Any use for a broken rear spring?

[Mike F.]

The rear spring in my 70 coupe broke a few weeks ago (lower spring) and I've replaced it with a repro (upper spring).

Does anyone have any use/need for the broken spring or can I just scrap it? Springs one, two & three from the bottom are broken/damaged.

[Michael G.]

Re: Any use for a broken rear spring?

Mike, there has been some issues with the ride height with replacement springs. One solution was to utilize the main leaf (usually the broken one) and reuse the rest which brought the ride height back to where it use to be. You might want to hang on to that oldie.

[Bill W.]

Re: Any use for a broken rear spring?

I agree with Michael .

[Tom L.]

Re: Any use for a broken rear spring?

When I took the spring out of my '72 a while ago there was one cracked leaf, #6 I think. Bought a good used one and restored it. I held onto the old one and donated 2 leafs to people that needed just one leaf. Just a way of paying it forward. Still have several leafs. I hope to help others. Have fun!!

[Richard M.]

Re: Any use for a broken rear spring?

Mike,

Can you see why the bottom leaf broke? Was there a rust spot or any telltale sign at the fracture point? I see that the 2nd and 3rd leaf broke at nearly the same place, but far from the main leaf break point.

The reason I ask is because I have a F41 7 leaf spring here that had a crater about the size of a silver dollar in the main leaf, maybe 1/16" deep or so, originally covered by the upper next leaf. It's about 3 inches back from where the next leaf ends. I noticed it after painting the opposite side, then when I turned it over a few hours later to paint the side in question, the crater was more obvious. This crater in the main leaf has compromised the assembly, and I want to replace it.

I contacted Eaton Detroit spring on Friday. Kim helped me. I measured the thickness at 0.260" on this one here. She said theirs is 0.262" and is made to the original specs. She shop-ordered a new replacement lower main leaf for me and will sell it as a separate item. She quoted me about $30 for it and I should get it next week. I suspect the shipping cost may be equal or greater than the cost of the leaf itself.

Eaton is great to work with. I've had other experiences with them as well and always good.

Rich

[Ken C.]

Re: Any use for a broken rear spring?

Mike, 1st email sent. 2nd, what spring did u end up purchasing. used or new photo on top

[Joe L.]

Re: Any use for a broken rear spring?

The rear spring in my 70 coupe broke a few weeks ago (lower spring) and I've replaced it with a repro (upper spring).

Does anyone have any use/need for the broken spring or can I just scrap it? Springs one, two & three from the bottom are broken/damaged.

Mike------


If any of the leaves are essentially free of ANY corrosion-induced pitting, they are suitable for re-use in the repair of an original spring. However, if they have ANY corrosion-induced pitting, they're scrap metal.

[Richard M.]

Re: Any use for a broken rear spring?

The reason I ask is because I have a F41 7 leaf spring here that had a crater about the size of a silver dollar in the main leaf, ........... She quoted me about $30 for it .........

Rich

Forgot about this thread until a new reply came in.......

A follow up to clarify cost. Big confusion. She thought I needed the top leaf(smallest). Bottom leaf was actually ~ $140. I got that and it was excellent.

Rich

[Ken C.]

Re: Any use for a broken rear spring?

good to know Rich, I just ordered the bottom spring from Eaton monday after conversing with you. Thought something was wrong when he quoted me over 100.
Ken

[Mike F.]

Re: Any use for a broken rear spring?

Mike, 1st email sent. 2nd, what spring did u end up purchasing. used or new photo on top

I purchased a spring from America's Finest Corvettes. http://www.corvetteusa.com/suspension1.htm
It fits well, but does sit a bit high though. I can only lower the ride height to 28 1/2" with my current spring bolts. (I believe the bolts are the correct length, but haven't researched or measured them.)

The new spring is in the top of my photo.

[Bob W.]

Re: Any use for a broken rear spring?

Mike the spring may lower after some miles and time.