Auto Coil And Leaf Spring Classic Car Tips and Tricks Do and Don't

Episode 251 Autorestomod
Sagging leaf springs, cutting coils, stretching coils, what a quality leaf spring looks like, Mike Eaton of Eaton Detroit Spring goes deep into the mysteries of springs and how they can effect ride quality, auto stance and suspension performance.
www.autorestomod.com/ / autorestomod
Thanks for watching!
Jeff Ford Contact:
[e-mail]
Sponsor:
www.nationalpartsdepot.com
Mentions:
Eaton Detroit Spring
http;//www.eatondetroitspring.com

[@arunnath1198]

One of the best videos on springs. Great job, Mr. Mike.

[@richardgalli7262]

Your guest Mike made this episode very enjoyable. I learned a lot!

[@samkemp5081]

Great show .Learned a lot .Jeff glad you touched on the painting of springs as I'm working on my pickup as was thinking of painting them . Good stuff.

[@williamsmothers8830]

What a fantastic conversation! I am in the process of refreshing my suspension and learned so much from this video.

[@markpatterson7070]

Thanks for the Video. It was an absolute pleasure to listen to Mike talk about springs very informative !!!!!!!!!!!

[@chuckfults9256]

HELL YEAH! I learned a lot with this show!

[@thepunisher3597]

this old man knows his stuff.

[@jonathanswindle7023]

Thanks for this video. This was one of the best videos you have produced. Very informative.

[@MustangConnection1]

Great stuff Jeff and nice to have a real expert on the subject help educate.

[@jltx8]

Keep up the great shows Jeff!!!

[@williamcharles9480]

Jeff, One of the most informative videos that I've ever seen. Good stuff here. This info should be out there but it's rare to see it. There's a lot of people screwing up their suspensions, including me, until now.

[@genxfordguy1380]

This is just the info I needed for my 2000 Ford F-150 restoration.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

Great information Jeff! Answered many of my concerns. Cheers!

[@bigcliffe]

I want Mr. Eaton as my uncle.....I have never had so much useful information in one show......on any subject.....in fact ....I want him to adopt me.....great show and fantastic information Jeff.

[@davebarron5939]

Man, I enjoyed this presentation like eating chocolate cake and icecream! Never knew how little I knew. Thanks!

[@zombiemaster1369]

Love your show! Love your humor!

[@PHCBILL]

Great show, kudos to Mike, he got a lot of spring in his smarts, maybe a lot of smart in his spring(s), very interesting/informative.

[@BigGixx23]

Some really good information in this video, thank you for sharing!!

[@hotrodswoodshed7405]

VERY GOOD video. Packed full of good info!! I REALLY LIKE mr. Eatons direct plain spoken approach. Letting us know that spring steel tech is not simple "do's or don't's". He ACTUALLY explains thr details. For once... a person of intellect that I can actually respect❤👍🏻

[@AutoRestoMod]

Good stuff!

[@karroome]

excellent choice of guest, perfect teacher figure, thank you very much

[@darkhighlord1]

requested a quote while watching this video. Very effective and very informative

[@David-rx5eo]

Very informative. Thanks. Back in the late 70s until the 80s I had a 57 Chevy. I had my leaf springs arced 2 inches over stock to raise the rear end up, and I loved it. The shop that did that for me did a very good job of it.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Right on

[@garthrichert5256]

A brilliant helpful video. Thanks so much.

[@bigboyzguns8164]

I was going to buy the cheap springs, now I'm definitely ordering a good set from Eaton. Buy once cry once. Thanks Jeff

[@AutoRestoMod]

You are welcome!

[@PxssyGalore]

Awesome video!!! I'm sold I will take two and two installation kits. I already have their website bookmarked. Thank you for all of the information.

[@slipshaft]

A good informative video. I asked the guy that's restoring my mustang about getting my front coils blasted and powder coated, and he said he could replace them for $100 each. Now I'm going to question him about the quality of the springs. I think I'd rather pay more for the good ones. I do plan on keeping the car.

[@jg17q0]

Wow! One of your best shows. This one was packed with good information. Bring on more experts. How about an expert on exhaust systems, do's and don'ts. BTW, I just had one spring re arched for my '65 Mustang. I am, however, painting them as a unit.

[@josezarocastellon8398]

Really Mike is a Master of Springs, thanks a lot. Great Channel..!!! Best wishes and regards from Copiapó, Chile.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Many thanks!

