Leaf Spring (Yes, you read right) Question...

[ProTeal55]

Hey ,

Yes you read the topic right, I have a question regarding a leaf spring setup
(crazy on this board eh?)

My 55 Bel-Air is currently setup as:
Front:
QA1 12 way adjustable shocks (set al the way down to slam the car)
Rear:
Stock Leaf spring setup with 2'' lowering blocks

My question is what kinda shocks do I need to run to help smooth out the ride out back ? Ever since I lowered the rear, the back of the car basically bottoms out (or feels like it does) when I hit a good bump. Is this becasue the stock length shocks aren't working with the rest of the lowered suspension ? If this is the issue (which I think it is) where should I look for a lowered shock (nothing crazy) that will work with what I have ? I plan to drive the whitewalls off this car this year, and want the ride to not be as harsh as it is now.

As usuall, all help is greatly appreciated...

[chicane67]

Can you tell me the rear spring rate (and front too, that would be a huge help).

Or... can you weigh the car on independant scales ?? If you can I can figureout the valving for you.

Off the top of my head, you are looking for something monotube, low to medium pressure gas (like a Bilstein) and valved somewhere around a 190/385 to a 260/470.

Get me any of the above info and I can do ya better...

REAL MEN run leaf springs

[silver69camaro]

REAL MEN run leaf springs

Ha!

[ProTeal55]

At the momment I dont have any of that info for ya.
I do have a buddy who has scales, but that isnt gonna happen till it warms up and dries out around here (snowed last night again !).

[kennyd]

take the shock off the car and drive it , what happens then ? still bottom out ? i have had a ton of 55's with the same setup and never had that problem, here is one that had the same drop leafs from speedway and it rode great ? probally the shock bottoming out not a leaf problem

[TonyL]

Nitro Drop shocks.

200 bucks a set. usually.

or check with PRRC in the vendor list. I think he can get some thing similar He's in Indiana

[PRRC]

I will go with Kenny on this one. Have done several tri 5s with no trouble.
Although we just had a packard in the shop that was complaining of the same thing. And it turned out the right shock was stuck wouldnt compress.
If you still think you are having trouble with the shocks bottoming out. get under the car at ride height, and measure the travel from the rear axle to the bump stop. mark the shock installed on the car were the upper and lower half meet. remove the shock and see if you have enough travel before the shock bottoms out. compared to the travel you on the rear end travel measurement.
Tim

[ProTeal55]

Thanks for all the good advice guys, it is really appreciated. With the car still taking it's winter nap I am limited to what I can do, but as soon as I get it home I am gonna attempt to fix this issue for good.

KENNYD -->
That 55 you posted looks killer.
What size/backspacing are those wheels on their ?

[kennyd]

[quote=ProTeal55]Thanks for all the good advice guys, it is really appreciated. With the car still taking it's winter nap I am limited to what I can do, but as soon as I get it home I am gonna attempt to fix this issue for good.

KENNYD -->
That 55 you posted looks killer.
What size/backspacing are those wheels on their ?[/quote


20x8 with 5 back ? i think , thats been 5-6 yrs ago
18x7 with a 4.5 back

here is a 57 with a 20x10 and a 55 with a 20x10 and both have been mini tubed and both have 4.5 back on rear and front

[jy211]

damn those look sweet!

[ProTeal55]

Those are two killer cars ya posted there...
I would love to throw on some big wheels & brakes on my 55, but i still have a few areas that need attention first (motor-trans-rearend-etc ). The wide whitewalls and 57'' Caddy caps will have to do for now...