57 4 leaf springs

[warren57]

Hey Laszlo, sent you a PM, do you have a set of 4 (or 5 leaf) rear leaf springs for a 57 laying around? I would like to try a set and see if the ride is a little smoother. Mine are new re-arched 5 leaf and pretty stout, probably be good under a dump truck! Thought about removing a leaf to see what that does, what's your thoughts?
Thanks
Warren

[chevynut]

Hi warren, I replied to this but I don't see it. I have some springs, but I don't think they're any good.

There are actually 4 different springs used on '57s. One is a 4-leaf, two are 5-leaf, and one is a 6-leaf. Of the 2 5-leaf one is 120 lb/in and the other is 138 lb/in. The difference is the thickness of the leaves. A 4-leaf would be 112 lb/in.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/57036.htm

IMO none of those spring rates are all that high. Are your shocks good? Is something binding?

[warren57]

Bought a set of 5 leaf, waiting for them to show up and get installed...

[chevynut]

Why did you go 5-leaf? I thought you wanted a softer ride? I would have gone with 4-leaf on a non-wagon.

[warren57]

Went with 5 leaf after over thinking everything and concerned 4 leaf might add to body roll.

New 5 leafs installed and front ball joint spacers removed....WOW! what a difference in ride. Thought I was in a new Caddy for a minute there!!! Next, bleed the brakes again and try to get a little more pedal, have about 1/2 pedal when engine is running.

[chevynut]

Warren, leaf spring support the car, and swaybars prevent body roll. IMO you would have liked the ride better if you went with the stock 4-leaf and swaybars. In fact, swaybars would still be a big improvement. Glad you like it now.

[warren57]

Warren, leaf spring support the car, and swaybars prevent body roll. IMO you would have liked the ride better if you went with the stock 4-leaf and swaybars. In fact, swaybars would still be a big improvement. Glad you like it now.

I bought a set of swaybars (front and rear) from a guy in Arvada, who won them in a contest and wasn't going to use them. I'll be adding them one of these days!!

[KNUB1945]

Why did you go 5-leaf? I thought you wanted a softer ride? I would have gone with 4-leaf on a non-wagon.

I've got a set of 5 leafs on my 55 210 sedan and they are way too stiff. Which leaf or leafs would you remove to soften up the ride?

[alhewitt]

My 57 is a little lower on the driver side - in the rear. I'd like to level it and I'm looking at replacing the leaf springs with new ones. In the Classic Industries Parts and Accessories Catalog they list both 4 and 5 leaf springs at stock height. Reading the above postings it appears that the 5 leaf springs are stiffer, maybe too stiff and some prefer the 4 leaf springs. I'd like to get it right the first time I change these so is there a recommendation from the group about the best pace and what variety to buy? Are after market springs all the same - same manufacture? My car is probably in the lighter side as it is a 150 series with back seat delete - if that helps.
Thanks
Al

[chevynut]

Are you sure the problem is in the rear? Sometimes a low front corner can make the rear look like it's off. I assume the front opposite corner is a little high too. How much is a "little lower"?

[alhewitt]

Are you sure the problem is in the rear? Sometimes a low front corner can make the rear look like it's off. I assume the front opposite corner is a little high too. How much is a "little lower"?

When I bought this car I noticed the left rear being lower than the right rear. I did not notice the right front being any different in height than the left front. I have the engine out at this time so any measurements made today are moot except even with the engine out the left rear is lower that the right rear. My guess is a solo driver over the years has caused this change.

Back to my question; can I expect a 5 leaf spring to be stiffer than a 4 leaf spring? I want the car to be level - stock height. I probably will not drive it more than 100 miles a year so the 'ride' (soft or firm) is not as important as ride height.
Thanks
Al

[chevynut]

I would NOT recommend a 5-leaf spring as I think they're too stiff for your car. There are a couple of different stock 5-leaf springs and I don't know which one is available in the aftermarket. Your car came with a 4-leaf spring stock. Ride height should be stock if they make the 4-leaf spring right. The distance between the top of the axle tube and the bottom of the frame should be 5.72" at stock height.

[Rick_L]

May be a matter of personal preference, but many don't think a 5 leaf spring is too harsh.