69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

[Don W.]

Any suggestions on where to buy a complete rear leaf spring assembly for judging? I currently have a mono-spring installed from the prior owner. Thanks...Don

[Edward J.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

Don, flea bay, Driveline, craigslist, it will take some time to find a good spring. Just keep in mind its a used piece, there is a risk. About the only reproduction spring that is correct is the 7 leaf from Americas finest Corvettes. Eaton spring from Detroit Mich. has a pretty close 9 leaf reproduction spring but not as the original 9 leafs.

[Don W.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

How about the Dr Rebuild set-up?

http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/SUSP63C.PDF

[Edward J.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

Don, No one makes a 100% correct spring If you want something that's close Eaton Spring is the only choice. there maybe a correct one down the road. My understanding is the Americas finest Corvettes maybe in the process, At least that's what he told me a few years ago at Corvette of Carlisle.

[Don W.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

I need a 7-leaf as I have a 427 and I think the heavy rated 7-leaf is to go with big block cars if I'm correct. I open to corrections if I'm not correct.

[Don H.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

America's Finest Corvette is re-making the 7 leaf spring. Also, suggest you run a wanted ad for an original in the NCRS Classified Ads forum.

https://www.ncrs.org/classified/index.php

[Edward J.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

Don, I am not 100% sure, But if your car has a rear stabilizer bar it must be a 7 leaf. if so Americas finest corvette in California sells the correct spring. Lets see if some else answers on the big block spring. If you have a 68/69 JM manual it should spell it out in the chassis section.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

I need a 7-leaf as I have a 427 and I think the heavy rated 7-leaf is to go with big block cars if I'm correct. I open to corrections if I'm not correct.

Don------


The 7 leaf rear spring was supplied as part of the F-41 HD suspension option. It was AVAILABLE with L-71 but it was not part of the L-71 engine RPO. Only slightly over half of the Corvettes equipped with L-71 were also equipped with F-41.

So, how can you tell if yours was one of them:

1) tank sticker

2) front springs would have 0.7" wire diameter

3) assuming that the rear shock mount support shafts are original, check for forging number:

3820929-30= standard suspension

3829265= F-41 suspension

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

Don, I am not 100% sure, But if your car has a rear stabilizer bar it must be a 7 leaf. if so Americas finest corvette in California sells the correct spring. Lets see if some else answers on the big block spring. If you have a 68/69 JM manual it should spell it out in the chassis section.

Edward-----


Rear stabilizer bar was part of big block engine options; it was not part of ANY 1965-73 F-41 option.

The 7 leaf rear spring was part of 63-74 F-40/F-41 HD suspension option. For 1969 it was available only with L-71 and a required option for L-88/ZL-1.

[Edward J.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

thanks Joe

[Patrick B.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

Don, I am not 100% sure, But if your car has a rear stabilizer bar it must be a 7 leaf. if so Americas finest corvette in California sells the correct spring. Lets see if some else answers on the big block spring. If you have a 68/69 JM manual it should spell it out in the chassis section.

The 7 leaf spring is the F-41 spring that is much stiffer than the 9 leaf spring that was standard on both big blocks and small blocks. Unless you are drag racing or road racing you will hate it. It is surprising that a reproduction company would focus on this low volume part when so many people desire a perfect 9 leaf repro. I put a 7 leaf spring on my 70 LT1 years ago to prevent binding and breaking half-shaft U-joints drag racing. I finally got around to putting the original 9 leaf spring back on and the car is so much more comfortable to drive.

[Don W.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

Thank you Joe. I knew if I waited a while that I'd get the correct info. So, I have the base 427/390 HP with TH400 auto trans in a couple and know I know the 9-leaf is correct to apply. My car is originally from Canada so I have GM transfer data for the car and there is no info on HD suspension. It has this info:
GM Canada Import Documentation
Production Plant = St. Louis, MO
Shipping Date = Nov 17, 1969
Engine = 427 CID 390 HP 4bbl Turbo Jet V8
Dealer: Stedelbauer Chev Olds Ltd. Edmonton, AB Canada
Trim: Std Black Vinyl
Paint: 980-Riverside Gold
Options: A01; C50, GS2, G81, J50, K05, L36, M40, N40, PU9, U69; W84; ZQ4

I'm not sure what option code GS2 is unless it's my typo from hand transferring that data into a word many years ago.

[Edward B.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

Don, RPO GS2 was the 3.08 Posi rear axle code.

Ed

[Don W.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

Hi Ed...too bad GS2 doesn't stand for Grand Sport 2....Don

[Don W.]

Re: 69 complete rear leaf spring, big block

Any comments on the correctness of this ebay unit? I current have a mono spring; what other components would be needed to mount this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Corvette-O-E-M-Standard-Suspension-9-Leaf-Rear-Leaf-Spring-1963-1974-/151248476358?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item23371c98c6&vxp=mtr#ht_17567wt_867