C-3 Rear Spring Problem?

[Terry B.]

A friend of mine did a frame off restoration on his 1969 Big Block L-36, automatic, convertible. He has put about 300 miles on the car since the restoration. The other day he was changing tires and noticed the rear spring is starting to fan out about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch from the base spring. If #1 is the base spring and the longest, the fanning is with layer #2, 3 and 4. It has regular suspension as opposed to the F-41. The car sits about 3 or 4 inches higher than normal too if that helps. He asked if he should be worried? I said I would ask the experts.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C-3 Rear Spring Problem?

Terry

It happens if you don't retorque the spring after all the weight is on the wheels.

Lyle

[Terry B.]

Re: C-3 Rear Spring Problem?

Lyle,

What do you mean by retorque the spring. How do you do this?

Terry

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 Rear Spring Problem?

Terry-----

Also, check to be sure that a replacement differential cover using 7/16" spring bolts has not been installed with an original-type 2-1/4" wide spring.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C-3 Rear Spring Problem?

Terry
The four bolts need to be tightened after all the body weight is on the spring to get the proper torque on the bolts.
Lyle

[Tom S.]

Re: C-3 Rear Spring Problem?

I agree with the above post.Now you need to loosen the bolts a little while the car is on the ground to get it to settle.After it settles to about the correct height torque your bolts.I have had this problem many times with pick up trucks that did not sit level.When they come down the assembly line they are not on the floor therefore no weight is on them,the springs are torqued and most times the truck does not sit level. Tom