9 leaf, spring question

[Michael H.]

I just changed over from a 7 leaf with a spacer plate to the correct 9 leaf spring on my 1966 big block. Can anyone tell me the correct length of the 4 bolts mounting the springs to the carrier cover? The length used to mount the 7 leaf were hardware store bolts 3 1/2". When I reused the bolts, the two bolts in the rear of the cover seem to hit bottom. Like they were to long.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 9 leaf, spring question

The correct bolts are 9/16 - 12 - 3-1/4, black finish.

[Gary B.]

Spring attachment bolts too long

Michael,

I hope you didn't try and fully tighten those hardware store bolts that were too long. It's possible to punch thru the case using bolts that are too long and doing that will definitely ruin your day.

Gary

[Michael H.]

Re: 9 leaf, spring question

Thanks for the reply Gary. I stop as soon as the bolts hit bottom.

[Curt C.]

Re: 9 leaf, spring question

Michael, I know Gary's point first hand. He was right, it did ruin my day and get rear end lubricant all over my garage floor!

[Wayne M.]

Re: 9 leaf, spring question

The correct bolts are 9/16 - 12 - 3-1/4, black finish.

But most importantly, the threaded portion is only 1.0" (ie 12 threads) long. Also, those split lock washers are 0.175" thick.

[R N.]

Re: 9 leaf, spring question

Hello All,

Reading this with interest and that generated a question - Is there a difference between these bolts for standard 9-leaf spring and that of the 7-leaf F-41 spring?

[Joe L.]

Re: 9 leaf, spring question

Hello All,

Reading this with interest and that generated a question - Is there a difference between these bolts for standard 9-leaf spring and that of the 7-leaf F-41 spring?

Kurt-----


The bolts were the same regardless of installed spring.

[Joe L.]

Re: 9 leaf, spring question

I just changed over from a 7 leaf with a spacer plate to the correct 9 leaf spring on my 1966 big block. Can anyone tell me the correct length of the 4 bolts mounting the springs to the carrier cover? The length used to mount the 7 leaf were hardware store bolts 3 1/2". When I reused the bolts, the two bolts in the rear of the cover seem to hit bottom. Like they were to long.

Michael-----


These bolts have an "official" length of 3-1/8", although in actuality I think they're a little bit longer. However, they are special bolts inasmuch as they have a long, unthreaded shank and relatively short thread length. Paragon makes an excellent reproduction of these bolts.