4 or 5-leaf rear springs? Advice and source?

[Mark B.]

After I finished my 59, it appeared to sit low in the rear with about a 1/2-full gas tank and no spare tire. I believe the original 4-leaf, grooved rear springs are installed. I checked the Noland Adams book for tail heights and found that I'm sitting about 1-inch low in the rear. The front appears to be OK.

I understand that all Corvettes from 57 to 59 came with 4-leaf rear springs, but that there was a 5-leaf optional. My 62 has 5-leaf springs that were not an option in 61-62, and the ride height and quality quality is stiff but acceptable with the Monroe Sensa-Trac shocks that I installed.

Should I replace the weak springs on the 59 with 4 or 5-leaf springs? I can buy the springs from General Spring in Kansas City for about $120/each side. Anyone ever dealt with them? Anyone have experience with 5-leaf replacements? Should I just install Monroe Max-Air shocks as an alternative? Any comments/advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Terry D.]

Re: 4 or 5-leaf rear springs? Advice and source?

Mark

The least expensive cure would be air shocks. The roughest riding would be five leaf springs. Bubba had put 5 leaf springs under my current 62 before I got it and since it is never going to be a show car I replaced them with 4 leaf springs from Muskegon Brake for $85 a side. They can also rearch your springs, don't know the cost of that. I'm pretty pleased with there product, it lowered my car a little and the ride is way better. I changed shocks three times with the five leaf springs and that made no difference in the ride. Just my 2 cents
Terry

[Mark B.]

Re: 4 or 5-leaf rear springs? Advice and source?

Terry, thanks for your response. I spoke to Gary at Eaton Springs this morning who informed me that re-arching my original 4-leaf springs would be very expensive and really wouldn't last. He has 4-leaf replacements in stock and 5-leafs on special order for $429/pr. + shipping. Several gurus have recommended Eaton Springs and I am still considering others in my research. It sounds like the way to go is replacement and just store the original springs for the next wealthy owner. I may try air shocks, but that is my last resort.