swapping to multi leaf springs?

[zboss86]

Currently I have plain springs in the rear for a 8.2 10 bolt open differential. Are multi leaf springs (like that came in 12bolt rears) a direct bolt in on a 68 camaro? Or do I have to change the bracketry on the rearend housing.

Reason asked... Most likely I'm going to change rear springs to the multi spring style to lower the rear and to keep from having to add traction bars.

[dhardison]

If the rear in your '68 uses factory mono-leafs, then yes, in order to go to multis you need to replace the saddles. Multi-leaf saddles are deeper to accomodate the taller spring stack. I've seen guys use the stock mono saddles with multis, but I don't recommend it,. Here's a couple links to YearOne showing the differences in the factory-type saddles.

http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/part.asp?pid=XJ24&c=0&e=0&cat=6&hid=619AA51606
http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/part.asp?pid=XJ25&c=0&e=0&cat=6&hid=619AA51606

If you're going to replace the saddles anyway you could always install the Mopar type "perches" instead. This is what I have on my 12-bolt w/multis. They'll accomodate monos and multis, but you rmust utilize u-bolts instead of factory t-bolts.

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=2632&prmenbr=361

HTH,
Dan

[zboss86]

thanks alots,

Shad

[wrcamaro]

hotchkis springs are multileaf and basically bolt right inplace of singles. their kit with heavy duty shackles also has beefy u bolts that require slightly enlarging the holes in the spring perch.

i put them on my 68 camaro 3 yrs ago and haven't had any problems.

[zboss86]

I think I'm going to stick with mono leafs and cal tracs...