F41 rear spring...part # confusion question

[Warren F.]

I have located a rear spring with GM part number 354130, is this the correct F41 spring #. My books show #3977578 as the number. Has this been superceded by the above # and are the springs the same as the original design used thru '72. Thanks, Warren

[Joe L.]

Re: F41 rear spring...part # confusion question

Warren------

Spring GM #354130 was used in PRODUCTION for 1975 Corvettes with FE-7 suspension. It also became the SERVICE replacement spring for 1963-74 Corvettes with F-40/F-41 suspension when the original spring, GM #3828811, was discontinued from SERVICE. GM #3977578 was another GM SERVICE replacement spring for the 3828811 which preceded the 354130. The 3977578 was discontinued in October, 1976; the 354130 was discontinued in February, 1999.

The spring rate of the 354130 is identical to the 3828811. However, the configuration of the 354130 is somewhat different than the original. The most notable difference is the fact that the 354130 has a 0.309" plate on top of the top leaf and the assembled thickness is greater than the 3828811. It will install with no problems on a 63-74 Corvette, though. Also, the configuration of the leaf ends is somewhat different than the original spring.

For more information, consult the article which Gary Beaupre and I did for the Spring, 2004 issue of the Restorer.

[Warren F.]

Thanks, Joe. I'll check out that issue. *NM*

[Tom R.]

Re: FYI 74 FE7

At Windsor we judged a 74 with FE7. It was up for Bowtie and on the rack spotted the front spring tag AA 340519. Checking the rear, counted seven leafs. Shocks had been replaced, unfortunately. Unsucessfully, looked for the "GMU". Chassis displaced its high-mileage use but still some nice markings. Grease pencil markings were still under the shields on both passenger and driver side...I was hoping owner would offer to remove but didn't want to suggest it. He was surprised at the find as we were.