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

[@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.

[@richardgalli7262]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@markpatterson7070]

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

[@davebarron5939]

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

[@henrygee9501]

Professor Eaton took us to school. Very informative video.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Mike is a wealth of knowledge

[@williamsmothers8830]

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

[@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.

[@chuckfults9256]

HELL YEAH! I learned a lot with this show!

[@badboykid311]

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

[@karroome]

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

[@hotrodswoodshed7405]

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

[@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!

[@arunnath1198]

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

[@thepunisher3597]

this old man knows his stuff.

[@MustangConnection1]

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

[@josezarocastellon8398]

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

[@AutoRestoMod]

Many thanks!

[@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!

[@justtinkering6054]

This was a great interview!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad you like it.

[@zombiemaster1369]

Love your show! Love your humor!

[@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.

[@garthrichert5256]

A brilliant helpful video. Thanks so much.

[@Beardmondy67]

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

[@darkhighlord1]

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

[@Dookstervlogs]

And Men like this remind us of why we should buy American 🇺🇸 every single time with a little bit of knowledge of who’s selling to you as well obviously but the immense amount of knowledge is mesmerizing. Videos with guys like this make me feel like I’m breathing new oxygen

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad to hear

[@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!

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

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

[@AutoRestoMod]

Welcome aboard! We appreciate that.

[@stephendebarros7406]

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

[@dominicpetruzzelli3134]

WOW what an earful of information !

[@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.

[@jltx8]

Keep up the great shows Jeff!!!

[@BigGixx23]

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

[@jonathanswindle7023]

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

[@paulkoutsoukis8920]

Lots of great info here. Thanks!

[@AutoRestoMod]

You are welcome.

[@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.

[@UCanDoIt2Mike]

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

[@asaadluaibi2111]

Great interview. Thanks.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidgomez5116]

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

[@stevecornwall1975]

Excellent information, thx!

[@Turboblazer94]

Great video very entertaining

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks for the kind words

[@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.

[@fubaredmatt2486]

This is incredibly interesting.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks!

[@ssqzoheb]

good teacher to talk about suspension

[@yeboscrebo4451]

Awesome info, thx

[@chongqingzikunleafspring1376]

Good video for leaf spring.

[@richardgalli7262]

Mike was great I learned a lot.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@JakeSnake07]

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

[@genxfordguy1380]

Ditto!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@AMSRocker]

Great show!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@bhaskarkasbe3577]

Very nice leaf spring l am kamaniwala tuljapur Maharashtra

[@captainwyattoutdoors1636]

Good info!

[@AutoRestoMod]

Thanks

[@chemobchemob]

This show is good!

[@mcinkyt]

Very good video

[@turbosupra2jzdragracingtob249]

Shucks. I watched this video hoping to learn the answer to a question. I have a 2005 Duramax 2500Hd. I do not tow anything anymore. I use it as a Dailey driver. The front end rides smooth over bumps. The rear end is extremely harsh over bumps. Can I remove a leaf from the leaf spring? Which leaf should I remove to get a smoother ride over bumps without having any other long term problems? Thanks

[@tedpeterson1156]

Great video guys. Spring is right around the corner!

[@AutoRestoMod]

+Ted Peterson Ehhhhh, funny!

[@NPDLINK]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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/

[@2209beata]

That was really informative thank you

[@noampitlik2332]

Good stuff!

[@mikemike-ym9pb]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@dougcoleburn1579]

I like this guy!

[@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.

[@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

[@bigmike2149]

Dumb question - Is this the same Eaton that makes differentials?

[@AutoRestoMod]

Nope.

[@bigmike2149]

@@AutoRestoMod k, thanks

[@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.

[@umangu]

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

[@AutoRestoMod]

😂😂😂

[@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

[@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.

[@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 .

[@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.

[@Eztops]

Driver weight doesn't matter? Should I change springs when someone gets in or out of my passenger seat??

[@AutoRestoMod]

Cuz, how do you suppose the factory could manage to factor that in? They only factor the weight of the car on the springs. Seats are variable, springs are not.

[@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.

[@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?

[@Jetbill007]

Awesome

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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/

[@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.

[@javiercacao7475]

What's the best way to work with this? Spring compressors seemed too risky and l am a pianist. I don't want to lose a hand doing it.

[@AutoRestoMod]

What are you working on? That will have a lot to do with how you attack the removal.

[@javiercacao7475]

+AutoRestoMod Muscle Car Resto and Modifications I need to replace my left strut mount.

[@AutoRestoMod]

What type of car?

[@javiercacao7475]

Mazda 3 2006. The engine is 2.0

[@AutoRestoMod]

Ah, you are dealing with a strut system. This ill require a completely different kind of spring compressor. The one you will need goes on the outside of the springs. We haven't done a video dealing with this type of compressor and probably won't for a while. We'd recommend looking at a couple of KZbin videos that deal with the strut/spring replacement for your car.

[@chrisfisher8774]

Only part that doesn’t make sense to me, was when he said cutting the spring reduces the spring rate. Isn’t the spring rate the force the spring pushes per inch of travel? How does cutting the spring reduce the rate?

[@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.