[@Beardmondy67]

.. An excellently informative vid,.. Good work, chaps,..

[@christianblankenship7683]

Great show!

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

That man has so much knowledge you just gained a new subscriber my friend

[@AutoRestoMod]

Welcome aboard! We appreciate that.

[@henrygee9501]

Professor Eaton took us to school. Very informative video.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Mike is a wealth of knowledge

[@joemartino6976]

Just bought a 1978 Ford f150. This video is fantastic.....tells me everything I need to know. I'll use Eaton coil springs in the front with a 2" rise to level it off with the rear. I'll use stock Eaton leaf springs in the rear. And I'll think twice about gas shocks. Maybe go with a low-pressure gas shock as a compromise. Thanks for the great advice!

[@AutoRestoMod]

You are welcome!

[@badboykid311]

Love autorestomod this dude is the bob Ross of the car world

[@justtinkering6054]

This was a great interview!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad you like it.

[@NPDLINK]

Thanks for sharing Mike Eaton's knowledge on springs; very informative!

[@richardgalli7262]

Mike was great I learned a lot.

[@asaadluaibi2111]

Great interview. Thanks.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dalejohnson9342]

This is very informative. I am going to rebuild my suspension on my 78 Suburban 3/4 ton 4x4 and am planning on putting a 4 inch lift on the suspension as I need the clearance for the offroading that I will be doing. I also am going to be towing a trailer with this vehicle to the places that I will go offroading. I am planning to have Off Road Designs do the suspension work and also they have a special transmission rebuild for the vehicle to make it stronger in the field. Any suggestions you could add will be greatly appreciated.

[@Synthwave89]

Fantastic video, very educational and entertaining. Kept me hooked for half an hour and I didn't even notice. I wish you guys would have talked about lifting the car though, are raise blocks ok or what is the best method?

[@slipshaft]

The actually did talk about the blocks. Under his "5 rules for a good suspension." He said blocks are not a good idea..the springs should sit directly onto the spring seat. He calls them "lowering blocks" though. Check the video at 31:20.

[@2209beata]

That was really informative thank you

[@chongqingzikunleafspring1376]

Good video for leaf spring.

[@ssqzoheb]

good teacher to talk about suspension

[@mauriciocanalez9965]

Thank you for this video! Excellent guest! I have a quick question. Talking about the modification of the suspension, how does these types of modifications (increasing or decreasing height by cutting or heating, or by using a different than original quality springs) affect the drive line or the steering system of a car? Thank you in advance for the answer!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Heating can cause the spring to weaken and break under stress. Decressing height can cause bumpsteer issues (when the steering wheel seems to have a mind of its own over bumps). for correct bump steer the tie rod ends should be parallel to the ground at rest. Too much height can do the same thing.

[@stevecornwall1975]

Excellent information, thx!

[@dominicpetruzzelli3134]

WOW what an earful of information !

[@paulkoutsoukis8920]

Lots of great info here. Thanks!

[@AutoRestoMod]

You are welcome.

[@hotrodswoodshed7405]

still find myself reflecting back on this video for info. loaded with good numerous info

[@stephendebarros7406]

Great info. Can you powder coat springs??? Specifically coil springs.

[@chrismunos7741]

Good stuff! Would have loved his input on air shocks, but pretty sure I already know!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks for the kind words. Air shocks are a bandaid on a gunshot wound unless you are doing a lot of towing.

[@louiecortinas2958]

Great stuff! Thanks for the helpful info. Building a 1937 Chevy coupe gasser, like to know if it's ok to arch the original springs to get the nose up.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Yes, though I would contact Eaton Detroit and discuss it.

[@michaellane8294]

I was looking at your video very great information. I am doing the suspension on 51 Ford truck but I only making a everyday driver. I am using a mustang 2 front suspension stock height. I going to go with a 2000 explorer rear end do I need to change my lee spring out? Thanks

[@chemobchemob]

This show is good!

[@yeboscrebo4451]

Awesome info, thx

[@PooManchoo2]

FWIW, I put an old coil spring (slightly extended) in an oven at 400°F for 20 minutes. pulled it out and let it air cool. I read this procedure in an old HP Book.. Anyway, once cool I removed the jig and the spring returned to exactly where is was before the oven.

[@Dixler683]

Poopoo, in the world of heat treatment 400 F is like a walk in the park. Not hot enough to change the temper/hardness of the metal.

