Leaf springs

[Gitanesteel]

Over the past year The Wonder Falcon had developed a tilt to the left. When I would park it the car would look tilted. I had replaced the front coil springs about two years ago, so it had to be the left leaf spring that was surrendering to gravity. The car looked like it was about one inch lower on the driver's side. And no, it was not me squashing the springs down. I only weigh 155 and am not "a big ol' boy".

The correct fix would be a new set of leaf springs. That is a little bigger project than I wanted right now, so I thought that adding a single helper spring to the left leaf spring might straighten the car. I bought a pair of Made in China “Superior Automotive Overleaf Helper Springs”, Part #11-1030, from Pep Boys at 20% off for $35.99 + $2.52 tax = $38.51.

Superior Automotive Leaf Spring Assist.jpg

See: https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9651634/00123

“Increase level load carrying capacity by 1000 1bs. with one pair. Hardware included. For leaf springs 1.75” to 2.5” wide (mine are 2” wide). Weight: 11.15 lbs (5.6 lbs ea). Helps eliminate sagging springs due to additional weight capacity. Will provide approximately one-inch lift in rear when not loaded.”

I added one helper spring on my left leaf spring last night and it took about ten minutes to install:

IMG_0543.jpg

I drove the car to work this morning and the new helper spring made the ride just a little bit more firm. I measured the height to the fenders when I got to work and found 19” on the left and 19 ¼” on the right. The car sits 1/4” higher on the right, but it is barely noticeable. While driving home today I did not even notice the new helper spring.

The operation was a success.

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