Is it neccessary and/or suggested to replace leaf spring plates when doing leaf springs? How about u-bolts? I think I am going to replace my leaf springs and shackles this summer. And what manufacturers do ppl have good experiences with? Maier, TCP..... Most importantly, should I go with 4 leaf or 4.5? I won't do 5 because I know that those would be too stiff for most street driving. Thanks in advance

 

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I went with the grab a track 4.5 leaf mid eye springs. I really dont find them that rough.. Definately stiffer than the 40 year old springs that came out. I used kyb gas adjust shocks and its nice. It did lower the rear end about an inch though. If your bolts are in good condition you can just stick with them.

 

I have the 4-leaf GT springs on mine, with gas shocks. Nice compromise.

 

it was a no-brainer for me. I had to cut all the bolts to get my old springs off. I would have replaced the u bolts any way. One of my spring plates was cracked so I obviously replaced them both. I replaced them with a 4 leaf set and have been very happy.

 

I've always heard you should replace your u bolts because they stretch when you torque them. I guess it could weaken them if you take them off and then re-torque them with the new springs. Don't know if that's true or not but they are cheap enough I personally wouldn't chance it. I didn't replace the plates, I hadn't heard you should.

I put the four leaf springs in with KYB gas adjusts and I've been happy. I really just drive it on the street but I'm going to take it to Oldies but Goodies at the drag strip this summer so we'll see how it does.

 

Definitely replace u bolts. Plates, if you plan on doing any serious performance driving, upgrade to heavy duty plates. You don't want them coming lose in the slightest, you can get broken springs.

As far as what leaf to run, it depends. If you go with a 4 or 4.5 and then a 540 spring up front would be nice, 1" sway bar up front, and might need a rear sway bar. Depends on how much handling you're looking for.

 

I replaced the the U-Bolts and the plates while I had everything apart. I went with the stock replacement springs and KYB shocks.

 

Glazier/Nolan has a package deal with 2 GT-rate springs, U bolts, eye bolts, and shackles for under $200. All of these small parts should be replaced when you replace the springs. As long as the plates are straight and flat, they can be re-used. I have mashed them back to true with a bearing press, or even a big hammer.

 

Ok so from the sound of things most people suggest I replace the bolts and plates, that's out of the way now. It's sounding like I should go for 4 leaf. Reason I say this is because most of you seem happy with them, and with tires that only have 45mm sidewalls I don't want the car riding too rough (as long as it remains my daily driver). The Glazier Nolan deal that 2+2 suggested sounds like a good deal...I want reverse eye springs for sure (providing ~ 1.5" drop) because that should leave the rear resting at the same height its at now (gotta love 42 year old springs).