Having a new set of leaf springs built for the front of my ‘66 . The left uses the 1 1/8 bushing while the right has the 1 5/8. When I have them made do I need to have that right side made to accomodate the 1 5/8 bushing or can I go with 1 1/8 for both. If I do have to have the 1 5/8 on the right what bushing from Energy Suspension would I use ? I read where Donivan recommends the 4.2126 R bushing for the 1 1/8 leaf. Would it be better to go 1 1/8 both sides and just use the 4.2126 bushings? I’ll need to know when I have the leafs made . Any help on this is appreciated. Thanks
5 posters
Leaf springs and bushings
donivan65- Governor
- Number of posts : 12248
Location : San Diego, California
Registration date : 2008-05-12
- Post n°2
Re: Leaf springs and bushings
Chevboner here is having a spring shop install these 1 1/8" metal cartridges on his 1st Gen springs instead of the neoprene ones,,,,,,,I would have to think they put that bigger bushing in the right front because the engine weight is more to that side and it would sag a little over time as well as all the engine torque goes through that bushing,,,,,,,that 1 5/8" neoprene bushing says 2061 on it, they might call it a 2011,,,,
Guest- Guest
- Post n°3
Re: Leaf springs and bushings
Thanks Donivan for the info on the bushings . Am going to have the 1 5/8 spring made for the right side as you recommend and try to find that poly bushing to put in that eyelet. Regards , Brad
sandyvan- Number of posts : 526
Location : San Diego, CA
Registration date : 2011-03-13
- Post n°4
Re: Leaf springs and bushings
Just curious why you're having new springs made. I need to replace all the bushings on my 66 at some point, but figure the springs themselves are OK.
Guest- Guest
- Post n°5
Re: Leaf springs and bushings
After looking at my rear springs , i decided to go with new rear springs after my spring shop took them apart to take a closer look at em and recommended new ones, those springs being over 50 yrs old , I just decided on putting new ones in instead of re arching and rebuilding .If the fronts were like the rears , (which I’m assuming ,)they will be replaced.
Guest- Guest
- Post n°6
Re: Leaf springs and bushings
Another question, new front leafs that I had made look as if one leaf is shorter than the other. I believe they are supposed to be 48” eye to eye. The new springs were copied from the old springs. I did measure eye to eye along the arc of the springs and the messurement was at 48 inches both springs. Am I not seeing something?
, or were they made wrong? Am headed back down to the spring shop that made them to look at the old ones. Any help would be appreciated thanks ,
, or were they made wrong? Am headed back down to the spring shop that made them to look at the old ones. Any help would be appreciated thanks ,
Guest- Guest
- Post n°7
Re: Leaf springs and bushings
gfleduc- Number of posts : 376
Location : Kingwood Texas
Age : 69
Registration date : 2015-09-19
- Post n°8
Larger Right front bushing
donivan65 wrote:Chevboner here is having a spring shop install these 1 1/8" metal cartridges on his 1st Gen springs instead of the neoprene ones,,,,,,,I would have to think they put that bigger bushing in the right front because the engine weight is more to that side and it would sag a little over time as well as all the engine torque goes through that bushing,,,,,,,that 1 5/8" neoprene bushing says 2061 on it, they might call it a 2011,,,,
FWIW - The manual said the larger (Heavy Duty) bushing was to take up the engine torque.
savage likes this post
Digz- Number of posts : 3794
Location : United States Six Lakes MI
Registration date : 2008-05-17
- Post n°9
Re: Leaf springs and bushings
My springs had broken leafs. Had all four made. You won't regret having that done. It should be after all a one time investment .
sandyvan- Number of posts : 526
Location : San Diego, CA
Registration date : 2011-03-13
- Post n°10
Re: Leaf springs and bushings
Digz wrote:My springs had broken leafs. Had all four made. You won't regret having that done. It should be after all a one time investment .
So what's a ballpark of how much four new springs might cost me? I gotta start saving up...
Digz- Number of posts : 3794
Location : United States Six Lakes MI
Registration date : 2008-05-17
- Post n°11
Re: Leaf springs and bushings
I'll have to check my build bible to be sure. Its been a few years. Dan had some made also, perhaps he can recall quicker.
AV65chevy- Number of posts : 18
Location : Burbank Ca
Registration date : 2013-09-15
- Post n°12
Re: Leaf springs and bushings
All great info. TY best site to keep our Vans on the road.
savage likes this post