I have a stock 85 Suzuki Cultus/Chevy Sprint.
[[pictured here]] http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=16207

I have never lowered a car that has leaf springs before
and I'm not sure on what to do.
Should i flip the leaf springs?
or put in lowering blocks??

Have any ideas on what i should or should not do?

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Vinny of the Kay.

Flip the leaf works but limits the quality of the ride, remove one or a few of the helper leaf, de-ached (mordrop). Blocks are the worst way to lower leaf because it will set the pad where the leaf rest on closer to the ground which maybe or will get snag on road pot holes or bumps.

this.

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'74 コロナマークⅡ
The 'Mistress' http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11540&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Rearching the leaf is probably best. Removing a leaf is not a good idea because it reduces load capacity and spring rate. I believe, leaf springs can also have the eyes curled the other way. If you use blocks, cut off excess threads on the U-bolts which are usually universal length.

flip the u bolt and spring pad. do not flip the springs just the pad and u bolt and rearch a bit. you could also flip the shackle if its a drop down instead of hinge and make it a hinge style like the 73-87 chevy pickups are stock. i personally hate blocks but then again the only time i play with leaf springs is lifting pickups

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-Ryan-
1980 mx32 riding on advan a3a's and hachi suspension
1987 k5 rock crawler

Goodness gracious, what's happened here!!!

Lolol.

Man I took all helper leafs out and flipped the remaining spring in my lowriding days back in the 80's.

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So this is what im working with


I cant flip the leaf springs
and there are no helper leafs to remove.
any other ideas?
I think I might just do lowering blocks..

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Vinny of the Kay.

Go to a spring works, and have the springs reset.

Have a talk to them about what you want, you will likely be amazed at what they can do.

I think I will try that. thanks.

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Vinny of the Kay.

dont use blocks. Once you put on lower profile tires the perch that holds the leaf will be sooo close to the ground.

I wonder if you can get rid of the leaf springs altogether and install springs on axle perhaps.

Have the springs reset by a workshop. It didn't cost me much and the result was worth it.

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1971 1300 Wagon Deluxe
1973 1300 Wagon

the leaf also acts as a lateral bar. But yes you can install springs on the axle, but you will need to get leaf that have a lighter load tension. This way the leaf will simple hold the axle in place and the spring will handle the load. This is not the proper way but will work as a getto rig.

I don't see the problem with using lowering blocks

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Carina TA12, Starlet EP70(sold) and EP71, Mitsubishi Lancer CS9W

I got mine reset with an extra leaf, he used large hammers and cold worked the leafs. Avoids spring sag issues and they are much stiffer now, handling is improved greatly teamed up with new gas struts. Price ~$300aud is the going rate around here.

depends what you're after. If you want decent handling don't go blocks unless you stiffen the spring

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Choosing an old car doesn't have to mean you're on your own. JNC

Ah...just convert it to a 4 link! LOL!
Actually resetting them is probably the best way.

Me neither?



What he said. I used blocks, but also stiffened my springs.

Lowering blocks work fine. Here is what I have on my car.

My car sits pretty low, but I've never had contact with the ground or anything else. Remember, leaf springs need some arch in order to work correctly. If they arch backward, they don't work so well. Lowering blocks are your easiest solution that works well.

Will

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1969 Datsun 2000 (track car, driven daily)
1959 Alfa Romeo 101.02 Sprint (big project)
1969 Alfa Romeo 105.51 GTV (R.I.P)
'87 BMW M3