Lowering blocks and u bolts for leaf springs

[Jeremy]

I just installed some VBP 150 pound composite springs on my 80 TA to compliment the transverse spring up front. I love the springs as they really compliment the front and balanced things out over bumps. They are so smooth and amazingly quiet.

Now to my questions. The spring itself was thicker at the mounting area than the stock and my lower plate no longer fits tight against the perchs. Is this a problem? I have the nuts snugged with equal torque and gap all the way around.

Next, I will most likely need 1 inch lowering blocks to get the ride back were it was with the sagging original springs. With lowering blocks, I know that my lower plates will be no where near the bottom of the perches so I hope its not a problem. Do lowering blocks come with the new u bolts or I do I get them seperately? What is the best source for 7/16 so I don't have to drill out my lower plates?

I only got to drive it 5 miles or so today and it dropped 1/2 inch in that time, but it still needs to go 1 inch maybe 1.5. I plan to drive it lightly for the next week or so and see how it goes. If it settles in nicely I will still want to replace the existing u bolts and t bolts as they are originals.

[Jeremy]

I got 1 inch lowering blocks and 1/2 inch u bolts installed today. The ride height is back to where it was before, although this time both sides are the same height whereas before they were 3/8 off from side to side. The rocker panels are perfectly level, right where I wanted them. I feel much better with the 1/2 bolts in there.

I got to drive a few miles today before a storm hit. With the rear down, it drives so much better. The rear is super flat right now and it understeers a bit.

The springs are well worth the money if you ask me. I can't wait until I can drive it a lot more to get used to them.

[shmoov69]

Good deal! I liked my rear springs from them also.