Shock and leafspring

Discussion in 'Technical' started by mywifeisawesome, Apr 16, 2016.

  1. mywifeisawesome

    mywifeisawesome Member

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    Hi everyone. I'm planning on changing my rear leafsprings on my 73 Comet from the original 3 leaf springs to a 4 leaf, leafspring. If I order replacement rear shocks probably from autokrafters will they still work due to the extra elevation added due to the 4 pack leafsprings? Thanks.
     
  2. Crazy Larry

    Crazy Larry Member

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    The shocks will not be affected at all. If the springs are arched correctly, they should not elevate the car any more than stock, although this can vary with different manufacturers.
    And Shocks are much less expensive from your local auto parts stores.
    No need to get them from AutoKrafters.
    With that said; I've had 4-leaf springs on my Maverick and they're totally unnecessary. I switched back to 3-leaf. These cars are quite light in weight in the rear.
     
    jasonwthompson, mojo and tbirdz12 like this.
  3. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    I agree, the 4 leaf springs I got raised the rear too high and road like a truck...:yup:
     
  4. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    No need to order from anybody except the manufacturer. Espo Springs 4-leaf on mine. No issues.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. Crazy Larry

    Crazy Larry Member

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    I got my current 3-leaf setup from ESPO, and they sat every bit as high as yours with the 4-leaf, until I installed lowering blocks. I just don't see the point of making the rear suspension that stiff on a Maverick unless it's gonna be towing travel trailers (and why would anyone do that?).
     
  6. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    I have heard others say that as well....but my rear end is not "stiff" at all. I consider the ride very normal.

    On the other hand, this car had 4-leafs (unknown brand) installed by a previous owner. Absolutely no give what so ever. NONE
    [​IMG]
     
  7. Crazy Larry

    Crazy Larry Member

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    Yeah, that's why I was saying that it could vary depending on the manufacturer.
    I just know for a fact that the 3-leaf from ESPO is plenty stiff, and actually sits pretty high. Maybe the 4-leaf utilizes less stiff leaves; I have no idea.

    Do you have polyurethane bushings on your orange car?
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2016
  8. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    No....just normal rubber ones.
     
  9. mywifeisawesome

    mywifeisawesome Member

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    Thanks so much guys. Maybe I will stay with the three leaf. Where do you order the ESPO springs from? What about General Spring? Do the ESPO come with new hangars, bushings, bolts, and etc?
     
  10. Crazy Larry

    Crazy Larry Member

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    http://www.springsnthings.com/

    The front bushings come with the new springs. All other hardware must be ordered separately.

    I ordered U-bolts from General Spring. They were good to deal with, but I haven't bought springs from them.
     
  11. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    General 4 leaf springs are much to stiff for these cars IMO. I and a few others w/ them had to remove the bottom leaf to get ride quality that did not rupture one's kidneys. They don't have anything other than the 4 leafs, last time I checked.
    If I had to do again, I wud go w/ ESPO. If your just using the car on a smooth race track, they might be OK -- driving on urban streets w/ lots of pot holes -- not the answer.
     
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  12. mywifeisawesome

    mywifeisawesome Member

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    Thanks alot for the information. I'm going too look into the ESPO's. Ordered new rear shocks from work, still has original on car. Next I will be ordering the rear springs, probably stay with three leafs.
     
  13. MaverickEsquire

    MaverickEsquire Member

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    Damn... I put the General Springs on mine. But I've never ridden in another Maverick so I have no point of reference. They were highly recommended at the time
     
  14. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    So, how do U like the ride? You use the car on the street most of the time?
     
  15. COMETIZED

    COMETIZED Member

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    SPRINGS ;
    Has anyone out there tried the ' add-a-leaf ' spring setup ? Its a smaller length spring that bolts onto the lowest
    point of a stock setup . I have this on three cars so far and they work great. The part number is # 13120 and its made by Pro Comp ... I'm running 275 60 15's on the rear of my Comet without any clearance problems. It's just
    another option available to us without bearing the expense of a full set of springs. My add-a-leafs have not raised
    the heights of my cars unduly (marginal at best )and the ride is O.K. ..Just completed a Hot Rod POWER TOUR last June and put 4400 miles on the COMET without a problem. Rode Just Great! ..
    Cometized
    (Chip)
     

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