E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Wheels, Tires, Brakes, Suspension & Steering => Topic started by: automate33 on February 07, 2018, 10:51:33 AM

Title: Rear leaf spring
Post by: automate33 on February 07, 2018, 10:51:33 AM
Hi guys

Where i can buy correct and best rear leaf spring for my challenger1971 340 RT?
I would Like the best reproduction for a factory setup.

Thanks guy!
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: Cuda Cody on February 07, 2018, 11:03:19 AM
@MoparDave (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/mopardave_10)  sells the moper springs.  @TONY (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/tony_147)  makes some reproduction leaks springs with the original numbers stamped in them.  Not sure if he has the 71 340 springs numbers?   :notsure:  You would have to message them and ask.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: MoparDave on February 07, 2018, 11:12:05 AM
XHD leaf springs are available through mopar.

http://www.rosevillemoparts.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=p445298&search_in_description=1&imageField.x=0&imageField.y=0

Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: TONY on February 07, 2018, 11:20:07 AM
Hi,
im sory we dont make the 71 lower leaf springs

for the E-bodies we only make the 70-71 heavy duty 024-034 lower springs
and the AAR  T/A lower springs

thanks
Tony
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: Cuda Cody on February 07, 2018, 11:26:25 AM
I personally like the bigger real leaf springs in small blocks. :alan2cents:  It has a great rake to the look of the car.  It might just be me, but I don't like the look of an e-body as much when it appears to have the trunk full of groceries and squating down in the rear.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: automate33 on February 07, 2018, 12:18:52 PM
What is the correct number for challenger RT 340 1971?
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: 6bblgt on February 07, 2018, 12:43:05 PM
looks like without 3.91s ---

JS23H1B (or 383) JH23H1B too
#3400044 (L & R)

JH27H1B (or 383)
#3400045 (L & R)
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: 76orangewagon on February 07, 2018, 12:50:19 PM
On my broadcast sheet, my 1971 340 Cuda was coded for 3400044 on both the left and right side. 
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: GrandpaKevin on February 07, 2018, 02:55:33 PM
These are the leaf springs I removed from my 1971 R/T Challenger.

Original 383 4 speed car.

The springs sure looked original and untouched as did all the U bolts and hardware.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: automate33 on February 10, 2018, 01:04:11 PM
TA's rear leaf springs are same than 340?
What is the difference ?
@TONY (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/tony_147)
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: 76orangewagon on February 10, 2018, 01:06:52 PM
Quote from: automate33 on February 10, 2018, 01:04:11 PM
TA's rear leaf springs are same than 340?
What is the difference ? @TONY (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/tony_147)

I believe that T/A leaf springs were 024/034 springs not the 044, but I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: automate33 on February 10, 2018, 01:09:01 PM
Yes but specs are different ?
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: Jim AAR on February 10, 2018, 01:16:44 PM
T/A & AAR Rear Leaf Springs were different. The Part #'s were 3400048 (Both Sides).

They had more Camber to increase the Rear height to accommodate the Side Exit Exhaust & G 60-15 tires as well as to decrease Front End lift at higher speeds for greater vehicle stability.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: 303 Mopar on February 10, 2018, 05:42:57 PM
Quote from: Cuda Cody on February 07, 2018, 11:26:25 AM
I don't like the look of an e-body as much when it appears to have the trunk full of groceries and squating down in the rear.

That's A LOT of groceries!   :pokeeye: :rofl: :haha:
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: automate33 on February 11, 2018, 12:06:50 AM
If I use T/A rear springs on my R/T, would that work ?
I want the correct looking rear height
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: HP2 on February 11, 2018, 08:59:57 AM
Do you want correct or  what everyone thinks looks good?  Correct R/T leaf springs typically sit lower than most remember or would like to see because the AAR/TA cars sit how everyone imagines the R/Ts should be sitting.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: TONY on February 11, 2018, 09:17:39 AM
What Jim said
:)
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: RUNCHARGER on February 11, 2018, 09:47:03 AM
He, he: I have an original set of XHDs that someone rearched. I put them in the car and the top of the tire was below the fenderlip (granted the car still had parts to be installed yet). I don't know what I'm going to do with them, possibly have them de-arched to original I suppose.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: GrandpaKevin on February 12, 2018, 06:58:27 PM
These were new freshly installed MP XHD springs.

I understand that's the rear ride height these cars came from the factory with and with 14" tires they might have looked OK but it was waay too low for my liking with 275/60-15 rear tires and I've also heard the MP XHD springs sag pretty good after a few years.

I removed and returned the springs that day.

Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: Chryco Psycho on February 18, 2018, 07:40:50 PM
Those will typically settle & sit lower after a few weeks too .
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: RUNCHARGER on February 18, 2018, 08:48:57 PM
That's the exact height I like in a Challenger but I agree the MP springs will settle after awhile and then they would be too low even for me.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: automate33 on February 18, 2018, 11:28:00 PM
What do you think about ESPO rear leaf spring?
Some guys advise me ESPO.

http://www.springsnthings.com/

What do you think guys?
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: 303 Mopar on February 19, 2018, 07:28:21 AM
Quote from: automate33 on February 18, 2018, 11:28:00 PM
What do you think about ESPO rear leaf spring?
Some guys advise me ESPO.

http://www.springsnthings.com/

What do you think guys?

ESPO are one of the best USA made springs.  You can get them in any arch, decent price and have everything you need. I have +1" on my Charger and it sits perfect IMO.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: automate33 on February 20, 2018, 12:31:01 PM
What do you advise me to choose ?
I really want to achieve the stock rear height on my 71 RT. I don't want the rear to drop too much like XHD springs and a bit firmier/stiffier suspension. What is my best option ??
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: GrandpaKevin on February 20, 2018, 12:37:44 PM
I would call ESPO and tell them what ride height and stiffness you're looking for.
They know their stuff and sell quality parts.
http://www.springsnthings.com/
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: 303 Mopar on February 20, 2018, 12:40:12 PM
Quote from: automate33 on February 20, 2018, 12:31:01 PM
What do you advise me to choose ?
I really want to achieve the stock rear height on my 71 RT. I don't want the rear to drop too much like XHD springs and a bit firmier/stiffier suspension. What is my best option ??

Technically stock rear height is a lower rear ride height.  If your want a higher than "level" height, i would suggest you get +1" arch in your ESPO springs.  Stiffness of the ride will depend on shocks more than springs.  Bilstein shocks are the best quality for your money and PST sells them.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: erik70rt on February 20, 2018, 01:16:06 PM
I put the ESPO 1" over stock springs on my R/T SE.  Here are a couple of pics.  15" wheels.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: GrandpaKevin on February 20, 2018, 01:29:18 PM
Here are ESPO springs that were ordered +1.5" over stock height with 275/60-15 tires.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: 303 Mopar on February 21, 2018, 06:30:13 AM
Quote from: GrandpaKevin on February 20, 2018, 01:29:18 PM
Here are ESPO springs that were ordered +1.5" over stock height with 275/60-15 tires.

That looks perfect!   :perfect10:
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: bentpshrods on February 21, 2018, 10:26:06 AM
   Another vote for ESPO springs. Great to deal with. I went with +1 over with 275/60-15 tires. This was ten years ago or so and still holding up nicely. 
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: 303 Mopar on February 22, 2018, 02:36:44 PM
My friend just installed ESPO +1" on his '70 with 275/60/15 rear tires. This is with a full tank of gas too.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/b49c328065a0069f087786ef45135e70.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/a03dc1d761e6cecd23d7ddc87eeadce4.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/ac64346a381970b537bce27c3f20b80c.jpg)
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: automate33 on February 22, 2018, 11:30:20 PM
Many thanks guys!

ESPO +1'' look great!
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: GrandpaKevin on February 23, 2018, 07:29:58 PM
I think you will be happy with ESPO springs, again if you have any questions give them a call.

I also installed these HD front spring hanger mounts that have 2 holes.

Using the bottom hole is the stock location, if you think the car sits too high switching to the top hole lowers the rear by about an inch.

http://www.manciniracing.com/marasphaset.html
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: automate33 on February 24, 2018, 01:58:19 AM
thanks!!

Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: dodj on February 24, 2018, 03:52:16 AM
Quote from: Cuda Cody on February 07, 2018, 11:26:25 AM
It might just be me, but I don't like the look of an e-body as much when it appears to have the trunk full of groceries and squating down in the rear.
:haha:
What do you eat?

I agree but my prefered adjustment to fix the saggy bum 'look' is to drop the nose.  It will reward you in the corners. 

automate, tire size has a lot to do with added height springs looking good/proper. When looking at other guys car pics make sure you are paying attention to the tire they have in there. :alan2cents:
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: automate33 on February 24, 2018, 04:03:23 AM
i have BFG 245/60/15, no 275/60/15.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: automate33 on March 07, 2018, 10:23:54 AM
hi guys,

what do you advice me to rebuild front suspension?
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: 303 Mopar on March 07, 2018, 04:56:44 PM
Quote from: automate33 on March 07, 2018, 10:23:54 AM
hi guys,

what do you advice me to rebuild front suspension?

Buy a Moog kit that has all bushings.  PST sells them.  And you might as well upgrade your torsion bars and add a front sway bar if you don't have one.
Title: Re: Rear leaf spring
Post by: dodj on March 07, 2018, 05:39:30 PM
 :iagree: with Dan, PST offers 1.03" bars that are a nice upgrade.
And buy the moog 'offset' bushings for the upper control arms. More caster = more better.
And do the alignment after you install the new springs.  :alan2cents: