Another leaf spring question.

Replacing the original leaf springs w/ 5 leaf springs and urethane bushings/pads. Looks like the stock u/t-bolts are about a half inch too short so I've ordered a new hardware kit from Ames

Should the shock mount bracket be snug against the spring perch? I have 3/4" gap assuming the urethane does not compress when I am able to bolt it together.

They do not neccessarily have to be tight against the perches. In fact if it touches before you get it tightened all the way your spring may end up loose and just floating around in there.

I had the same amount of gap but torqued it down until they touched. It would seem to me the plates should be touching.

Are you using rubber or urethane spring pads?

ok, that's one pro gap and one anti gap. Any one else care to weigh in?

I had the same problem with my car and found out it came with the sport suspension option which included 4 leaf springs. Problem solved.

Brian, how much gap did you have between the shock plate and the spring perch?

I'm using rubber

Is there different shock plates for multi vs single leaf springs?

I believe so.
68’s have staggered shocks and the plate has a hole in the center as a relief for the bolt that runs through the multi-leafs.

According to C/I catalog mono and multi leaf mounts are different. And yes you should have a gap between the mount and the perch.

I just put new springs on our car and the shock plate had a hole in the middle but it was larger than the rubber nub that goes in it.

Thanks! Should be good to go when my parts arrive.

I believe it was about 3/8".

With rubber the gap will close as it relaxes. Not sure about urethane? I would keep an eye on the shock mounting pads and every other day tighten it a little more until you get the to plates together. with a gap the stress on the bolts could increase and fail.