1971 leaf spring

[Paul M.]

My question may seem simple, but how do you count the number of leaves in a
spring? The standard suspension for my car used a 9 leaf spring. The spring that is in it has 10, if you count every layer from the longest one with the bolt holes to the short, center, top leaf. I know for a fact that the second owner changed the spring because he told me he did. He's old now and can't recall to what, only that he was looking for a better ride. I can send a photo of a similar spring from a low miles '70 (believed to be original). It also has 10 leaves, the smallest top leaf having sharp corners on the ends (where the arrow is pointing) and all others are beveled on the ends. The spring in my '71 only has the beveled ends on the longest bottom leaf, all others are sharp corners, but there are 10 leaves. Does anyone know what this spring should look like? I was told by one source that '75 and later cars used 10 leaf springs. I have mine out and I want to put back the right spring. I have been cautioned that the repros are not that good so a rebuilt original would be best.

[Warren F.]

Re: 1971 leaf spring

Paul,

I have an original 9 leaf spring out of one of my '71 LS6 cars (currently has original replacement F41 suspension). This spring has 9 leaves total (from top to bottom) the bottom spring has beveled corners, ALL other leaves have a square cut end, with a slight flare upward at the edge.

[Gary B.]

1971 leaf spring

Paul,

The standard suspension rear sping used in all 1964 thru 1974 Corvettes had 9 leaves. From 1975 thru 1977, a 10-leaf spring was used, so I'm guessing your original spring was replaced either by a GM service replacement spring or an aftermarket spring. Since GM has discontinued all leaf springs for your application, your best bet is a reproduction spring or if you want maximum judging points, a good, used, and cosmetically restored original spring. For a good 9-leaf repro spring, I recommend Eaton Detroit Spring (http://www.eatonsprings.com)

Gary

[Paul M.]

Re: 1971 leaf spring

Thanks for the help. I have to conclude that I have a 10 leaf spring from a '75 or later car and that the one I had offered to me as a 9 leaf is in fact also a 10. I need to keep looking for a rebuildable original.