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Kirkham Motorsports

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  • 1 Post By Tom Kirkham

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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 08-18-2013, 10:51 AM
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Default Transverse Leaf Spring Rear Ride Height

I have a transverse leaf spring cobra and I wanted to know how can I increase the rear ride height about 1/2 inch to 1 inch? My feeling is that I am going to need a new rear leaf spring, but maybe there is an adjustment that can be done. Any input would be great. Thanks in advance
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Old 08-21-2013, 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Swanny80 View Post
I have a transverse leaf spring cobra and I wanted to know how can I increase the rear ride height about 1/2 inch to 1 inch? My feeling is that I am going to need a new rear leaf spring, but maybe there is an adjustment that can be done. Any input would be great. Thanks in advance
Only way is to bend the main leaf 1/2 inch

Bernie
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Old 08-21-2013, 02:50 PM
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Sometimes shops that service large trucks can arch and temper leaf springs. If the rear configuration is anything like the front, I suspect that you'll need to modify at least 3 leafs.
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Old 08-21-2013, 07:24 PM
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They can have the stack of leaves pulled apart and put back together with one or more leaves reversed. The other solution is a spacer block between the spring stack and its mount. If they are new they will settle with use and it's nice to be able to adjust the height back with the block.
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Old 08-21-2013, 07:32 PM
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The leaf spring will need to be re-arched.
The leafs are already flipped to give the most ride height.
Putting a block between the springs and the frame will lower the ride height.
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Last edited by Tom Kirkham; 08-21-2013 at 07:35 PM..
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Old 08-21-2013, 07:58 PM
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Exactly. Thanks everyone, that is what I figured was to pull the leaf and get it re-arched or replaced. Talked to a builder here in SE Michigan (Tom K you probably know who it is) and suggested to see how much arch would be needed to install Teflon spacers in a couple of the leaf ends while the suspension is dropped to get an idea. It would only be temporary, but could give an idea on amount arch that needs to be done. I guess the Triumph guys do this with their springs for ride height adjustments. Thanks again,
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Old 08-21-2013, 08:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Swanny80 View Post
I have a transverse leaf spring cobra and I wanted to know how can I increase the rear ride height about 1/2 inch to 1 inch? My feeling is that I am going to need a new rear leaf spring, but maybe there is an adjustment that can be done. Any input would be great. Thanks in advance
Just curious but is the car so low that it bottoms out?
I think they look best when they sit low. Just my opinion of course.
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Old 08-22-2013, 06:04 AM
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Oops I was adjusting you the wrong way. We have used eccentric adjusters on the ends of the springs that can be used to adjust camber and height at the same time.
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Old 08-23-2013, 12:23 PM
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Removing the rear spring is a MAJOR PITA. It requires removal of the interior, rear bulkhead and gas tank just for access. I had mine re arched and the result was less than I had hoped. You have to reassemble everything and drive it for a while to gauge the result.
An alternative is to fit 63-67 Corvette air shocks (Monroe #MA785). the top is a bolt on and the bottom requires only to shorten the mounting tube (saws all).
Very good for travelling with stuff in the trunk since it is variable.
Picture shows part to remove. Bolt sizes, travel and clearance is all good. Not too expensive either.
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Old 08-24-2013, 09:21 PM
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Great information. The only issue that I see is that the Monroe MA785 shock only has an extended height of 14". When the springs fully sag down, I have a distance of 16.5". I might try a set of coil overs, not sure if that will work. Other than that, its pulling the spring out and getting it re-arch. Thanks!
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Old 09-01-2013, 08:59 PM
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Just as an FYI, I went with a set of QA1 DS 501 coil overs with 12inch springs (85lbs springs) and it seems to help. I eliminated the wheel scrub and increased the ride height. The ride is a little stiff, but that is to be expected. We shall see how it goes.
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