rod
Tire Kicker
Posts: 73
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Post by rod on Jul 12, 2010 16:30:32 GMT -5
So, I have decided to replace the leaf springs on my Monarch. I have a source, but I'm undecided about whether to go with "heavy duty" or standard. The car was built with standard springs, and I have recently replaced all 4 shocks. I think I need springs as it sits a bit low in the back, with a slight tilt, the left side just a bit lower than the right. I read in another thread that the standard springs are a bit taller, which is what I want since I have always thought these cars, even new, would look better with a bit more hight in the back. Anyone know if this is true?
Also, if I opt for "heavy duty" springs, will they fit "no problem" or will there be differences? And, again, if I choose the "heavy duty" will my new, non-heavy dity shocks be adequate?
If anybody knows the answers to any of these mysteries, I would be gratefull.
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Post by robic58 on Jul 12, 2010 19:35:25 GMT -5
Rod- you're very likely to get several contradictory replies. Unless you propose to use your vehicle in performance mode often, I would go with the standard 4 leaf set up, and replace all the hanger bushings.
After all the set that's on there has carried the car for about 35 years..my own butt end is a lot saggier than it was 35 yrs ago, aah, I only I could get it back .
If you have recent shocks, you'll be pleasntly surprised with the
ride control without being so stiff as to feel like a buckboard wagon.
Let us all know, what you choose and comment on the results.Cheers, Ralph
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rod
Tire Kicker
Posts: 73
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Post by rod on Jul 15, 2010 7:54:53 GMT -5
Rod- you're very likely to get several contradictory replies. Unless you propose to use your vehicle in performance mode often, I would go with the standard 4 leaf set up, and replace all the hanger bushings. After all the set that's on there has carried the car for about 35 years..my own butt end is a lot saggier than it was 35 yrs ago, aah, I only I could get it back . If you have recent shocks, you'll be pleasntly surprised with the ride control without being so stiff as to feel like a buckboard wagon. Let us all know, what you choose and comment on the results.Cheers, Ralph t Thanks. Thats exactly what I will do. |
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Post by mooseman on Sept 11, 2010 1:02:53 GMT -5
My 78 has the same low back end - Is this normal ? It has the heavy duty springs in it ! Where they low when they were new ?
Allan
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Post by hipogranada on Sept 11, 2010 14:45:45 GMT -5
My 78 has the same low back end - Is this normal ? It has the heavy duty springs in it ! Where they low when they were new ? Allan no, they weren't. My '77 (which I bought new) sat about level with the HD suspension. |
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Post by robic58 on Sept 11, 2010 22:42:06 GMT -5
Hi Allan-
Welcome to the group- I'm Ralph a fellow Canuck. I have a 1977 2dr Ghia , and it sits good and high with maybe the front bumper being an inch lower than the back. Good stance. If interested - pics on American Ford Granada -yahoo groups-
members cars #57.
Enjoy your Granada.
Cheers, Ralph
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Post by gmcchamp99 on Sept 12, 2010 22:32:01 GMT -5
On my granada, i have the standard leafs in the back. When i got the car just last year it had the horrific sag in the rear as well. With all new hangers and bushings, i decided to try air shocks to pick the rear up off the ground and they have not failed me yet. The pair was like $68 and it came with everything needed but the air compressor. Installation was about 1 1/2 hrs and it is well worth it. When i have a full car load ( 5 Passangers ) i add a little air to the shocks and the car never lays down. My shocks are good for upto 150 PSI Line pressure and the max weight load is 1250 LBS. Hopes this helps in your decision.
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Post by robic58 on Sept 12, 2010 23:10:43 GMT -5
I,personally, can not recommend the use of air shocks for the purpose of raising the rear. Only for the quality of ride & control. With air shocks installed with sufficient pressure to raise the rear, the entire weight of the rear section of the car and cargo,human or otherwise, rests on two pressure points approximately one inch in diameter. Compare that to the leaf spring anchors, and 4 ply of spring steel of 2 + inch width,attached to a reinforced sub frame.. With Air Shocks the pressure points take all the hard beating, and the possibility of a shock coming through the floor pan panel lurks at the next pothole. I've had it happen to a 1975 Chev Malibu years ago. Not for me, but the choice is yours. No offense gmcchamp99.
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Post by gmcchamp99 on Sept 13, 2010 1:51:45 GMT -5
None taken Robic. On all 7 of the vehicles i own at the moment, 4 of them have Air Shocks and never have i once had a vehicle with enough rot in the rear that the rear shock came through the floor. As for ride quality and control, my Granade is equipped with a rear sway bar and wide enough tires now that i have not noticed any decline of comfort or handling. Cant speak in the sense of maybe driving in the snow but most definately on at least slick surfaces i like to know if my rear end is going to send me into a spin. Also with the air shocks, you maintain you stock leafs, shackles. The only negative i have found at this point with them is the pressure it places on the rear hangers under the trunk. If there is any evidence of rot there, i wouldn't recommend these at all. With this said, i much rather have the rear of the car off the ground so when you attempt to enter a high driveway entrance, your not placing the wonderful chrome bumper or anything else vital to the ford onto the solid pavement and risk ruining or ripping it off.
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