So IM going to buy my new rear suspension tomorrow and am still trying to figure out what the benifeits are to buying a 4.5leaf spring over a 4 leaf,, Is it worth the extra dough?? Full set, shackles and all for $149 or just springs for 180 (grab a track 4.5 standard eye)..Plus shackles, U's,and bolts. Too many decisions, and it dont help that Im a cheap-O.. Any suggestions? I will have the family in the car at times and dont want to be bottoming out ever, thats why I was thinking 4.5's. But how much better are they? How about 5 leaf? I like the stock height in therear, and may drop the front an inch later,, but I figure I could just buy the drop kit if I dont like it.. any good Info will help.. Im also going to get some new front seatbelts (3pt. retractable),, I found some online for $62 each at www.gotbelts.com How do those measure up to the ones offered at 269/pair??

Help me out if you can..

Thanks
Justin

 

I've run 4.5 leafs in both my '67 and '68, and my Dad in his Mach- all I can say is, I have no reason to use a different spring. I've heard the 5-leaf rides downright brutally, so if you care about your family, I wouldn't go that stiff. The 4.5 isn't exactly a Cadillac ride, but it won't punish, either, though on constantly uneven surfaces, depending on your choice of shocks, there can be some pitching.The extra .5 leaf I would think would be an asset with the family in the back, as you say, vs. the 4-leaf.

Having said that, though,all threeof the cars had mid-eye as opposed to standard. I like it a tad bit lower in the rear, gives in impression of 'static motion', but again, with a load in the back you may well be better served with the standard eye setup.

 

the 5 leaf will give you a stiff ride, five Laurel Mountan a shot, great pricing. Grab a track is usual over priced and offered by mustang plus (over pricerd and a pain t deal with). http://stores.ebay.com/Laurel-Mounta...QQftidZ2QQtZkm

Laurel sould be able to put together a kit for you to save some $. Thansk for the belt link, been looing into them but dont like the prices.

 

My 67 was dragging it's hiney after 40 years. I bought my 4 leaf from NPD I LOVE it. didn't raise too high but certainly gave it a lift over the 3 style would I am very happy with the ride and look.

 

The extra 1/2 a leaf is usually there to help reduce spring wrap-up during acceleration, which leads to wheel hop. It also slightly stiffens the spring rate for better handling. I like my 4-1/2's just fine. At least I did, before the bushings died and one of the spring clamps broke=/

You should also consider installing some sort of non-bolt on traction bars (ie. Traction Masters) to eliminate wheel hop.

 

I have the 5 leaf mid eye on mine. Also the Traction master bars and performance shackle kit.
If I need to ride smooth ill take my Caddy. lol