Patsy57

iTrader: (37)

Hey guys so I'm thinking of adding adjustable spring perches to the rear of my car and I was wondering how you felt about going to a 2 1/2 rear spring instead of the stock?

I am looking to do this to replace my saggy rear springs but also give me the ability to adjust rear ride height As well as spring weight as needed.

I am really not interested in doing a rear coilover conversion.


Please let me know your thoughts on spring size

Thanks!

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

You'll need to have a set of spring perches welded in up top, and you'll need the O.D. of the axle tube spring locators to be close 2.5" in diameter. For springs, probably a set of 12" tall springs, but depending on how you set-up your perches, you ride height, and car weight a 14" or 10 " could be needed.

Patsy57

iTrader: (37)

Yes I can get adjustable spring perches for the top that's not an issue.

My question is really:

Are 2 1/2 springs just as good as the stock size? Is it beneficial to convert to this size? If so why?

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

The 2.5" I.D. springs are very popular, so you have a lot of seat and perch options along with a wide range of spring rates and manufactures. They're also as small a diameter as I would go along with being fairly close in diameter to the pigtails on the factory springs ends so you shouldn't need to do much (if any) to have them fit well on your axle tube spring locators.

Patsy57

iTrader: (37)

I have a Midwest chassis fabricated housing and the perches on it are 2" in diameter so they won't be an issue.

I was just concerned about going from a regular spring to the smaller 2 1/2 spring that I would sacrifice strength and make the ride worse

79_T/A

iTrader: (1)

A spring is a spring. They come in different diameters, lengths, and rates. A 1000 lb/in 2.5in diameter spring functions the same as a 1000 lb/in 5in diameter spring. I have my rear set up to use commonly available 5x8 double flat ground circle track springs.

Patsy57

iTrader: (37)

Did you do anything special to set your rear up to take those springs?

79_T/A

iTrader: (1)

Nope, just used a common Afco weight jacker on the axle, the springs locate in the factory perch. Did the heater hose on top of the spring to eliminate metal to metal. Afco #20187 is what I used.

Patsy57

iTrader: (37)

Why did you use the jacker?