I am contemplating new ESPO rear leafs for my 1970 2 door. As long as I'm spending the money I would like to end up very near the correct ride height to minimize the amount of lowering block needed. So my question to those of you with ESPO rear springs... Can you provide me with a measurement from the top of the leaf pack to the bump stop bracket? Please include the following details: Year, 2 or 4 door, presence of spare tire and/or battery in the trunck, shackle length, amount of gas in the tank and anything else that may effect the ride height. Thanks in advance.
The 4-leafs will raise it up too high (unless you like the "jacked up" look in the rear ) I ended up taking two leafs out of the 4- leaf springs just to get it down to a reasonable ride height. Not to mention the 4's were stiff as a board!!!!!! I think the best overall solution is to call one of the good spring manufacturers (Landrum, Afco, etc....) and have a custom set made, they will be more then happy to build a spring to your specifications and desires.
I recently installed ESPO 3-leaf springs. I don't have the measurements your asking for but I can say it's pretty close to original ride height. Maybe alittle higher, but you have to figure the springs will settle some. I made and installed 1" lowering blocks. When I ordered my springs I also ordered the standard 3 1/2" shackles with poly bushings all around. Personally, I would stay away from custom bent springs. I went all stock and I'm playing with the ride height with blocks. If you ever want to go back to original height you have the option of taking the blocks out. With custom bent springs you get no options.
I ended up with a set of Mono leafs from Calvert racing.Stock hight spring.If it dosnt do what I want I can return it fo another rate or hight spring.Cant wait to get it on the road.
Gentlemen, Thanks for the information, but... I don't know what "original ride height" was prior to the spring sag that I have now. Therefore, I cannot determine whether the original spring rate will get me where I want to be. A measurement would be great if you have the time. Thanks.
Why would you not be able to make ride height adjustments to a custom spring?? Why would there be no options?? I lowered my car a little after I put the custom fiberglass springs on, I used a pinion angle shim to correct pinion angle and it lowered the car a little bit!! If you get a custom spring, most of the time you don't have to " play with the ride height" by using blocks!! Using lowering blocks is actually NOT the correct way to get a desired ride height, it's the cheap way to get desired ride height!!
I agree, lowering blocks are not the preferred method. All I am asking for is a measurement from someone that put in new ESPO(or anybody's springs for that matter) so I know where they wound up. Then, when I order my springs I can order the same p/n but have them de-arched 1" (or whatever) so I don't have to use the 1" block. I thought the purpose of this board was to help each other avoid making the same mistakes. So, if you are not interested in answering my question, stop replying.
Dude,we are trying to help you, don't be so impatient. If you go back to my first post I stated my experience with stock replacement leaf springs, I'm sorry you didn't gain any knowledge from that! I've never used ESPO so I can't speak for them but most of the "stock replacement" leaf springs are ususally about the same, either 3 leaf or 4 leaf. You won't see a major difference between different manufacturers "stock replacement" springs. Someone with ESPO springs may be able to get you an exact measurement from there car, but does that measurement actually make it the "correct" ride height?? What is correct ride height?? When I first got my comet it sagged in the rear end and was real high in the front, kinda like you see the old mustangs alot of times......well, that was because the original springs were worn out, the 4-leaf replacements (from the Maverick Connection) raised the car WAY WAY up to high in the rear and made it ride like a brick. I removed the two shortest leafs and the car sat down to where "I" wanted it, so that was the "correct" ride height for me!! When I had custom springs made I told them that I wanted "stock" ride height, they ended up being just about exactly where I wanted them!! If you want I can show you a picture of my car at what I consider "correct" ride height and then I can get you a measurement. Your idea about getting a set of springs and then having them re-arched may work but why not just order the correct spring in the first place??
i imagine if you just get replacement 3 leafs from espo, you'll be happy. i have the 4 leafs. yes the ride is stiff. (love it that way. helped hadling a ton!) yes i got some lift. ok by me. i spose 3 leafs will work fine.
I'm gonna be installing my new 4-leafers this weekend...I'll let you know how high it sits. I took the old springs out last night, so if the weather is decent (like it was last night), I'll have them in shortly. I got them back in the fall of last year (along with polyurethane bushings and new U-bolts) and I'm finally ready to install them. Next I'll be getting those Starnes SFCs welded in. :bananaman And after THAT, the plan is to swap-in another 302.
I used the ESPO 4 leaf springs. It raised the back of my car about 2 1/2 to 3". I would just use this as a guide cause all cars will be a little different.
dennis we weren't paying much attention to the height difference when todd installed the springs. the lift you were talking about.. was it 2-3 inches over the old sagging spring height? we got lift when todd did the swap but the lift isn't exaggerated or anything. (fine by our taste) the reason i am asking is that the 72 is going back on the road soon and i may want new leafs back there. guess i should go for the 3 leafs huh? just for a "normal" looking car.
When I spoke with Travis at Calvert Racing He had a book that gave him all info on Original hight,spring rate and all info for the Mav/Comet.And asked if I wanted it taller or shorter.I went with Stock Hight.If there is a problem I can send them back no charge for another set to try.I couldnt ask for better service.......
