C2 Leaf spring?

[Brian K.]

Hi, is there a way to check an original 9 leaf spring for a 66 Corvette for sag? The spring is out of the car and I'm looking to find out if its ok or need re-arched? thanks in advance for any help. Sincerely Brian

[George C.]

Re: C2 Leaf spring?

Brian,
Check the archives on this question. I have not seen anything about a way to test it, but plenty about how to analize what you have. Many of the posts, say if there are no serious rust issues the spring is probably good. I have read all of this and purchased an old original spring, which looks pretty good, I will know in another month or so.
Good luck with your project,
George

[Gary B.]

Leaf spring; things to check

Brian,

As George states, the presence of significant rust or obvious pitting are two things to look for to indicate a spring that shouldn't be salvaged. The other thing to look for is wear, for example, where leaf # 2 touches the main leaf near the ends. I've seen orginal springs that had the liner completely worn away at the two ends and the wear continued into the upper surface of the main leaf. If there is no rust, pitting or wear, then the only other thing you can do it determine if the free arch in the unloaded state is correct. I forget the number off the top of my head, but I think it's 10.5" from a line connecting the center of the two end holes in leaf # 1 to the underside of the surface of leaf # 1 near the center bolt. If that is close to spec, then the spring should be OK.

Gary

[Brian K.]

Re: Leaf spring; things to check

Thanks guys! I'll get to work on it now.

[Gary B.]

Correction: free arch should be 10" +/- 1/8" *NM*