Could someone help me with what the pros or cons of replacing my rear springs with 5 leaf?

Or perhaps my springs are just tired and some new 4 Leaf springs would improve the ride height.

Ride Height

Thanks,
Bob

How about this for help - I upgraded my 1/2 ton 4X4 pickup with 5 leaf rear springs.

So, unless you plan on hauling bricks in the trunk of your FGF, I think I would stick with 4 leaves.

the only thing an extra spring will do for you is to raise the car a little.it may be less expensive to add a leaf rather than replace the old sagging ones but eventually,you will have to do the inevetable....replace the springs

I added a leaf in my 57 Studebaker (no new leaf set ups available) brought it up 1" +....I changed my Firebird springs from sagging 4 leafs to a set of new 4 leaf , should be the right ht for you , unless you expect to carry heavy loads, like 3 very heavy girls in the back seat! lol

might want to check the heights first , you could have too tall fronts too...

5 leaf will be lots stiffer ride...

I looked into this question before I bought my springs a few years back. I didn't want the rear of my car sitting up too high, and I wanted it to ride well. Everyone I asked at the time said the 5 leafs were too stiff and sat up too high. Oddly enough they were cheaper than 4 leafs. I don't know why. I bought factory spec 4 leafs from a local suspension shop and I am pleased with the results.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/rossettij@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=f51e&.dnm=8112.jpg&.src=ph

Assuming stock height tires... for stock ride height
specs visit 1968firebird.org
or look here:

revised link

I would go with the 4-leaf springs. I replaced my old worn-out springs a few years back & really liked the ride with them afterwards. Firebirds don't ride the best anyways, so don't sacrifice ride quality anymore than you have to by putting in springs that are stiffer than needed. BTW, ride height improved dramaticly replacing springs.

Steve

Thanks guys, I will be going with the 4-Leaf.
It is odd that they are $50 more than 5-Leaf.
I guess its all about supply & demand.

Thanks,
Bob

My 'vert sat better with Classic's 5 leaf than 4, but I would not recommend purchasing springs from Classic.

Vikki Were your problems with the springs or with classic?

I put 5 leafs on my car. Ride height is good to me.

David

I have a '69 and the same question whether to go w/ 4 0r 5 leaf. NPD shows that both 4 and 5 are correct for the year depending on engine size and coupe or conv. They say they are to original GM blueprints and are Eaton springs. $198.50 a pair.

The pads supplied with the Classic springs did not fit the perches. The index hole was much too large, and I had to reuse the partially decomposed originals. The arch of the 5 leaf was perfect to bring the 4000 pound 400 'vert to the correct ride height, and the fifth leaf added a bit of firmness to the ride. It might be too much for a stock appearance on a lighter car.

I bought Eaton Detroit Spring 5 leaf springs. They were the correct leafs for my application. I also had them add a 1" drop over stock ride height so they would sit lower. Eaton isn't a one size fits all type of spring company. They actually use the original GM blueprints to create there leafs/springs. They fit great. I also bought their leaf spring installation kit which has the shackles correct bolts or U bolts, various pad to install the leafs. You can click on the link and see a picture.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jusride/detail?.dir=4d6a&.dnm=1674.jpg&.src=ph

Funny, I had no problems with the Classic rear spring pads. I just installed them last week, and they fit fine.

Can anyone tell what is the best shock to use with my single leaf 67 326 rear end. I do not want to go to a multi leaf at this time but would like to replace the original air shocks with a good set of gas shocks or whatever. Thanks Jimbo

Detroit Eaton is cheaper in price.

How much will new leaf springs change my ride height currently at 25" shown below.

I bought springs from ESPO (mistake). I got the 5 leafs for the rear and new springs for the front. They must think Firebirds wiegh about 5000lbs. My car sat like a 4wd when I first put them in. I did have to send the front springs back and get some different ones because the front of the car would not go down at all. It still sits too high even with the second set they sent me. I have a couple used sets of springs I will try when time permits. Also will either try to remove a leaf from the rear or buy a set of 4leafs. This picture is a little deceptive though, the front tires are pretty short (25") while the ET Streets on back are tall (28.5").

69BirdOfPrey, if you measure your height properly, then you might have a better clue as to whether you want a stock height set or one which sits higher. A 4 leaf or maybe even a 5 leaf from Eaton might get you right at stock height, assuming the front is also. A generic 5 leaf might put you a good 2" above it.

Mine sits around 9" front and 10-10.5" rear at the stock locations, with a 26" front and 27" rear tire. I figure if I remove a leaf and go to a 26" rear tire, I'll be very close to stock.

That's with CS6308 fronts and generic 5 leaf rears.