[EDNY]

Didn't want to hijack a post already going so let me start my own.

I see TCI, Yogi's and others have complete rear leaf spring kits for $500-$600..but has anyone here replaced the original narrow leaf springs with more modern 2" (plus) springs by making their own brackets/hardware etc?

The car I'm working on is my son's 37 Chevy sedan, could go 4-link but like the more modern leafs. Will need to lower the back 2-3" and have a 2001 Blazer (60") posi rear axle with disc brakes stripped and ready to weld in.

Could just spend the $600...but if I can convert it myself,..that would be more rewarding.

Here is a kit example:

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/TCI-1937-39-Chevy-Car-Rear-Leaf-Spring-Kit,46517.html

Thanks

Ed

[sixball]

That is not a bad price for all new parts and all the thinking done. On the other hand it would not be too tough.

[EDNY]

May wind up with the kit...but I remember a guy using S10 or Blazer leafs on his full size 30's Chevy. Just measuring today I have a set of Blazer leafs ..that are nearly the same length as the current 1937 springs but 2-1/2" wide.

Looking at the stock 37 Chevy spring mount pads I'm sure I could remove them from the frame and modify the width from 1-3/4 to 2-1/2" without a problem then bolt them back on using the same mounting holes.  The springs would have to be positioned a bit more inboard.

Still have a good month before the weather and daylight starts changing in my favor anyway....still in the planning stage

[vette59jdwl]

  Ed  I have a 1989 Dodge D-50 Rear end axle and springs with emergency brake and brackets on my 32 chevy roadster,Bolted right in,, Paid 100 bucks and 50 bucks to take it out and load it on my skidoo trailer  along with 14 inch wheels and 6 bolt holes. Bolted right in. I thought of putting in 4 link but as far as i am concerned i think its to much work. I will however be putting in a stabilizer bar front and rear.. vette59jdwl

[vette59jdwl]

   Something like this

[EDNY]

  Ed  I have a 1989 Dodge D-50 Rear end axle and springs with emergency brake and brackets on my 32 chevy roadster,Bolted right in,, Paid 100 bucks and 50 bucks to take it out and load it on my skidoo trailer  along with 14 inch wheels and 6 bolt holes. Bolted right in. I thought of putting in 4 link but as far as i am concerned i think its to much work. I will however be putting in a stabilizer bar front and rear.. vette59jdwl

That's really looks professional!

The more I study the 37 Chevy..the more I want build my own hardware to install the Blazer springs...really not a big deal.  Thanks for the information!

Ed

[EDNY]

Wayne

You mentioned Dodge springs

I found the link below - looking at the upper right area of the page...you'll see the brackets already made for $114 & for use with "Dodge" springs!

Things are coming together....still would use the GM 7.5 rear axle.

Thanks

Link:

http://www.heinzmanstreetrods.com/catalogsections/Heinz2014Cat/HeinzCat2014_35-36.pdf

[vette59jdwl]

Ed  I have not decided yet which springs i am going to run I could run the 32 leaf springs with grease and fiberglass cloth between each spring and the spring perches land right in the same spot that the 1989 Dodge D-50- springs sat ,or i could modify the spring eyes to take the wider springs from the dodge D-50. What this particular rear end gives me is 6 bolt holes I have 14 inch rims 15 inch rims 16 inch rims 17 inch rims 18 inch rims and the original 19 inch wire wheels. This along with a 250 six cylinder 1983 chevy truck six and a 168 tooth flywheel a 67 truck bellhousing and a 5 speed standard stick from a chevy S-10. I also have a 2000 Jimmy 4x4 auto V8.That is was thinking of using the buckets out of .But someone on here said at one time or another that a middle seat out of a Dodge van was exactly correct.Let me know how you make out or which way you are going with this project  vatte59jdwl

[vette59jdwl]

Ed  The springs on the 1989 Dodge D-50 are 2-3/4 inches wide of which there are three

[EDNY]

Ed  The springs on the 1989 Dodge D-50 are 2-3/4 inches wide of which there are three

OK Thanks...it looks like the least expensive route to go is to just buy the complete kit for $525 and be done with it ...then I don't need to hunt down the correct springs, bushings, spacers and a lot of the little stuff.

Ed

[TFoch]

Ed,
I bought my rear leaf spring kit from Posie's.  It was under $500 when I bought it a few years ago and came with the shock kit.  The part number for a 37 Chevy is 8036.  Here's the description from their website www.posiesrodsandcustoms.com

POSIES SuperSlide rear kits for 1936-37 Chevys are designed to work out of
the box. These kits have specifically developed springs for 30s and 40's
street rods. These are not one-size-fits-all springs. Kits are engineered to
provide a great ride, while lowering the rear of your car approximately 3"
from stock ride height; complementing lowered front ends while centering
the rear axle and tires correctly in the fenders. Complete with detailed
instructions, springs, front weld-on spring mounts, shackles and bushings,
axle saddles, U-bolts, plates, and lower shock mounts with optional shock kit.
Rear shackles utilize existing frame mount by removing stock threaded
bushing. Specify body style and rear axle when ordering. Add "S" to part
number to include rear shock kit.

8036  1936-37 Chevy Rear Kit

[EDNY]

Tom

That's a great source...really appreciate the information...may just include their link below!

Thanks Again...I'm printing and circling right now!

Ed

[vette59jdwl]

  Ed its like Christmas all over  but i think ill pass  wayner

[logride]

Ed,

On my 27 I did exactly what your describing.

Front spring mount from S-10 bolted to frame.

I widened the rear stock mount by brazing on the additional wiidth with a piece from another mount.
Then I reamed the center and bushed it with a full width bushing.

Stock rear shackles reamed and new bolts.

I swapped the springs front for back to position the axel in the correct place. I did have the advantage of building the body so I tweaked fender position. But not much.

The part that is hard to belive is the s-10 spring pads lined up and had 3 degree pinion angle. I had allready bought pads but didn't need them!

I just use 2 leaves because the car is so light.

Shocks iinstalled as stock with the upper mount being a new 2"  square tubing crossmember.

It worked for me an rides smoother than I expected.

[logride]

Sorry not much of a picture.