Best leaf springs for handling?

[torredcuda]

Starting to look at parts for upgrading the handling, I currently have tired factory leafs from a 383 car so looking to replace. I see the Hotchkiss "corrected" springs but pricy.    Just looking for spirited street driving and maybe an occasional parking lot autocross.

[Chryco Psycho]

Probably the composite springs that Brad is running but you also need really good shocks to control them .

[torredcuda]

I`ll be upgrading with good shocks as well.

[Brads70]

some options..... usually need longer hangers to use them..... 
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Search?Facet=GA_SuperMarket%3ARacing&query=Chrysler+leaf+spring

[rtgreen]

so many. which ones?

[Brads70]

so many. which ones?

Experimenting is not cheap. Here is a post of my experiences....
https://forum.e-bodies.org/wheels-tires-brakes-suspension-and-steering/12/composite-rear-leaf-springs-on-an-e-body/59/msg353#msg353


Every car will be different depending on corner weights etc.... not a believer in one spring fits all kind of theory. A certain spring rate may be close (Hotchkiss) in a general way, cover the masses so to speak and for most people they would never know the difference as they have nothing to compare it to?   Big block/small block, torsion bar size,  etc..  again 4 corner weights differ on our cars so tough to pick a "one size fits all" too many variables .For example, the 225# rate I ended up with if you were to do that with a steel spring would yield totally different results as  composite reacts much quicker than steel , shocks are a big variable as well for this reason I suggest adjustable shocks, double adjustable preferred.


Usually the biggest difference between a "racing spring" and regular street replacements is the racing spring is rated and available in different rates. The street replacements usually have no rating, you get what you get.... 99% of the people are just concerned with " does this spring hold the car at the desired ride height"  not how it reacts as the suspension is cycled . Good handling is the sum of numerous parts working together in a good combination. No single part is the end all be all.
Kind of like engine parts, picking the right camshaft for the rest of the combination is critical .

[torredcuda]

Not really knowing much about the subject I need suggestions from either the aftermarket companies making the products or others who have used them. A complete system would be nice but budget does`nt allow something like Hotchkiis or similar. Hopefully I can piece it together without screwing it up.

[jordan]

I remember XV Motorsports testing stock suspension on a test simulator used for F1 cars. The results were that the original rear leafs were too stiff and the front bars are too soft causing an unbalanced car. XV used a softer leaf arrangement to react quicker with a flatter front portion and more curve in the rear of the leaf to prevent axle hop. Try a YouTube search for XV Motorsports to get the information you need. I have their springs on my car and they work great though I don't think you can get them anymore. My stroked 6bbl big block still hooks up just fine with these springs. Don't let anyone talk you into heavy duty springs unless you are serious drag racing or you want your fillings replaced.
  If you are on a tight budget, think about small block springs. The Hotchkis kit is pretty comprehensive and the can prove it works. Find it on sale.

[dave73]

I like how my hotchkis springs handle but honestly my tire setup does not compliment it so I'm sure I'm leaving a ton on the table. I like the fact that they were straight bolt in and not too expensive when on sale - now is the time for a sale with Black Friday/cyber Monday. I also went from a +2" espo to hotchkis so the lower center of gravity may have played a much larger part in handling then just the hotchkis springs

[Brads70]

I like how my hotchkis springs handle but honestly my tire setup does not compliment it so I'm sure I'm leaving a ton on the table. I like the fact that they were straight bolt in and not too expensive when on sale - now is the time for a sale with Black Friday/cyber Monday. I also went from a +2" espo to hotchkis so the lower center of gravity may have played a much larger part in handling then just the hotchkis springs

That and when the rear end is raised it takes away much needed castor from the front end......

[torredcuda]

The Hotchkiss are on sale for $486, might pull the trigger. 
https://www.hotchkis.net/product/1970-1974-mopar-e-body-geometry-corrected-sport-leaf-springs/?mk=&yr=&md=&sm=

[dodj]

I don't see how Hotchkis calls their spring 'geometry corrected'? As far as I can tell, it's just a lower rate spring in stock height.

The lower spring rate is good though. Tail end of my car has always been too stiff. Mopar XHD's. Wonder what the XHD rate is?

[Brads70]

some good reading , in case someone is interested......
https://landrumspring.com/technical/leaf-spring-technical-information/

[HP2]

I don't see how Hotchkis calls their spring 'geometry corrected'? As far as I can tell, it's just a lower rate spring in stock height.

The lower spring rate is good though. Tail end of my car has always been too stiff. Mopar XHD's. Wonder what the XHD rate is?

Hotchkis uses a Berlin eye in their leafs which centralizes forces through the center of the eye, unlike the standard wrap OEM eye. See below.

XHD rates are around 140#, Hothkis around 130#, and Mopar oval track are at 120#.

FWIW, The Finkbeiner book "B Body Upgrades" suggests picking torsion bars that are 10% of the front end weight. You then would want to pick a leaf spring that is a a compliment to that front rate.  This is because there are a limited number of torsion bars out there, but leaf springs can be built in almost unlimited rates.

[dodj]

Hotchkis uses a Berlin eye in their leafs which centralizes forces through the center of the eye, unlike the standard wrap OEM eye.

Ya, I saw that but I don't see how they claim that 'corrects' any geometry.

Hotchkis says their springs are 160#, I'm thinking the xhd must be higher?