[@mikemike-ym9pb]

Mike, how about re-archive of the leaf springs to increase load bearing?

[@tedpeterson1156]

Great video guys. Spring is right around the corner!

[@AutoRestoMod]

+Ted Peterson Ehhhhh, funny!

[@noampitlik2332]

Good stuff!

[@ivanruhweza177]

Hi , thanks for the video, however, kindly asking which kind of back spring to use on a probox Toyota, I had them replaced but the car feels flat, kindly advise me on the right size to use. Thanks

[@Turboblazer94]

Great video very entertaining

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks for the kind words

[@JakeSnake07]

Well, I know where I'm getting my new suspension from.

[@genxfordguy1380]

Ditto!

[@mcinkyt]

Very good video

[@I_like_turtles_67]

Ex Trans Am mustang racer Bill Maier. His son Mike Maier INC. Makes some great suspension parts for our old Fords. He also has a few KZbin videos about cutting a spring and how to measure/where to measure. ( Measure from the pinch welds under the car. )

[@AutoRestoMod]

Mike is an awesome dude!

[@fubaredmatt2486]

This is incredibly interesting.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks!

[@fredgrove4220]

When I was doing my apprenticeship as a motor engineer, I was taught, the spring is the shock absorber, What he calls a shock absorber is properly called the damper. The spring absorbs the rough road but would keep bouncing, it needs the damper to dampen the rebounds.

[@AutoRestoMod]

True. However, any more the "common" name for the damper is now shock absorber. We are using common terms to assure that we don't have any confusion.

[@gadsdenviper7149]

What's the advantage of a 4 link coil over rear suspension over factory leaf springs, if any, on a late 60's era car to be used on the street and auto cross racing?

[@umangu]

So much knowledge, I'm soaking it in like WD40 on my rusty spring shackle bolts!!

[@AutoRestoMod]

😂😂😂

[@dougcoleburn1579]

I like this guy!

[@cuzz63]

He just saved me some money....cutting an inch off the coil spring is a viable option to lower stance...cool. Something he didnt mention is cutting 1 inch off the spring will result in a 2 inch drop according to other experts.

[@AutoRestoMod]

I wouldn't wholesale cut anyway. I'm usually looking for my stance. I will cut jounce the car, cut until it sits where I want.

[@NilsJakobson]

Great info, but still would like to know detailed explanation about how greasing leaf springs cause chemical reaction. What I you use graphite grease that would be ideal for sliding surfaces like multi leafs? That should only benefit, there is way less initial break force required to start the spring moving, no?

[@I_like_turtles_67]

Some Trans AM guys will pull the leaf stack apart. Then polish the surfaces where the leafs rub on each other. This will free up some friction on the springs rubbing together. A great leaf with a top notch shock makes a huge difference.

[@williamb454]

I got a 1975 Chevy Cheyenne K10, it looks like the rear leaf springs have white plastic strips between the springs, is that correct?

[@davidgomez5116]

27:44 important life lesson. 27:52 why I like this video...

[@diegopierce9410]

I just installed a 2.5 inch level fab tech kit on a 2005 ford ranger 2wd coil springs 3.0 engine. And now when I drive and go over a bump the front of my truck does not absorb the bump and makes a loud thump noise. What’s do you think is the problem?

[@captainwyattoutdoors1636]

Good info!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks

[@wandalllither2452]

Hello suspension guru, i have Chevy Blazer 2000, there is leaf springs on rear end, and its kind of bumpy, even with 150 pounds in the trunk, can i buy coil overs(spring and shock is one piece) from similar car(weight), taken from rear suspension of course, remove the leafs and do the conversion to 4-5 links type of suspension? i live in NYC, roads is so horrible sometimes here, from time to time on traffic lights i`m looking at some cars with an axle without leafs and it so nice to see how quiet it goes, just crazy shakin axle and smooth going body over those ugly bumps.... dreams...

[@AutoRestoMod]

LOL well, if you need a four link, Ridetech has one. Eaton dose offer springs that are variable rate and this would be a way less expensive alternative. You won't be rid of the spring issues but it will be much better. www.eatondetroitspring.com/

[@williamboardman9476]

Switch from factory date Air Conditioning components to Vintage Air type systems is a good size weight reduction. . . fiberglass hoods (Good ones) are MINOR reduction. "Radial Tuned Suspension" = hydro shocks.

[@magimaartgallery8940]

hello my car is toyota landcruiser prado, model year 1995 some people call it "1kz prado". it is factory made with rear coil springs and now i want to do away with the rear coil springs and install leaf springs for weight support (i intend to use the leaf springs from landcruise 70 series or 1hZ or D since these two models have the same body type), of course i will have to replace the rear diff as its original diff wont allow me to install the u bolts where the shocks will seat. On the frame i see like there are some provission holes but i will have to weld a leaf spring hanger to hold the shackle hanger to leaf spring. i hope you understant what i mean. My question is; would the car be stamble and weight capable after this modification or this is not practical at all? thank you very much and also grateful for sharing you video with us.

[@AutoRestoMod]

That is a question for the Landcruiser lads. We'd recommend hitting some of the local LC forums and posing the question. We will add, that id this modification is done, and done correctly, we see no reason that it shouldn't work. BUT make sure you are well informed by folks who are in the know.

[@ESLinsider]

I've got a leaf pack of 8 plus the overload and on the front left side clamps are broke and I am wondering what's the best procedure to fix them? Perhaps second best since I don't want to take them off. I've seen u bolts and some other stuff. Can't find the exact match and Workhorse doesn't sell just the clamps.

[@AutoRestoMod]

I'd contact Eaton Detorit Spring and see if the carry a close match to the clamp.

[@aernan]

Could you do a follow up about parabolic leaf springs?

[@AutoRestoMod]

We're looking at doing a series of vids with Eaton Detroit Spring and we'll talk to Mike about it!

[@hedleylint7622]

I have a 1978 Cadillac Seville built on the Nova platform. Rear is leaf springs with air shocks. (original equipment). Very harsh ride. Little give when pushing down on rear bumper area. Just too stiff. Feels as though the leaf springs are too stiff. Looking for advice as to what can be done to improve ride quality. H J Lint

[@AutoRestoMod]

+Hedley Lint We'd highly recommend calling Eaton Detroit direct: [phone]. The staff there can set you up and advise you way better than we can.

[@happy04346]

I have a 1948 willys jeep truck carrying a 327 small block. The leaf springs are straight across, no arch in them at all would installing a set of pneumatic shocks work? Or should I but the new 10 leaf spring kit. This is for the front end. Thanks

[@AutoRestoMod]

We'd contact Eaton and replace the springs. Air shocks are just a bandaid.

[@chisco1802]

Can anyone help me pls, when the man said the shackel had to be set at 15º, is with the leaf springs loaded, or unloaded (lifted chassis)

[@iwanta69rs]

what are his outlooks on composite leaf springs / upcoming composite coil springs?

[@AutoRestoMod]

+iwanta69rs We'll passyour question on to him and have him answer you here.

[@garywright2646]

Great information. You only get what you pay for.

[@Jetbill007]

Awesome

[@BU1Robertson]

What about air bags? My 68 Chevelle had air bags to keep the car high in the rear for drag tires to clear the quarters. Are air bags helpful or damaging to the control of the car?

[@AutoRestoMod]

LIke anything else in this hobby, air can be good or bad. the bags will only be as good as the shocks.

[@blakenorman4822]

Ive put an 87 d150 front suspension on a 47 dodge wd21 frame and the top of the suspension where the top a arms attach is flared out to where i have positive camber even with rotating my camber bolts all the way in, any suggestions to what i could do to get back to nuetral camber?

[@AutoRestoMod]

I think I would have to go eyeball an 87 Dodge suspension to see what may be different between what you've done on the 47 and what was done on the 87.

[@mrgreenkurtis]

im working a 78 c10 and did a leaf flip kit in rear....now if i cut a complete coil off how much drop is that and is there a limit to how many i can cut

[@AutoRestoMod]

Typically you shouldn't cut more than two coils. Also the more coils you cut the higher your spring rate will go. We'd say that to keep it from riding like a buckboard, cut one. Or just order a set of drop springs from Eaton.

[@bhaskarkasbe3577]

Very nice leaf spring l am kamaniwala tuljapur Maharashtra

[@booobtooober]

It's obvious you know a thing or two about springs and I wonder if you could give me ur 2 cents. So my dilemma is this: I have a Tundra pickup with rear leaf springs occasionally towing a heavy camper and want to know what would be the simplest most effective way to reduce it squatting. I already figured cheap helper springs were garbage so narrowed down to 3 choices. So (#1) is a complete new leaf spring set with higher capacity but can't find one that maintains the same ride height, all lift 2+ inches, I'd be OK with 1" or less. (#2) SuperSprings part # SSA27 - a helper spring for Toyota Tundra was my top choice until watching this video. I now believe the Super Springs are going to do weird things to my factory springs over time and a bad idea. So (#3) is now my my top idea and I'm leaning towards installing their (black medium duty) Sumosprings.

[@deltabravo5719]

While... certainly... every different scenario for body build example... there was no talk about a heavy person on one side of the car, both sides... or the other side. Agreed. There are differences, that forces possible different springs needed.

[@pd2865]

One question not addressed, but seems to have many opinions, bushings: Polyurethane vs Rubber, do you use anti sieze on the mounting bolts, should bushings have any anti seize or lubricant, general bushing maintanance.

[@AutoRestoMod]

The stock bushings are good for the street. Road Race I'd consider other options but will say that urethane can get brittle quicker. I always put some never seize on the shanks of the bolts, and urethane will need some kind of appropriate grease (consult the manufacturer.

[@magicalempire]

very interesting, lots of knowhow

[@robbypro3370]

I have a 33 Ford with a traditional front end, dang it loosens my teeth on any bump. I might need a better spring in the front? If I push down on the front it doesn't even move, so stiff, if I put all my weight on it and push hard it barely moves at all. Something is not right?

[@AutoRestoMod]

I would contact Eaton Detroit Spring to see if they can help you with that period they may have a variable rate Spring that they can put on there that is not so harsh at low speeds.

[@BlueStar712]

We bought springs at Kramer springs in Minnesota... and we are very disappointed at theses cheap springs, now we have to buy new real leaf springs.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Call Eaton, you won't be disappointed.

[@williamcharles9480]

I don't believe in doing this because I think that spring replacement is the safest way to go, but I didn't hear anything said about re-arching leaf springs. My thought is that the metal will gain added fatigue that would promote failure. What does Eaton say?

[@AutoRestoMod]

+William Charles Mike agrees with you. Only in cases where the spring is a type of spring that is not reproduced (certain EARLY Corvette springs) does Mike say that re-arching is OK.

[@williamcharles9480]

AutoRestoMod Muscle Car Resto and Modifications Thanks so much for your reply, Jeff. I have been enjoying and learning from your work since the days when you first started out at, "Mustang Monthly". In fact I've still got the old issues for reference and because I'm a packrat. I also like your sponsor, NPD. I've been doing business with them since their Gainsville days. Your KZbin show is the best. Thanks again.

[@scottgarciamusic8677]

Does anyone know if coil heating can damage your suspension? I ask because a long time ago there was a shop that warned me my car was in danger since I had lowered the front end by heating the coils. Mind you, they had done some non related work on my car. Well maybe a month or so later my car broke down because one of the control arms was badly damaged. The same shop told me it was because of the heated coils and though I could never know, one way or another, I always suspected foul play. I felt they sabotaged my vehicle to get extra work. Am I wrong for thinking this?

[@AutoRestoMod]

Yes, it will. We did a video where I think ewe discussed it. It will anneal the metal and cause possible fractures at the point where the cold metal and heated metal meet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/opa6pWCdgs-Va8U

[@bartgoins1782]

Can you build a leaf spring pack for a Willys Wagon that would make it ride as smooth as a modern vehicle instead of like the utility vehicle that it was designed as?

[@AutoRestoMod]

Eaton Detroit can: www.eatondetroitspring.com/

[@michaelmartinez7155]

Too bad that website you sponsor doesn’t have Oldsmobile parts 😢but other than that very very great informative video

[@AutoRestoMod]

Love the Oldsmobiles but they are a bit more problematic in parts (like the Cyclones in comparison to the Fairlane.

[@r.duwayneladner7183]

What is the name of his company? Have a 69’ Camaro SS 396 sagging 5 leaf spring on drivers side. Got the darn lean to the left.

[@AutoRestoMod]

www.eatondetroitspring.com

[@Rob-fx2dw]

What about silicon lubricant between the leaves - Would that cause problems with the steel?

[@AutoRestoMod]

You really want the leaves tight. Maybe a light machine oil or synthetic spray.

[@Rob-fx2dw]

@@AutoRestoMod Thank you for that .