The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop rear leaf springs

I'm about to put a ZZ3 345hp crate motor in a 1950 3100. It's not going to be drag raced. My question is will the stock rear leaf springs work ok? Will be using a Camaro 10 bolt rear end. Any thoughts or comments?
Thanks -Noman51

Now Norman, even though it won't be "drag raced" are you telling us you're never going to want to stick your foot in it to see what those 345 horses can do? Those ol's springs will support the rear of the truck just fine but are going to want to wind up under all those horses. You really need a 4-link setup in my humble opinion. But, at the very least I would run some traction bars to help those springs stay in one piece!!

Ech what Waldo said. If not 4 link, maybe just an aftermarket rear suspension from TCI or RB'S.
Those stock springs will be a very weak link for that HP.

Waldo is right and my choice after checking the price tag on 4 bolts would be the traction bars. That is something a man of humble means could fab himself. I am doing the same thing on my 51. A 350 sbc with 330 HP with a 700R4 tranny and a 10 bolt Camaro rear with a TCI spring kit. I would recommend anti sways front and rear.

Thanks guys for your responces. I know your all correct. Was trying to rationalize. I do have a set of '78 Z28 5 leaf X 2 1/2" springs that are real close to the same length. Would have to fab or buy monting brackets, and use traction bars at the very least. The TCI spring kit that BIG CHEVY 3600 used looks real good also..will check it out.
Thanks again- Norman

An old racer trick is to fab up some plates that clamp the leafs together in front of the axle. These are about 3/4" wide and are an 1" or so longer than the width of the leafs. Drill holes in the plates that will allow them to be bolted on top and bottom of the springs. 5/16" or 1/4" grade 5 bolts with locking nuts should work. These plates are mounted where each leaf meets, leaving about 3" or so between the end of the leaf. This only needs to be done in front of the axle, and will really tighten up spring pack and act as a traction bar. I have used these on my 56' 210 for years and along with traction bars it realy hooks up, and it's cheap!

CHEAP? That should settle it!!!

you could just fab up a torque arm easily enough, some tubing and some heim joints

Those old truck springs are stout. You are not going to rap them up unless you have some big slicks on there. The tires will spin first. The sway bars are a good idea.

I got your e_mail.
Modifications are what you can & want to do. I like to leave em stock or just enough to make em safe & driveable. But I,m from the old school. Just don,t get involved in something you can,t handle & it turns out to be a nightmare &/or a money pit.