttyprof

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Messages
85
Reaction score
7
Location
York NE
I have the plates now, Thanks to all for their help. One more question, what size is the hole in the spring perch the isopad and center bolt went in? I want to get spacers for them before I take my wheels out of commission. Thanks again!
 

BudW

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 4, 2012
Messages
5,121
Reaction score
1,485
Location
Oklahoma City
Which shock plates did you get?

Exactly, which hole are you trying to get a measurement, for?
BudW
 

Nuttyprof

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Messages
85
Reaction score
7
Location
York NE
I need the size of the center hole in the spring perch that is welded to the axle tube. the spring plates that I got are the part numbers listed earlier.

Dave
 

BudW

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 4, 2012
Messages
5,121
Reaction score
1,485
Location
Oklahoma City
I do not know that measurement, right off hand.

There is a spare ’84 Gran Fury 8¼” differential, with springs still attached to it, deep within my garage – but it is not readily accessible.

The spring perches do have a larger hole in them (from top of my head, apx. 1-3/16”, or so - but I wouldn't go by that number) which will need to be addressed before using the spring plates – or you will not have any method of keeping rear differential square with rest of car, otherwise.

There are three different methods I have seen about correcting this is:
- Cut out some steel plate - a round disk (or square and round the corners) and weld into place, then drill a hole in the middle.
- Go to hardware store and find a flat steel washer of same diameter (or slightly smaller) and weld in place.
- Find a captive washer nut (shoulder nut) from auto salvage/local pull-a-part, etc., that can be obtained in the same approximate size. The nuts have some depth to them and sometimes can be placed in the hole (upside down) and sometimes will reside there without a need to weld in place (still a good idea, though – if you have access to a welder).

Sorry, I don’t have the measurement readily accessible, nor do I have access to get a measurement anytime soon.
That said, there is a couple of people who might have a differential readily accessible to get a measurement for you.
These are names on top of my head – and I’m sure there are others: F_Body_Deconstructor_Jim, Slant6Billy and/or Gator).

BudW
 

Nuttyprof

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Messages
85
Reaction score
7
Location
York NE
Thank you, I'll have to wait till someone chimes in with the answer or set up an assortment of options and hope for luck.
 
Back
Top