Leaf Spring upgrade

[Samari777]

Hi I am new to this page I have a 1984 Laser I have removed the rear axle and springs and am looking to replace with single leaf spings which I have second hand I have cleaned them up.
Could someone advise is this a good way to go how would I know if the leaf springs are good.
Should I buy new and if so can anyone recomend a good upgrade and supplier?
Many thanks.

[jerome-v6]

To tell if they're still good just look and see how much curve/bend they have to them, if they are really curved like a banana they have loads of life left in them but if they're almost flat then they've lost all their spring. your ride height will be way higher so get a 1" lowering block kit from burton power but over time the springs will sag and it may start hitting speed bumps so you might have to remove the blocks after a couple of years. Have a look and see if burtons do them if not tickover do an uprated swedish made one which i've had on my car for a couple of years and has done the job nicely

[Samari777]

Thanks for the info I will look at them tonight.

[dan the capri fan]

nice an early 1984 laser you dont see meny of them around

[Craigorypeck]

Stick them on and see how she sits. Watch out incase they are escort items. I've seen a capri hit bump stops with no lowering blocks when buying what were presumed Capri items.
You can also get springs recambered
Then stick on a location kit. Best mod for rear end handling.

[nigecapri]

I'll secnd Craigorypeck!
Only way is to fit them and see.
Beware the U-bolts snapping when you undo them - they'll go with a bang & take your knuckles with them! Spray every thread, each of two days before starting.
Buy new Single Leaf shorter U-bolts first!
Click photo below for info:

[Craigorypeck]

Once you wd40 all the bolts use the next 48hrs to pray that the spring bolts aren't seized in the bushes. That can be a serious pain in the hole.

[Samari777]

Hi thanks for all your advise the link is great will help when I re-fit the rear breaks, I had to cut the u bolts off will try and add some photos when I get the time, I am going to get the u bolts from tick over! oh should I upgrade the shocks as I am fitting single springs in place of the original multi leaf ones?

[r2vdh]

What people have failed to mention is the fact the the single leafs although are a good upgrade are actually 1" lower than stand Multi's.
So you may need to lower the front suspension by an inch or two, to get the car to sit level again.

Also one thing to remember, when assembling the rear axle you do not need the brackets that were on you multi leafs all you need is.

To fit .>>>> both u bolts over the axle > Rubber pad > leafspring > Rubber Pad > Metal plate > Bolts.

The Multi's had a U braket that held them together. You dont need this.


Rick

[Craigorypeck]

No rubber pads on mine. Afaia the rubber pads are only needed in the multileafs. They allow a bit of movement within the leafs. (Leaves?)

[nigecapri]

No rubber pads to be fitted on single leaves !