Rear Spring - Old vs. New?

We have sold a LOT of heavy duty covers to people replacing their springs.  They do have a lot more webbing in them.  We have been recommending KYB Gas A Just shocks, especially when you change to mono leaf spring.  You should always replace shocks four at a time.

There are two companies making mono leaf springs.  The TRW style hasn't been made by TRW for a long time, but are still made to their high quality specs.  We have had one come back in ten years, and he was a drag racer.

Larry

Be careful when you do it. DON'T just start taking nuts off. Even the old spring is under tension.
                                                  Corvette Fever article

Since I am incompetent to make a link work, perhaps someone who can will fix this one, if not, copy and paste it into your browser. Corvette fever article on how to remove the spring complete with pix of how to block up for the jack to keep it from slipping.We used this method to put an original back in mine and it worked well. DON'T take the nut off the little bolt in the middle without having a clamp on the spring assembly! It makes a hell of a racket!!!Keep your fingers out of the way as well. Definitely replace the rubber bushings when you pull the spring down.



(inserted link to article)Adams' Apple2008-04-30 10:50:08

I PURCHASED MINE FROM VAN STEELE( OR VETTE BRAKES AND PRODUCTS, THE SAME SPRING) MUCH LIGHTER AND BETTER RIDE. UNLESS SOMEONE CRAWLS UNDER THE CAR , ONLY YOU WILL KNOW IT`S THERE. NOT DIFFICULT TO INSTALLED JUST TAKE YOUR TIME.

   I'm a purist, so I went with the original replacement steel spring. Was not a big job to install. I would recommend that you replace shocks at the same time - front and rear. I also replaced the plate, bushings and mounting hardware. I have no regrets. I got all my stuff from MAM. Very good quality. I hear that mono's are better, but to me, if it ain't broke - don't fix it.

http://www.corvettefever.com/projectbuild/138_0412_1979_chevy_corvette_rear_suspension/index.html

Monte...I chose to sandblast and restore the original spring using new rubber liners between each spring. Mikeee

From my member name you can see that this is my first Corvette...been waiting 25 years to get one.  I'm trying to get a plan together to fix things up.  The previous owner had the car for 25 years and for the last 10 years only drove it occasionaly.  I think it still has the original springs and shocks.  I know that the suppension is one area I want to improve and from reading through the forums (C3VR is a great place by the way!) this is what I think I'm going to upgrade to:

KBY Gas Shocks (Front & Rear)
Gymkhana Front Coil Springs
Composite Rear Mono Spring (with new rubber)

I've seen packages that come with anti-sway bars but I don't know if I need/want these...any suggestions?

I also need to know what other misc. parts I should replace at this time.  I see where a heavy duty rear end cover is talked about..I don't believe I need this for my 80 model...or do I.

Appreciate any help and comments...I'm really looking forward to working on my car.

[QUOTE=FirstCorvette!]

From my member name you can see that this is my first Corvette...been waiting 25 years to get one.  I'm trying to get a plan together to fix things up.  The previous owner had the car for 25 years and for the last 10 years only drove it occasionaly.  I think it still has the original springs and shocks.  I know that the suppension is one area I want to improve and from reading through the forums (C3VR is a great place by the way!) this is what I think I'm going to upgrade to:

KBY Gas Shocks (Front & Rear)
Gymkhana Front Coil Springs
Composite Rear Mono Spring (with new rubber)

I've seen packages that come with anti-sway bars but I don't know if I need/want these...any suggestions?

I also need to know what other misc. parts I should replace at this time.  I see where a heavy duty rear end cover is talked about..I don't believe I need this for my 80 model...or do I.

Appreciate any help and comments...I'm really looking forward to working on my car.

[/QUOTE]  WELCOME TO THE SITE, THE CHOICES YOU ARE LOOKING AT ARE GREAT. YOU WILL INDEED FEEL THE IMPRIOVED HANDLING RESULTS. THE REAR ANTI ROLL BAR IS A GOOD ADDITION TO HELP REDUCTION OF ROLL WHEN CORNERING. HOWEVER, IT WILL GIVE YOU A STIFFER RIDE. IT IS A MATTER OF PREFERENCE TO ADD THIS FEATURE OR NOT. GOOD LUCK AND LET US KNOW HOW YOU MADE OUT

I went with the KYB Gas Adjusts and the 340lb mono spring. It is outstanding. I was STONGLY advised not to put the Gym spring on the car by both my mechanic and my club guys. There is so much premium aftermarket stuff out there right now..

Well...I went ahead with the original style spring and with "a little" help from mkapp7879, my new best friend, we got it put on in no time. He has a lift which makes thing so much easier. All I did was pull it onto the lift and he did the rest. I can't say enough about this site and the members on here. Top notch bunch of people!!! Thanks again Mike for all your help. Oh, and the car rides real nice. Between the new spring, back shocks, and new tires, I have no more vibration at "top" speeds. Maybe someday I will try the new monospring, but this one seems to work just fine.